Seattle, Washington: Best Breweries & Football

When visiting teams head to CenturyLink Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks, they fear much more than just top ranked QB Russell Wilson or the notorious “Legion of Boom”, Seattle’s hard-hitting secondary. The stadium is also home to “the 12th man,” known as one of the loudest and most passionate crowds in all of the sports. The record was for the loudest stadium in the National Football League (NFL) was held by Seattle for a number of years until it was recently broken by the Kansas City Chiefs at their home Arrowhead Stadium, however, CenturyLink Field is still ranked as the league’s loudest stadium overall. Seattle fans are passionate as ever and know how to have a good time, whether it’s during the game or even before kickoff.

Pre-Game Bars

Over the course of the last few seasons, Seattle has put together a perennial Super Bowl contender and one of the league’s most exciting teams. The city of Seattle has fully embraced the team, with bars and restaurants that are geared specifically towards the fans. The Hawk’s Nest, located just outside of the stadium, is a very popular sports bar that is the place to be before or after games. With a traditional sports bar feel, the Hawk’s Nest is ideal for the Seahawks super fan. Henry’s Tavern is another sports bar that is located within walking distance of the stadium. Featuring a full-service bar with a multitude of drink options, Henry’s is a great way to prep for game time.

Like most major cities, Seattle is not lacking in unique, fun bars, however, a few, in particular, come to mind. Cooper’s Ale House is a fan favorite and is perfect for both morning or evening games. Every Sunday, the pub has specials on both Mimosas and Bloody Marys, perfect to get ready for those 10 AM Pacific time kickoffs. For the late games, the pub has a special late-night menu that includes quick snacks, such as chicken tenders, chips and salsa and onion rings.

For a more active pre-game experience, fans can head over to the Flatstick Pub and enjoy a game of mini golf or “Duffleboard,” a unique combination of shuffleboard and mini golf. With a rotating tap of Washington brewed beers, the Flatstick Pub is a can’t miss option for Seahawks fans.

Craft Breweries

 The city of Seattle is spoiled with bars and breweries. It has an amazing craft brewing scene with nearly 60 throughout the city. With a seemingly endless number of options, fans can almost be overwhelmed at times. Thankfully, many of the breweries are located just a short distance from Centurylink Field, giving fans the option to try as many as they please! Two Beers Brewing Company, located 3 miles from the stadium, is one of Seattle’s best rated breweries. Two Beers features a huge variety of beers, from IPAs to Browns to Mexican style lagers, ensuring there is something for everyone. Each beer is handcrafted from locally sourced ingredients and can be sampled in the brewery’s tap room, The Woods, which they share with Seattle Cider Company, giving customers even more choices!

Another can’t miss Seattle brewery is Elysian Brewery, which is about 2 miles to the northwest of the stadium. Elysian started in 1996 as a small operation but quickly took an interesting turn. In 1997, the company was chosen to take over brewing operations at Gameworks—a large entertainment complex owned by Universal Studios, Dreamworks & Sega, but left in 2002 to pursue other opportunities. Since then, the company has grown tremendously, winning the Large Brewpub of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival on 3 occasions. The brewery is also home to the Space Dust IPA, a favorite beer of the author’s.

For those looking for a bit more bite from their beverage, Seattle is also home to an excellent craft distilling scene. With distillers specializing in everything from whiskey to vodka, fans can fulfill any sort of craving. Three Howls Distillery, located only a mile from Centurylink Field, offers fans the options to pick their poison, handcrafting multiple styles of whiskey, rum, gin, and vodka. This award-winning distillery is a must stop for any Seahawks fan, especially one craving vodka. Three Howls Blood Orange Vodka won gold at the 2015 World Beverage Competition!

Game Day Grub

For many fans, a game is not a complete experience without a good meal. Some fans may opt for the traditional option of overpriced stadium hot dogs, popcorn, and cotton candy, but for those looking for something more specific to the city of Seattle, Damn the Weather is a new American style restaurant, offering exciting twists on old classics. With a full bar and diverse menu, Damn the Weather is a great option for a pre-game or post-game celebration. Remember though, the restaurant is reservation only before 5 pm, so make plans early!

Football and Asian food may not be a traditional game day combination, but could easily be made one in the city of Seattle. The stadium is located just to the west of Seattle’s International District and offers those who venture there a massive variety of food and beverage options from cultures all around the world.

One could say that Seahawks fans are a little bit spoiled. With one of the league’s best teams, a great stadium experience, and countless options for food and drinks before the game, it’s hard for other team’s fans not to get jealous. Seattle offers something for everyone, no matter what type of pre-game experience you’re looking for. Be it a crazy sports bar followed by tailgating at the stadium or a more mellow walk around the International District and a visit to one of the many amazing craft breweries in town, Seahawks fans have tons of ways to create their own ultimate pregame experience.