If you’re looking for a spot where the views are as crisp as the lagers, we’ve found it. Wee recently spent an afternoon at Narrows Brewing Company in Tacoma, and it’s safe to say this place is one of our favorite stops when we are in the area. Narrows Brewing is truly the place for “maritime chill”, and you can’t go wrong with pretty much anything on tap.
Located in the historic Mill Building at Narrows Marina, the brewery literally sits over the water. Here’s the breakdown of why this spot needs to be on your list of breweries to visit in the Pacific Northwest.
The Vibe: Tacoma Industrial Meets Nautical
Walking into Narrows Brewing feels like stepping into a piece of Tacoma’s history. You’ve got the massive wooden beams, high ceilings, and that unmistakable “working waterfront” energy. But the real star? The view out the windows.
Whether you’re sitting at a table inside, enjoying the deck, or grabbing a stool by the glass, you have a front-row seat to:
- The iconic Narrows Bridges.
- Boats drifting in and out of the marina.
- The occasional seal popping its head up to say hello.
The Narrows Brewery Taps: Something for Every Palate
Narrows Brewing is well-known for their diverse rotation including ciders and sours, but they really shine when it comes to their IPA’s. We focused on their barleywine for this trip, but here are some of the great beers we have tried in the past that are worth stopping in for a pint or three:
- South Sound Supernova DIPA
- Super Chicken West Coast IPA
- Octo in all of its varieties (this wasn’t on tap this trip)
- West End IPA
Enjoying a Barleywine: Barley’s Whine Munich Wine
“Barley’s Whine” is a beautifully realized Munich style dark beer that pours a deep, glowing mahogany with a whisper of tan foam, instantly greeting the nose with the rich, comforting scent of stewed plums and warm brioche. On the palate, this 11.2% ABV heavy-hitter manages to be remarkably velvety rather than cloying, unfolding in layers of decadent bread pudding, dark cherries, and a toasted nuttiness that pays clear homage to its Munich malt foundation. There’s a sophisticated, warming depth here that lingers long after each sip. This craft beer isn’t just a drink, it’s a slow-motion celebration of the Day Island Marina’s soul. This bold, yet balanced glass of big flavors, easily earned 4.25 caps on Untappd for its wonderful blend of maritime charm and malty complexity.
Wee-Tips for Your Visit
- The Deck is Life: If the weather is even remotely nice, head outside. There is nothing quite like a cold pint with the salt air blowing through your hair.
- Food Situation: While Narrows Brewing is focused on the beer, the Boathouse 19 restaurant is right next door where you can order and have it brought over.
- Sunset Timing: If you can time your visit for sunset, do it. The way the light hits the bridges and reflects off the Sound is pure magic.
Final Thoughts
Narrows Brewing isn’t just a place to grab a drink; it’s a place to slow down and remember why we love living in the Northwest. It’s unpretentious, scenic, and, most importantly, the beer is excellent.
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.
