Flying Bike Coop

Seattle Brewery Tour: North Seattle

It's true that when you think of breweries north of Downtown Seattle your mind usually goes right to Ballard. Lucky for all of us they aren't the only neighborhood up there to have some kickass beer. Spread across the various smaller neighborhoods in North Seattle - think Ravenna and Greenwood - there are breweries working hard to hold their own against all the big ones in Ballard when it comes to quality of beer and atmosphere. Head out on an adventure to find some great hidden spots and enjoy some more of Seattle's great craft beer. 

Note: If you're planning a brewery crawl we want to mention they aren't all within walking distance. So, if you plan to go to all in one day, budget for Lyft rides! 

Ravenna Brewing Company  

Ravenna Brewing Company

Ravenna Brewing Company is nestled on a side street off of 55th Ave and has a small, charming set up. With colorful tiles decorating their taps and small tables scattered around their little tasting room, they offer a funky place to grab a pint. Their patio is great for summertime drinking, and it's also partially covered so even when those pesky rains come, you can enjoy your beer with some fresh air. They usually have some pretty cool beers on tap that aren't your average listings, like unique fruit flavors or barrel aged beers. 

And to elevate it a bit, they also have board games and card games to keep you entertained while you sip on their award-winning beer with friends and family, which we always love! They also win extra points for food trucks - usually they have some fine dining rolled up right outside for your enjoyment. Nosh is on Fridays - just sayin.

Our favorite beer: Jalapeño Kolsch

Lantern Brewing

Lantern Brewing

We would have never found this brewery if we weren't writing/researching for the blog - which is one of the reasons we love this job so much! Lantern Brewing is tucked away up on 95th Street, off Aurora Ave. The street definitely leaves something to be desired, it is near Aurora after all, but even though it isn't a traditionally beautiful spot, it actually ended up being our favorite on this list! Why? Well first and foremost they are incredibly friendly, but on top of that their beer is tasty, and they often have food trucks or local food vendors come and serve up tasty grub to have with your beer! 

They have a huge space and when it's warm they can throw open their large garage doors and you can sit outside and play cornhole. 

The other thing we liked about these guys was they took a step away from what you so often see at other breweries in Seattle - IPAs and Pale Ales - and have a diverse, but seriously Belgian inspired list of beers. Since they have such a good variety we recommend getting a flight of tasters to start! 

Our favorite beer: Joliefolie

Naked City Brewery and Taphouse

Naked City Brewing

Naked City is located in Greenwood and is probably the most established spot on this list. With a huge location, it's an easy place to bank on getting a seat during the busy months and they also have a bar and grill with decent enough food if you want a full-service type of place. They lovingly refer to themselves as Greenwood's Town Hall and often represent that well, with a healthy mix of all types of people (kids are allowed - families take note!). 

If you cycled through the 34 rotating house and guest taps then you'd feel 1. drunk and 2. thoroughly satisfied. With that much beer there is bound to be an option to please everyone and if you have non-beer drinkers in the your group (which would mean you hang out with the wrong sort) then they have cider and wine as well! 

We love the newest addition to their space - a huge mural done by local Seattle artist Henry. It depicts two walruses drinking beer and always makes us smile. And what really drives this spot home for us is that they also have a dine-in theater! Check out their events page for all sorts of fun entertainment from comedy shows to burlesque to football showings!

Our favorite beer: Orange Blossom Special IPA

Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery

Flying Bike Brewing Cooperative

Flying Bike is one of those places that you feel the love right when you walk in. Do you know those places? The people inside look friendly, the vibe is right, the air is sweet and the beer tastes good! It's probably something to do that it's a coop - which means it's member owned and supports community and collaboration down to the core! 

When you walk in make sure to take in all the fun and creative bicycle decorations, including the tap handles that are actually bike handles (verrrrryyyy clever Flying Bike!). Their huge mural and extensive assortment of board games make our hearts sing...and we haven't even gotten to the best part. 

