Washington has no shortage of good beer, but a handful of breweries take things a step further by putting your table right next to the water. Picture sipping something cold while boats drift by, rivers roll past, or the bay stretches out in front of you.
These seven spots pair local brews with some of the best waterfront seating in the state, from Birch Bay all the way down to the Columbia River. Whether you are planning a road trip or just looking for a new weekend hangout, this list gives you seven reasons to grab a seat by the water.
Save it, share it, and pick your first stop.
1. Beach Cat Brewing, Blaine, WA
Right along Birch Bay Drive, this taproom built its reputation on one simple combination: craft beer and a front-row seat to the water. The patio looks out over Birch Bay, which makes it an easy place to settle in for an afternoon.
The brewery calls itself an award winning operation, and it keeps its Cats Blue Ribbon Lager on tap as a steady house favorite. If you want something different, the POG Cider Slushy is a vegan pick that stands out on the menu.
Dogs are welcome, so you do not have to leave the pup at home. The vibe here leans casual and beachy, the kind of local hangout where nobody rushes you out.
Doors are open every day from 11 AM to 9 PM, with weekend afternoons drawing the biggest crowds. Parking is easy with a free lot, free street spots, and a paid lot nearby.
Weekday mornings are the quietest if you want the bay mostly to yourself.
2. No-Li Brewhouse, Spokane, WA
Part beer hall, part pub, No-Li sits right on the Spokane River with an outdoor patio that puts the water front and center. It is a family-owned brewery, and the riverfront seating is a big part of why people show up.
The taps run heavy on IPAs and ales, many carrying locally inspired names. Order a Flight of 6 Beers if you want to sample your way through the lineup.
The kitchen holds its own with big portions. The Epic Pretzel, the No-Li Philly Cheese Steak, wings, and a Cajun Chicken Sandwich give you real reasons to stay through a meal, not just a pint.
Hours run from noon most days, staying open until 10 PM Thursday through Saturday and 9 PM the rest of the week. Friday and Saturday afternoons are the busiest stretches.
Between the food, the variety on tap, and that river view, this is an easy stop when you find yourself in Spokane and want to slow down for a bit.
3. 7 Seas Brewing, Gig Harbor, WA
Views of the harbor and Mount Rainier come standard at this Gig Harbor microbrewery on Harborview Drive. The taproom overlooks production, and outside there is a wooded beer garden to spread out in.
You get both indoor and outdoor seating, plus a family seating area and a separate 21+ section, so groups of all kinds can find a spot. Watching the boats move through the bay is half the appeal.
The Life Jacket Session IPA is a signature pour, and cider is on hand too. Even folks who prefer a non-alcoholic option have something to sip while they take in the water.
Open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM, with Saturday and Sunday afternoons being the liveliest. Weekday mornings are calm if you want the harbor view without the crowd.
Free and paid parking are both available near the bayfront. For the Pacific Northwest setting alone, this one earns its place on the list.
4. River Mile 38 Brewing Co., Cathlamet, WA
Named for its spot along the Columbia River waterway, this small Cathlamet brewery sits near the Elochoman Marina and keeps things laid-back. The patio looks straight out over the river.
Handcrafted beers pair with locally sourced bar snacks, so it is a place to relax rather than a full sit-down restaurant. The quiet atmosphere is part of the draw.
Because this is a smaller operation, the hours are limited. It is closed Mondays, open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 to 9 PM, and Sunday from 2 to 6 PM.
Worth checking the clock before you drive out.
What sets this stop apart is the pace. There is no rush here, just excellent beer, a friendly crew behind the bar, and one of the more peaceful river views on this list.
If your travels take you toward the lower Columbia, it is an easygoing detour that feels a world away from the busier city taprooms.
5. Old Stove Brewing Co — Pike Place, Seattle, WA
Set right at Pike Place along Western Avenue, this taproom looks directly out over Elliott Bay. Sixteen taps of craft beer are brewed on site, so you are drinking fresh at the source.
It is a kid-friendly spot with high chairs and a kids’ menu, which is not always a given at a downtown brewery. The atmosphere runs casual and trendy, with fast, friendly service.
The food menu goes well beyond bar snacks. Fish and Chips, the Old Stove Burger and Fries, Pretzel Bites, a Hummus Plate, and a Caesar Salad round out the plates.
The Hop Head Flight is a vegan-friendly way to taste the range.
Doors stay open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM, and weekend afternoons pack in the crowds. Reservations are not accepted, so plan to walk up.
Parking downtown is a mix of street spots and paid garages. For a bay view in the middle of Seattle, this one is hard to beat.
6. McMenamins on the Columbia, Vancouver, WA
A million-dollar view of the Columbia River is basically the house special at this Vancouver brewpub. Patio seating puts the river right in front of you, with a casual, slightly bohemian feel inside.
The menu is built for a real meal on the water. Beer-battered fish and chips, the Cheeseburger Slider Trio, Steamer Clams, Lighthouse Clam Chowder, McMenamins Tater Tots, and The 19th Hole Sandwich give you plenty to work with.
Unlike some spots on this list, this one accepts reservations, which helps when you want a table with the best river view during a busy stretch. Sunday and Saturday afternoons draw the biggest crowds.
Hours run from 11 AM daily, closing at 10 PM most nights and 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. Parking is rarely a headache, with free and paid lots plus street options.
Add in a strong beer selection and dessert on the menu, and it makes an easy family-friendly stop on the Washington side of the river.
7. Beach Cat Brewing South Paw, Bellingham, WA
The Bellingham sibling of the Birch Bay original, South Paw brings Beach Cat’s dockside experience to the Bellingham Bay waterfront on C Street. The location and the view are the headline here.
Beach Cat first opened in Birch Bay in 2020 and grew into a community-focused brewery known for its award winning brews. This spot carries that same welcoming feel, just with a bay-front twist.
The deck comes with bench seating and a clear look at the water. Food trucks handle the eats, rotating local options so there is usually something good parked nearby.
Open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM, with Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons being the busiest. Mornings are the calmest window.
Parking is straightforward with a free lot, free street parking, and on-site spots. Between the patio, the drink selection, and one of the best brewery views in Bellingham, it is a fitting way to close out this waterfront tour.
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