Drawn by the attractive real estate prices and affordable rents, six great craft breweries operate now in Grays Harbor and Pacific counties. Breweries need quite a lot of space to operate, space that would be prohibitive in pricier parts of Washington, especially for a small start-up operation.
One common thread for the local brewery owners is a passion for their craft. Some of the owners work full-time jobs in other fields to afford to maintain the brewery. Another thread is that several started as home brewers who developed a fan base and decided to show their skills on a more public stage. Third, most of the breweries give back to the community by holding events and fundraisers and by buying local.
If you haven’t had a chance to visit yet, here are our local craft breweries:
Windows look into the brewery equipment room from the interior of the pub at Mount Olympus Brewing. (Photo by Marguerite Garth)
Mount Olympus Brewing est. 2018
105 W. Heron Street, Aberdeen
Open 2-7:30 Monday – Thursday, 2 -10
Friday, noon to 10 Saturday, 11 to 6:30 Sunday
Orlando Maldonado, head brewer and part owner, started as a home brewer in 2012. He says, “I enjoy cooking, so it’s like cooking for eight hours” … and then waiting for four weeks “before you can even try it.”
Orlando Maldonado of Mount Olympus Brewing in front of the fermenter and a beer tank. (Photo by Marguerite Garth)
The home brewing became an obsession that he wanted to turn into a career. Along with partner James Lundgren, Maldonado sought out investors who have turned into an “all-star team who believe in the product and the brand,” and the brewery became a reality.
There are innovative beers and ales on tap with most of the flavors and ingredients coming from local sources, such as malts from Skagit Valley barley and coffee from Ocean Beach Roasters for a coffee-infused beer. No food is available as of yet but plans are in the works to make the back-parking lot a restaurant venue with a fire pit and music. Maldonado says, “My hope is that the hard work and dedication to this endeavor shows in every smell and sip of Mount Olympus Brewing beer.”
Steam Donkey Brewing Co. est. 2017
101 E. Wishkah Street, Aberdeen
Open 3-8 Monday – Thursday; 3-9
Friday; 2-9 Saturday and 10-5 Sunday
The owners of the brewery, John and Stephanie Bennett, are both Aberdeen High School graduates. Their mission says: “Steam Donkey focuses on brewing relaxed and inquisitive beer in a friendly environment. The bar is open to share our passion for beer and welcome curious spectators.”
John was working for another brewery when an opportunity arose for the storefront on Wishkah Street. The community pitched in to help with the project and the brewery opened its doors four years ago. The location is too small for a kitchen so the Bennetts creatively solved that problem by parking a food truck on the side street next to the brewery, which has proved to be very popular. Patrons are welcome to bring their food inside to enjoy with their beer.
The on-tap selection is an impressive mix of British-type ales, house-brewed German lagers, along with some unusual blends, such as the Lavaduala Saison, which is a farmhouse ale brewed with a “touch of lavender.” The food truck is known for its sliders and tater tots.
Hoquiam Brewing Co. taps. (Photo by Marguerite Garth)
Hoquiam Brewing Co. est. 2017
526 8th Street, Hoquiam
Open 11-8 Monday – Thursday, and 11-9 Friday and Saturday. Closed on Sunday
Rob Paylor and Patrick Durney met while working at the Galway Bay Irish Pub in Ocean Shores. They formed a bond over their mutual love of beer. In 2013, they opened Mill 109 Restaurant & Pub at Seabrook. But what they both really wanted to do was to brew their own beer.
The men found an equipment manufacturer in Portland and a 1929 building in Hoquiam with “great bones” (formerly a grocery store and a senior center). And, in 2017, after a total rehab, they opened the brewery. They credit head brewer, Drew Granneman, with being a “wizard” and their first three beers, Hoquiam IPA, Boots & Shorts Blonde and Captain 12 Milk Stout have become “flagships.” There are other beers on tap to try as well as a couple of hand-crafted ciders. Pizza and sandwiches are served, and a kitchen and menu expansion is on the horizon.
Wild Man Brewing est. 2019
203 Duryea Street, Raymond,
Open 4 – 8 Tuesday –Thursday, 4 – 9 Friday, Saturday 11-9
Sunday. Closed Monday
Wild Man Brewing is named for John Tornow “the Wild Man of the Wynoochee” an infamous historical outlaw from these parts. The brewery is located in Raymond and was founded by Ryan Porter and Cristian Dumitrescu, who met working at Ocean Spray and connected over their love of home brewing.
Porter is responsible for brewing the beer and Dumitrescu brews mead. Mead is brewed from honey and, if you have not tried it, it is very refreshing and delicious. Dumitrescu, who is originally from Romania, states “It’s a Romanian tradition to brew your own brews.” Wild Man meads are shipped all over the United States.
There are 16 handcrafted beers on tap, six meads, and a very extensive and popular menu of appetizers, burgers, “dawgs,” salads and sandwiches on offer. A variety of pizzas are served every Thursday with house-made pizza dough and sauce.
Willapa Brewing Co. tap list. (Photo by Marguerite Garth)
Willapa Brewing Co. est. 2016
405 Minnesota Avenue, South Bend
Open daily from noon to 8 p.m.
Willapa Brewing Co. in South Bend and was founded by Cathy and Kevin McMurry in part to create local jobs and attract more tourism to the area. Kevin had been a home brewer for more than 20 years and says, “Friends pushed me into opening the brewery so they could buy my beer!” They opened a storefront in 2019 to serve food and attract families.
Originally their menu consisted of eight pizzas but now 14 hand-crafted artisan pizzas are served, along with appetizers and desserts.
Thirteen handcrafted beers are on tap available in 4-ounce tasters, 10-ounce schooners, pints, growlers, and crowlers. A large outside patio is the perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors while sipping a great beer and eating pizza.
In addition to those listed above, check out a craft brewery on the South Beach:
Blackbeard’s Brewing
700 W. Ocean Avenue, Westport
For more information about summer hours and offerings
call (360) 268-7662 or visit blackbeardsbrewing.com