It’s time to get sampling!
By Colin Anderson
After a fun day paddling the harbor, hiking the trails or strolling through beautiful downtown, many are in search of a refreshing beverage to cap off an already fantastic day. Thankfully there is no shortage of local offerings in greater Gig Harbor. From brands known throughout the Pacific Northwest—and even the nation—to small-capacity microbrews, there are many options in which to sample.
7 Seas Brewing Company 2905 Harborview Dr. | 7SeasBrewing.com After more than a decade in business—and now in their new location along the waterfront—7 Seas Brewing is an absolute local favorite. You won’t find any TVs here (other than a projector setup for Seahawks games), so conversations over a quality craft beer are encouraged. You can order a flight of four, six or eight craft brews. Bring the kids as well as your own food or takeout from nearby local restaurants as you relax, taking in a beautiful view of the harbor.
Finholm's Market
8812 N. Harborview Dr. | Finholms.com
A Gig Harbor staple, Finholm’s Market has been around for what feels like forever. Stop in the taproom located along the historic waterfront for a refreshing pour from one of its 13 rotating taps featuring craft brews from throughout the Pacific Northwest. Or, browse over 100 varieties of bottled and canned beers and grab a bite at the deli. For non-beer drinkers, the market also offers wine and cider.
Fox Island Brewing Tap-IN 2416 14th Ave. NW | FoxIslandBrewing.com This unique setup is all about supporting up-and-coming brewers who are looking to take their passion and turn it into a profession. A 3-barrel brewing system allows multiple brewers to share equipment and encourages the creation of new nano-breweries. You’ll get to sample beers not found anywhere else while supporting a local small business. It’s not just beer here, as you’ll find other small-batch wine, spirits and hard cider as well. The tasting room is family friendly, and there are snacks and gourmet hot dogs to enjoy while you sample.
The HUB at Gig Harbor 1208 26th Ave. NW | TheHubGigHarbor.com Located at the Tacoma Narrows Airport, The HUB brings one of Tacoma’s longest-standing breweries right here to Gig Harbor. The large space includes both indoor and outdoor seating to watch small private planes come and go. Classic Harmon beers, along with occasionally experimental ales and lagers, are served up alongside seasonal offerings. Stick around for delicious pizza or their well-known burgers and a pint, or fill up a growler to go.
Heritage Distilling Company 3207 57th St. Ct. NW, Tasting and Tours 3118 Harborview Dr., Tastings only HeritageDistilling.com One of Gig Harbor’s most well-known brands, you’ve probably seen a bottle of Heritage’s Brown Sugar Bourbon (BSB) in well-stocked bars throughout the country. In 2021, actor Jamie Foxx bought BSB to spin off into its own brand, and Heritage keeps producing high-quality whiskeys, flavored vodkas and gin as well. Heritage Distilling Company is the most awarded craft distillery in North America six years in a row from the American Distilling Institute. Visit the downtown tasting room or schedule a tour to see how different spirits are made and aged.
Hop Pharm 3216 Judson St., Ste. B | HopPharm.com Explore some of the best of Northwest breweries at the newly launched Hop Pharm. The relaxing taproom offers a wide range of styles and flavors from local breweries as well as all across the Pacific Northwest. Taps are always rotating, so you’ll find something new with each visit. Hop Pharm also stocks an ever-changing supply of cans and bottles to go. You can bring your own snack or lunch to enjoy—and be on the lookout for food trucks that will occasionally pop up out front.
Gig Harbor Brewing Company Taproom 3115 Harborview Dr. | GigHarborBrewing.com Easy drinking traditional-style ales are what Gig Harbor Brewing Company is all about. Flagship, seasonal and specialty brews are all available, and be sure to ask Head Brewer Mike O’Hara about the story behind the naming of ‘Round Rock IPA.’
Olalla Vineyard & Winery
13176 Olalla Valley Road | OlallaWines.com
This small family owned vineyard boasts views of Vashon Island, the Puget Sound and Olalla Bay. Its tasting room features a variety of reds and whites from renowned winemaker Matthew Loso, with grapes sourced from the premises as well as throughout Eastern Washington. Sip on Pinot Gris and Viogner, or get adventurous with a local favorite, Golubok, a traditionally European grape reminiscent of Cabernet Sauvignon that is particularly well-suited to the Puget Sound climate.
Wet Coast Brewing Company 6820 Kimball Dr. | WetCoastBrewing.com The brewers at Wet Coast Brewing Company believe there’s a beer for everyone and are on a mission to deliver. The brewery puts out stouts and brown, pales and IPAs, and Northwest-inspired seasonal offerings. Wet Coast’s variety of dark, light, hoppy or malty provides guests a chance to find a style they appreciate or discover their new favorite. Visitors get to see the brewing process directly from the tasting rooms, where guests can order a pint, flight or beer to go.
Zog’s
587 6th Ave. | Facebook.com/ZogsonFoxIsland
On Fox Island, this local gathering space features a hidden entrance through a convenience store and gas station that opens out onto a beautiful multi-level landscaped patio, offering libations for grownups, and a playful menu along with fun for the entire family. Explore the two-story restaurant and pub space that includes a family friendly upstairs, or relax with a brew in hand by outdoor fire pits, a fountain and gazebo.
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