Flying Bike Beer

They have crazy amazing beer! Their lavender IPA changed the way we thought about beer. One time, the bartender mixed two beers together for us and it was glorious. I mean.. have you ever had anyone do that before? We hadn't. These guys know their beer. And they also know how to have a good time. It's what breweries are supposed to be!

Our favorite brew: Bike Rye'd Saison

Floating Bridge Brewing

Floating Bridge Brewing

This family-run brewery located on the edge of University District near I-5 says their beers are free-spirited and imaginative and we can say that we have to agree. Their Tropical Pale Ale doesn't seem to follow any rules and their cherry sour was unique and delicious for Fall. They also have all the right things to make their space a great place to gather and enjoy company including a giant projector for watching football, shuffleboard, board games (including our favorites Settlers of Catan and Bananagrams), and giant windows to let in lots of natural light. 

The staff here is helpful and down-to-earth. If you are look for a non-pretentious spot to enjoy good beer this would be one of our favorites to recommend. They also have one of the biggest tasters we have seen in town. It's in the shape of a bridge and holds five large tasters. We would encourage you to get one of these and sample a variety of what they have to offer on their menu! 

Our favorite brew: Tropical Pale Ale

Hellbent Brewing Company

Hellbent Brewing IPA

Hellbent Brewing is the farthest north on this list, but totally worth the drive! They are right on Lake City Way and because they are a little bit outside of the hustle and bustle of the city they have a ...wait of it... parking lot for customers! First plus! They also have an extremely cool patio with heaters and TVs to watch sporting events year round and food trucks pulled up to grab some food any night of the week. Second plus! Inside they have a huge space complete with a bar, additional space upstairs with games and comfy couches and lots of TVs. Third plus! We should also mention they are dog friendly so you get to drink while petting all the fluffy buddies. Fourth plus! But wait..one more! They have great beer too. 

See totally worth the drive! 

Our favorite brew: Hellbent IPA or any of their seasonal IPAs

Alright - that's North Seattle for ya. By the time we post this five more breweries will have opened in Seattle, so we see you all soon with more recommendations! Also - let's all do ourselves a favor and keep an eye out for delicious pumpkin beers, besides pumpkin pie it's the best part of fall! 

Cheers! 

Seattle Neighborhoods: Greenwood

Bus stop art

Bus stop art

Seattle has a crazy amount of cool neighborhoods. There are the big hitters, Fremont, Ballard, Capitol Hill. Then there are the ones that fly a bit more under the radar, but have just as much, if not more, to offer. Phinney Ridge, Ravenna, Georgetown, and the one we are featuring today, Greenwood. 

In March many of you probably heard about the tragic gas leak that lead to an explosion that completely demolished three businesses in Greenwood and damaged dozens of other businesses in the surrounding area. After the explosion, stories of kindness and compassion started to spread. Coyle's owner, Rachel, firing up her kitchen to bake for the first responders. Muralists came and painted the ugly plywood that covered so many broken windows and doors to bring some vibrancy to a dismal situation. Countless Seattleites donated funds to get the Greenwood neighborhood back on their feet. 

Now, almost 6 months later, Greenwood is going strong and although it is missing 3 staples, there are still a ton of amazing businesses up and down Greenwood Ave. that have earned their stripes as Seattle establishments. And a few other newbies that have wiggled their way into our hearts too! 

Let's start at the north end of Greenwood Ave and work our way south through our favorite spots! 

North Star Diner

Get your greasy breakfast/lunch/dinner/late night here! It isn't anything to write home about, but it might remind you of home and sometimes that hits the spot. 

Hounds Tooth Public House

Full transparency: we know the owner. This is your spot to get some safe bar food and a good stiff drink while you watch the game. The staff is friendly and they have a great happy hour. Also, we have to mention one menu item: Frito Pie. If you don't know what this is, you haven't lived. 

Flying Bike Brewery

Flying Bike Brewery

Flying Bike Brewery

This is not only a Greenwood favorite, it is one of our favorite breweries in Seattle. It is a coop, which is awesome and results in super original and diverse beers on tap AND the staff is so friendly. Grab a pint, order some loaded fries from Munch Cafe (located next door, served to your table), and grab a board game for the table! Handicap accessible, dog and kid friendly! Everyone is welcome, go! 

