On a warm, blue-sky afternoon, Seattle transforms, and naturally, Brady and I found ourselves wandering through Pike Place Market toward Cloudburst Brewing looking for a good craft beer. Cloudburst is on Western Ave on the north side of the market; a spot that feels quintessentially “Old Seattle” despite its modern craft pedigree.
If you haven’t been, the location is unbeatable for a pre- or post-market stroll. It’s tucked right near Pike Place, making it a convenient escape from the tourist throngs. The vibe, however, is strictly industrial. Set in what is essentially a loading dock/warehouse space, it’s not the kind of place where you’re going to sink into a leather armchair for three hours. It’s a “grab a pint, lean against a high-top, and move on” kind of establishment. Functional, gritty, and all about the liquid.
Untappd Check-ins
This is Boring (Imperial Stout) Brady took the dark path with this one. For an Imperial Stout, it’s anything but “boring,” offering up those heavy roasted notes you want when you’re looking for something with some teeth. He enjoyed the depth but kept his expectations grounded. Rating: 3.75 Caps
Here We Go Again (IPA) I went with the IPA, hoping for that classic Cloudburst brightness to match the weather. Unfortunately, this batch didn’t quite soar for me. It was serviceable, but in a city full of world-class IPAs, it felt a bit middle-of-the-road this time around. Rating: 3.00 Caps
Cloudburst Brewing at Pike Place in Seattle
It’s worth noting for any fellow beer chasers that they are closed on Monday and Tuesday, so plan your mid-week cravings accordingly. It’s a great high-energy spot to kick off an evening, but once that glass is empty, the loading dock vibe will have you looking for your next destination.
Location: 2116 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
Wee Tip: Great for a quick drink near Pike Place Market, but keep it moving!
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.
