6 Best Bars in Washington Cascade Mountains and Valleys, Washington

This beloved craft brewery and its spacious taproom occupy the Historic Heidelberg Brewery building in downtown Tacoma, a short walk up the hill from the museum district and next to the city's University of Washington campus. It's an appealing place to sample such popular ales as the crisp Axis Brut IPA and the slightly tart, tangerine-infused Life Jacket Citrus IPA. On-site Canteen restaurant serves tasty gastropub fare. A second location is in Gig Harbor, where the brewery originated.

One of the most esteemed of Bellingham's many highly regarded craft breweries, Aslan occupies a sleek downtown building with soaring glass walls, an open floor plan, and plenty of sidewalk seating. The brewmasters here specialize in flavorful, small-batch beers, like faintly ginger-accented Irie Eyes Red Ale and a rich, chocolaty dark lager called Cascadian. Part of the fun here is the bar food, including a rather decadent waffle-fry poutine, Korean barbecued tofu, and spicy banh mi bowls.

With picnic tables and firepits outside and a gas fireplace surrounded by wooden chairs and benches in the rustic-industrial interior, this upbeat craft brewer is a comfy place to sip rich Butter Peak Porter or hoppy Tree Line IPA any time of year. The taproom occupies a smartly restored 1930s mercantile store, and the kitchen serves tasty guacamole, poblano-chicken tacos, and a few other Mexican-influenced snacks.

Long a top destination in downtown Bellingham for sampling distinctive, well-crafted microbrews and enjoying big portions of reliably good pub fare, this convivial spot occupies a vintage former garage—the huge central door is rolled open in warm weather. Boundary Bay garners high marks for its ruby-red Scottish ale, smooth oatmeal stout, and rotating seasonal ales. 

The original location of one of the state's fastest-growing craft breweries—there are two additional locations in Seattle—this friendly taproom in Woodinville's Warehouse District is a fun stop whether you're ready to sip something other than vino or you're just seeking out some outstanding craft beer, from silky coconut porters to refreshing Belgian-style wit beers. The owners partner as much as possible with other BIPOC- and women-owned businesses throughout Metro Seattle. Note that it closes at 8:30 at the latest.  

This bustling Old Town brewpub with a large patio overlooking the Snoqualmie River is renowned for its craft beers, including the heady Steam Train porter and refreshing Solar Crush blood-orange hefeweizen. The kitchen prepares an array of sandwiches and pizzas.