Plenty of Washington breweries treat food as an afterthought, with a sad bag of chips or a food truck that may or may not show up. The seven spots on this list take the kitchen seriously, serving karaage chicken in Bellingham, smoked salmon chowder a few blocks away, steelhead tacos in the Columbia River Gorge, and burrata with a view of the Cascade foothills.
You will find riverfront patios, a taproom steps from Pike Place Market, a dog-friendly lawn made for post-hike meals, and a colorful downtown pub with pinball and some seriously good burgers. Each stop earned its place because the menu can stand on its own, so you could show up hungry and leave just as happy as the regulars at the bar.
Save this one for your next road trip.
1. Aslan Brewing Company, Bellingham, WA
Karaage chicken is not what most people expect at a Bellingham brewpub, and that is exactly why Aslan stands out. The kitchen takes classic pub fare and gives it a modern spin.
Grilled pork belly and karaage chicken lead the savory side of the menu. Sweet potato fries are vegan, which makes them an easy share for a mixed table.
Families get real attention here too. The kids menu includes a rice bowl and a grilled cheese, and high chairs are available.
The taproom sits at 1330 N Forest St, close to downtown. It has a casual, trendy look, and dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area.
Plan ahead on weekends. Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons get busy, reservations are not accepted, and parking can take a few laps around the block even with a free lot and free street spots.
I would aim for a weekday afternoon if you want a calmer meal. Hours run from noon on weekdays and 11 AM on weekends, with Friday and Saturday open until 10 PM.
2. No-Li Brewhouse, Spokane, WA
Long before it was No-Li, this Spokane brewery started out as Northern Lights Brewery in Airway Heights. The name got shorter, but the track record stayed strong.
Today the brewhouse sits at 1003 E Trent Ave, right along the Spokane River. Riverfront seating gives the place an edge over plenty of city brewpubs.
The pub menu leans hearty. The No-Li Philly Cheese Steak, a BBQ burger with jalapeno on the side, wings, and a Cajun chicken sandwich cover the comfort food bases.
Then there is the Epic Pretzel. The name says plenty, and it is a vegetarian option built for sharing.
The house lineup comes with locally inspired names, a nice nod to Eastern Washington. A flight of six is on the menu if your group likes to sample.
Friday and Saturday afternoons draw the biggest crowds. Parking options include a free lot, free street parking, and a paid lot, and the doors open at noon every day.
3. Boundary on State, Bellingham, WA
Smoked salmon chowder at a brewpub feels about as Pacific Northwest as lunch can get. Boundary on State makes it a menu highlight.
The brewpub at 954 N State St is roomy and unfussy, with a deck and a beer garden. The kitchen focuses on locally sourced pub grub.
Beyond the chowder, the French dip is a classic pick. Vegetarians have solid choices too, including yam enchiladas, a harvest salad, and roasted potatoes.
This is one of the few stops on the list that accepts reservations. That makes it a smart choice for birthday groups or a planned night out.
Live music shows up on the calendar here as well. Kids are covered with a kids menu, high chairs, and changing tables, and dogs are welcome outside.
One thing to know before you go: it is closed Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday through Sunday, hours run noon to 9 PM.
4. Walking Man Brewing, Stevenson, WA
Hikers coming off Columbia River Gorge trails have a clear favorite for refueling, and the menu even names a burger after them. The Happy Hiker Burger is the star at Walking Man.
Pair it with Cajun fries, which are just as popular. Steelhead fish tacos are another standout, and they suit this river town well.
The patio and lawn area offer plenty of open and covered seating. Dogs are welcome outside, and kids get a menu of their own plus high chairs.
Vegan diners are not left out. Hummus is on the menu, along with other plant-based options.
The award-winning Walking Man IPA gives the brewery its local reputation. The food holds up its end of the deal.
You will find it at 240 1st St in Stevenson, and parking is usually easy with a free lot and street spots. It is closed Tuesdays, open noon to 9 PM other days, and weekend afternoons are the busiest.
5. Old Stove Brewing Co – Pike Place, Seattle, WA
Pike Place Market crowds often grab a quick bite and keep moving. Old Stove gives them a reason to sit down for a while.
The taproom at 1901 Western Ave overlooks Elliott Bay. It has 16 taps of house brews made right on site.
Seafood fits the setting. Fish and chips, Old Stove Clam and Bacon Chowder, and Hama Hama oysters bring a true Seattle waterfront angle.
Not into seafood? The Old Stove Burger and Fries, pepperoni flatbread pizza, pretzel bites, a Caesar salad, and a vegan hummus plate round things out.
The space is lively and kid-friendly, with a kids menu and high chairs. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area.
Hours are simple at 11 AM to 9 PM every day. Weekend afternoons fill up fast, and there are no reservations, so evenings are the easier window.
Parking downtown takes some patience. Paid garages, lots, and street parking are all nearby.
6. Cowiche Creek Brewing Company, Cowiche, WA
Out on Thompson Road in rural Yakima County, a production microbrewery doubles as a full restaurant with a view. Cowiche Creek is the kind of road trip stop that makes the drive part of the plan.
The outdoor area has a park-like setting. The Cascade foothills sit right in the background.
The kitchen turns out pub-style food with a few surprises. Heirloom tomatoes with burrata shows how seriously the menu is taken, and it pairs well with the farm country around it.
Staff here are known for being courteous and welcoming. That matters when you are a long way from a city.
Timing is key at this one. It is closed Mondays, opens at 3 PM Tuesday through Friday, and opens at noon on weekends.
Sunday closes early at 6 PM. Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest, while Tuesday afternoons are quiet, and free parking makes arrival easy.
7. Loowit Brewing – Downtown Pub, Vancouver, WA
Pinball machines, dartboards, and a smash burger with a great crust make a strong case for a night out. Loowit’s downtown pub has all three.
The colorful tasting room at 507 Columbia St has a small bar and a relaxed mood. A patio adds extra seating when the weather cooperates.
The Loowit Burger is the headliner. Expect a smashed patty with a crispy crust, fresh produce, and a well-grilled bun.
The Fried Chicken Sando is another favorite. Truffle tots are vegan, and there is a full vegetarian menu, which is rare for a pub.
Small plates and comfort food keep prices friendly at about $10 to $20 per person. Service is counter style and quick.
Groups, families, and sports fans all find a seat here. Free wi-fi and dog-friendly outdoor space are bonuses.
It stays open until 10 PM daily. Street parking can be tight, so give yourself a few extra minutes downtown.
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