In the heights of Vancouver, Heavy Metal is a place where the distortion is turned up to eleven and the pizza dough is made from scratch. Heavy Metal Pizza & Brewing is a high-octane tribute to the 1980s, big hair, and even bigger flavors.
Whether you’re a lifelong headbanger or just looking for the best stuffed crust in Clark County, Wee believe Heavy Metal Brewing is the ultimate rock-and-roll sanctuary.
The Heavy Metal Concept: Loud, Bold, and Unapologetic
Founded by musicians David Miner and Todd Anderson, the mission of Heavy Metal Brewing was simple: bring back the “True Brew Pub Experience” by combining great craft beer, artisan food, and live music. The decor is a time capsule of the 80s, featuring music videos on the screens and a stage that has hosted everything from local thrash metal to punk and hard rock.
In late 2024/early 2025, the brewery underwent a bit of a transformation, leaning even harder into its identity as The Heavy Metal Pizza. While the name on the sign may have shifted, the spirit remains “bold, loud, and unapologetically fun.”
The Heavy Metal Tap List: Explorer Brewing Classics
Heavy Metal’s house beers are designed to stand up to the intense flavors of their kitchen.
- Metal Meltdown IPA: A classic West Coast style with 90 IBUs of punchy Columbus, Cascade, and Centennial hops.
- Nuttin Else Matters: A fan-favorite Peanut Butter Brown Ale that is rich, smooth, and surprisingly drinkable.
- Painkiller Imperial Stout: A 10% ABV beast with notes of chocolate and cherry; perfect for a rainy Vancouver night.
- Slippery When Wet: Their light, refreshing summer blonde ale that serves as a “palate cleanser” for the heavier hitters.
- House-Made Root Beer: Widely considered one of the best in the city, their chilled root beer is a must-order for the “all-ages” crowd.
The “Headliner” Pizzas
The kitchen at Heavy Metal doesn’t play background music. They specialize in bold, creative pies with names inspired by rock legends.
- Communication Breakdown: A white-sauce masterpiece that has become a staple for regulars.
- Face Melter Supreme: Loaded with everything you’d expect from a supreme, but with a kicked-up spice profile.
- Back in Black: Their premier vegan-friendly option, ensuring the “mosh pit” is inclusive for all dietary needs.
- The Stuffed Crust: Don’t skip the 15″ stuffed crust favorites; they are massive, indulgent, and built for sharing.
More Than a Restaurant: A Live Music Venue
What truly sets Heavy Metal apart is the stage. While many breweries have a corner for an acoustic guitarist, Heavy Metal is a dedicated music venue.
- Open Jam Wednesdays: A long-standing tradition where musicians of all ages can get on stage and shred.
- Weekend Live Shows: Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for the loud stuff. Expect local metal, thrash, and rock bands starting around 7:00 PM.
- All-Ages Environment: Unlike many music-focused bars, Heavy Metal remains family-friendly. It’s common to see “junior rockers” headbanging alongside their parents during the early sets.
Know Before You Go
The Vibe: It’s a bit grungy, very friendly, and definitely loud. If you prefer a quiet library atmosphere, this isn’t the spot for you, but if you want a slice of pizza that “hits harder than your appetite,” you’ve found home.
Location: 809 MacArthur Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661.
Hours: Closed Mondays. Open Tuesday–Thursday (3 PM – 9 PM) and Friday–Saturday (12 PM – 10 PM).
Clark believes that the best professional relationships are built on shared experiences and a bit of fun. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Clark has been a vocal advocate of the local craft beer scene for years. He enjoys exploring the unique flavors and community-driven atmosphere of Washington’s and Oregon’s many breweries while working through the complex software architecture opportunities presented by social interaction. After a hard day of work, Clark can often be found on the karaoke stage any day of the week belting out 80’s rock and heavy metal tunes while bringing the same passion and energy to his performances as he does to his startups; valuing confidence, engagement, and the power of a good song and a bourbon barrel aged beer to bring people together.
