14 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.

Known for producing acclaimed, organic Bluewater Vodka, Halcyon Gin, Wintersun Aquavit, and several flavored liqueurs, this industrial-chic operation on the Port Gardner waterfront also houses a trendy bar and bistro with well-prepared Pacific Northwestern fare. Stop by for a tasting or a cocktail (try one of the house infusions).

Known for its setting inside a fabulous 1920s roadside building shaped like a coffee pot, Bob's is one of the city's most enduring landmarks—and it's a pretty fun dive bar for karaoke and cheap drinks. Fun facts: Indie singer Neko Case used to be a bartender here, and parts of the screwball comedy movie I Love You to Death were filmed inside.

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.

You can't claim to have a sophisticated nightlife scene until someone in a vest is mixing artisanal cocktails, and 1022 South is one of Tacoma's top spots for fine drinks made with unusual infusions (nettles, yerba maté), house-made liqueurs, and premium liquors with hipster cachet (Crater Lake Pepper Vodka, for example). Daily happy hour is 4 to 7 pm (and all day Sunday), and the kitchen produces nosh-worthy nibbles, from cheese plates to burgers to smoked pork shoulder and cheddar grits.

This old-school downtown pub with a modern vibe and first-rate beer and food was opened by a trio of Western Washington University graduates who also happen to be talented beer makers (they own Menace Brewing). As you might guess, this laid-back spot with a conversation-friendly decibel level has a great list of rotating taps, featuring craft beers from throughout the Northwest. The locally driven food is tasty, too, from fried chicken and waffles during the popular weekend brunches to late-night pork-belly tacos and fish-and-chips.

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.  

Tacoma has a sizable gay community, and this friendly, welcoming bar with a nice-size dance floor and fun karaoke parties is the top nightspot among LGBTQ folks. It's in the heart of the Theater District.

One of the more intriguing nightlife concepts in town, Mox is both a bar-restaurant and a retail game shop that hosts tournaments and encourages friends to gather together to eat, drink, and play their favorite board games. Order creative gastropub fare and beer, wine, or cocktails in the art deco–inspired dining room or cozy speakeasy space, and compete to your heart's content. If you don't want to purchase a game and didn't bring one, you can borrow one for free from the massive library. Themed group events devoted to different games are held nightly. 

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.

Venture inside this hip craft-brew bar just off colorful 6th Avenue to try some of the Northwest's finest ales. There are 16 taps, and 8- and 16-ounce pours are available.

This lively downtown pub inside a historic building has a great selection of craft beers on tap, pool tables, and live music many evenings—there's also a Dale Chihuly glass installation above the bar.

This rambling, legendary tavern has been a local hot spot for drinks, darts, and live music since the 1930s. It sits right on the water in a weather-worn 1910 building that housed the town's original general store.