Craft beer and the Pacific Northwest are a match made in heaven. The region’s abundant clean water and ideal conditions for growing hops are the perfect backdrop for microbrewing. In our backyard, we have some of the best breweries in Pacific County. Here are a few of our favorite neighborhood watering holes featuring some of our best local brews.
Willapa Brewing Co. in South Bend
Across from the blue waters of the Willapa River in South Bend sits one of our favorite breweries in Pacific County. Willapa Brewing Co is a family-owned microbrewery that started in the home of one of the owners over 25 years ago. Their motto is “Hearty ales for the logger in all of us.” One visit to their taproom, and you’ll be a logger too.
The heavy wooden doors welcome you with axes for handles. And the available tap list is displayed on saws across a beautiful wood backdrop. Flavors like Axe Head Amber and Lumberjack Imperial Blonde keep the theme. But don’t let the names fool you. The brewer masterfully brews their beer using local ingredients and an artisan’s touch. Try the Knox Ale, a refreshing light beer infused with local spring water. Or the Bone River Oyster Stout, steeped with Goose Point oysters for a slightly briny finish. No matter what you order, the drafts pack a punch.
Enjoy your beer on the patio with some of their house-made pizza. It has a nice chewy crust and fresh toppings that perfectly pairs with the icy beer. As a bonus, you can get growlers and smoked oysters to go.
Wild Man Brewing Company in Raymond
What do you get when a mead maker, home brewer, and construction guru walk into a bar? If you’re lucky, you get Wild Man Brewing Company. The brainchild of three friends, Wild Man Brewing Company has been pouring great beer and mead since 2019. As an authentic Pacific County neighborhood brewery, they like to “Keep it Wild” when you’re here sipping their beer.
Their hand-crafted beer, mead, and cider are as distinctive as their personalities. PilSquatch is their German Pilsner, a golden haze of hops and malt. Everybody Loves Raymond IPA is almost as fun to order as it is to drink. And their Nectar of the Gods Classic Mead is a traditional mead that delivers a whopping 12.4% ABV. Their hearty food menu includes local oysters and weekend prime rib specials.
Come more than once, and you’ll be greeted here by name and your favorite pint.
North Jetty Brewing in Seaview
Speaking of local favorites, don’t snooze on North Jetty Brewing’s taproom. With 16 of their brews on tap, this family-owned brewery is the place to enjoy craft beer. Their famous Leadbetter Red Scottish Ale is a caramel, malty treat that is deliciously addictive. And their rich Liquid Schwarz dark lager will give you intergalactic delight.
It has ample seating, a patio, and is the local neighborhood hangout. Friends recognize each other’s cars in the parking lot and will join the party for a beer or two. Live music and themed events are common occurrences. And the trivia night has been known to get very competitive.
But this isn’t just a tap house. North Jetty is one of the breweries in Pacific County with brews in stores and restaurants across the region. And you’ll see their name displayed at many of the city’s festivals. Proud sponsors of beer gardens and pop-up events, North Jetty Brewing is a Long Beach Peninsula staple.
Adrift Distillers in Long Beach
Though technically not one of the breweries in Pacific County, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention our hometown distillery, Adrift Distillers. This small batch distillery sits mere steps from the sand of Long Beach. And the fingerprints of the Pacific Northwest are all over their spirits.
Their Rhubarb Elderflower Liqueur uses tart summertime rhubarb from Willapa Bay Heritage Farm in Long Beach. A drop of their Love Warrior Gin includes hawthorn berries and elderflowers from the Pacific Northwest Coast. Fifth-generation farmers of the Skagit Valley sow the seeds of their Triticale Whiskey. Regional storytelling infuses every bottle through the head distiller’s care and craftsmanship. Every sip is drinking the elixir of this unique part of the world.
Enjoy an afternoon tasting here. Visitors can sample their spirits while surrounded by the barrel racks, stills, and fermenters that once housed them. Their friendly tasting room guides will guide you through the geographical notes as you savor each sip. And when you find your favorite flavor, grab a bottle or gift pack to bring home.
As long as the river flows and the grains grow, we will continue to have a thriving brewery and distillery community. Be sure to check out one of the many artisan crafters on your next trip through town and experience the flavor for yourself. And keep visiting our blog for tasty new spots to quench your thirst.
By: Danelle Dodds
Danelle is an international traveler, road tripper, writer, and artist. She firmly believes in testing the limits of word count, mileage, and AYCE sushi.