With the opening of a new taproom in Ballard, Pike Brewing Co., draws on its rich history in looking to the future. Here’s why beer lovers should visit this hoppy neighborhood’s latest addition.
Pike Brewing Co., recently opened a new taproom in a Seattle neighborhood that’s become the city’s … [+]
Back to the future
When Charles Finkel and his late wife, Rose Ann, opened Pike Brewing Co., in 1989, it was a first for a city best known for the quaffable Rainier Beer. There were just a couple other craft brewery operations in Washington state at the time. Now, there are more than 400.
“We wondered whether we’d even be able to pull it off,” said Finkel in a recent phone interview.
Obviously, they did, and that success story inspired others.
Located adjacent to the historic Pike Place Market, the brewery has long been a popular destination for visitors, especially during the busy summer months. In addition to the ever-changing lineup of beer and extensive menus at two venues, The Pike is known and loved for its keen sense of history. A visit to its Microbrew Museum is essential.
Its expansion to the Ballard neighborhood is bit of a blast from the past when immigrants from Scandinavia turned this Puget Sound-adjacent area into a bustling fishing village. In the last decade, the new wave of innovative craft breweries updated former industrial chunks of the area into a new kind of boomtown, one with sophisticated tasting flights and welcoming family/dog-friendly beer gardens.
It seems like a natural fit for an iconic craft beer brewery looking to connect with loyal fans outside the downtown core and attract some new customers. The project was made possible in part by a strategic partnership with Seattle Hospitality Group.
Charles Finkel and his late wife, Rose Ann, founded Seattle’s first craft brewery in 1989 in the … [+]
The next chapter
Finkel’s beloved wife and business partner, Rose Ann, passed away in 2020, and the couple’s children weren’t interested in taking over the family business. This sent Charles on the path of determining a succession plan. He was approached by Howard Wright, the founder of Seattle Hospitality Group. That organization’s mission involves shining a light on the Pacific Northwest through its relationships with iconic brands, which now includes The Pike and Ethan Stowell Restaurants.
The new Pike Taproom is now open in a space that was once Stowell’s ambitious gastropub, Bramling Cross on Ballard Avenue. In a full circle kind of moment, Stowell — now The Pike’s consulting chef — helped create the casual menu for the taproom. Expect a slew of burgers and satisfying sandwiches such as panko-crusted rockfish topped with lettuce, tomato and tartar, as well as shareable wings and The Pike’s famous pretzel.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of this vibrant community,” Drew Gillespie, president of Pike Brewing said in a news release. “It’s exciting to open the doors and introduce our new and improved beers, new team, and fresh look to the neighborhood.”
Head brewer Leslie Shore collaborated with the team at nearby Stoup Brewing on a commemorative welcome-to-Ballard called New Kidz on THIS Block IPA. The official tasting notes say New Kidz “incorporates some fun hopping techniques for a whole lot of citrus, berry, and tropical aromas and flavors from Mosaic, Citra, and a touch of Sabro.”
New Kidz on THIS Block IPA joins the opening lineup of Space Needle West Coast IPA, Post Alley Pils, Uptown Hazy IPA, Kilt Lifter Scotch Ale, Pike Place Pale, Cosmic Pulp Juicy IPA, and Tieton Dry Apple Cider, as well as cocktails.
The 2,500 square foot space was designed by Kelley Moore and has a completely different look than the original Pike Pub with a green leather banquette tucked up against one of the exposed brick walls. There’s shuffleboard, a couple of dartboards and plenty of screens tuned to various sporting events to keep guests entertained.
What’s next?
This latest achievement is on a long list of career highlights for Finkel and at 79, he’s not ready for last call just yet. He continues to give tours and seminars and is looking forward to a new taproom making its debut at the long-awaited launch of Seattle’s new convention center.
He’s also working on a book, which has a working title that’s a mouthful: A Brief History of Beer in The Last 10,000 Years. Finkel says he’s likely going to retire in five years but until then, “it’s a labor of love.”
More Ballard taprooms well worth a visit:
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