There is a specific kind of magic that happens when a capacity crowd gathers in the same building and all hold their breath at once. Wee were at the Queen Anne Beerhall for the Seahawks Week 18 regular-season finale, and the air was thick, not just with the smell of giant pretzels and grilled bratwurst, but with the pure, unadulterated tension of a winner-take-all showdown. The stakes? The NFC West title, the #1 seed, and a first-round bye.
The Seahawks didn’t just win. They reminded the league exactly who we are.
The Queen Anne Beerhall Scene: Beer, Brats, Blue Jerseys, and One Brave 49er Fan
If you haven’t watched a game at the Queen Anne Beerhall, you’re missing out on one of the best “12th Man” atmospheres outside of Lumen Field. The selection of craft beer and imports make it a great Seattle neighborhood taphouse. The massive communal tables make it impossible not to become best friends with the person next to you and by the second quarter, we were high-fiving guys we didn’t know every time Sam Darnold completed a pass.
Our beer of choice was world class Stiegl Goldbräu lagers. There’s something about that Austrian gold; it’s crisp, clean, and has just enough of a hoppy kick to keep you sharp while the defense is doing its thing. It’s the perfect “focused” beer for an event that felt more like a heavyweight fight than a football game.
The Seahawks Game: Total Defensive Dominance
The 13–3 victory over the 49ers wasn’t a shootout; it was a masterclass in Mike Macdonald’s “Dark Side” defense.
- The Early Spark: Zach Charbonnet’s 27-yard touchdown run in the first quarter set the tone.
- The Dagger: That fourth-quarter interception by Drake Thomas. When the ball popped off McCaffrey’s hands and Thomas snagged it, the Beerhall erupted so loudly I’m pretty sure they heard us down in Lower Queen Anne.
Holding that San Francisco offense to just three points? That’s legendary.
Why the #1 Seed Matters for the Seattle Seahawks
We finished the season 14–3, the best record in franchise history. But more importantly, we secured the #1 seed.
History tells us everything we need to know. The last three times Seattle held the top seed (2005, 2013, 2014), we went to the Super Bowl. With home-field advantage and the 12s ready to shake the stadium, I don’t see anyone coming into our house and leaving with a win.
Sam Darnold is playing the most efficient football of his career, Kenneth Walker III just hit the 1,000-yard mark, and this defense is playing like the 2013 squad’s spiritual successor.
Current Mood: Beyond hyped.
Where to Watch Seattle Sports: Queen Anne Beerhall.
Drink of Choice: Stiegl Gold (The “Victory Lager”).
Next Stop: The Divisional Round at Lumen Field.
The road to the Super Bowl officially runs through Seattle. See you in the playoffs, 12s. Go Hawks!
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.