Naked Brewing

This is your big hitting brewery in the neighborhood. Full restaurant with a huge draft list (RoS Tip: Quittin' Time IPA) for your drinking pleasure! They also have a large event room where they screen films and host events. Check out the calendar here

Luna Azul tacos and margaritas!

Luna Azul tacos and margaritas!

Luna Azul

This is the place in Greenwood for authentic, homemade, delicious Latino food. Their happy hours = yes. Their tacos = YES, and their margaritas = YESSSS. The prices are low so you can try a bunch! 

Teacher's Lounge

This place is our favorite to grab a cocktail in Greenwood. The owners will create you something original if you ask, but their menu is great too if you don't like surprises. The bar's theme will bring you back to your days in elementary school and the scoop of cookie dough you can order off their menu will be the icing on the cake!

The cool, torn walls of Gainsbourg

The cool, torn walls of Gainsbourg

Gainsbourg's poutine

Gainsbourg's poutine

Gainsbourg

This is a dark, romantic french spot that we love for their great small plates. You can sample so much delicious food for a great price and their cocktails go spot on with the atmosphere. 

Space Travel Supply Co.

Space Travel Supply Co.

Greenwood Space Travel Supply Co.

This is a unique shop on Greenwood Ave. Walking past you wouldn't know it was devoted to mentoring Seattle youth to become better communicators. Sales from their storefront help support their tutoring programs to help kids read and write. The swag is cool and the cause is right, don't miss this spot!

Chaco Canyon Organic Cafe

This coffee shop has delicious sweet and savory options and a great philosophy around food we definitely feel we can get behind. We love the honesty! The soul-warming coffee doesn't hurt either! 

Great selection at Couth Buzzard Books

Great selection at Couth Buzzard Books

Couth Buzzard Books Espresso Bueno

You might not venture into this place without an invitation (the name is weird, we know), but we are here to tell you that it is a gem! They offer a great selection of new and used books. There is a LEGIT cafe inside and their events calendar is full of programs they host to support the Seattle community and their creativity. 5 stars.

The Yard

The Yard is our go to when we want some patio dining. It is a bar/mexican joint and they have a cool ambience (think communal tables, exposed brick, rough around the edges kinda place), decent menu, and good drink selection. 

Coyle's Bakeshop

This place started in our favorite bookstore, Book Larder, and eventually found its permanent home on Greenwood Ave. We have no doubt (and also pray) that this will be a place we can go to in Seattle for decades to come. Why are we so confident? The owner, Rachel Coyle, merged a croissant with a pretzel (name: cretzel) and if that wasn't enough she created apricot mustard to pair with it. It's famous, it's delicious, and it's instagramable. What more do you need for a long and prosperous business life these days? Ok, but seriously, everything in this bakery is beautiful and mouthwatering-delicious. It is one of the best and it shouldn't be missed. 

And a few others, right off Greenwood Ave, that are worth the teeny tiny detour! 

Gorditos

Home of the Baby Burrito! Gorditos boasts "healthy mexican food" but we doubt if you eat their entire Burrito Grande (literally the size of a newborn baby) your body will thank you. We usually go with the chicken nachos or the smaller burritos. 

The Cozy Nut

This is a relatively new spot in Greenwood, but every neighborhood needs one of these bars. It's cozy, classic, and has Rainer for cheap. Come as you are, with your group of friends, pull up some chairs and throw some back. 

Taproot Theatre

This intimidate theatre always has spot-on, quality performances (plays and musicals!) and is a great place to experience Seattle culture without the big price tag. While you might feel a little squished in the seats, we love that the actors move throughout the theater and audience, which really draws you in to the performance. There is a little cafe next door where you can get beer and wine before and after the show.

Greenwood boasts one of our favorite Henry murals

Greenwood boasts one of our favorite Henry murals