Explore Seattle: Georgetown

The Rainier Brewing Company looms figuratively and historically over the Georgetown neighborhood, just 10 minutes south of downtown Seattle. Georgetown was once home to Seattle’s first brewing company, when Washington was still a U.S. territory. It has seen many incarnations of industrialization and revitalization through the years and is currently enjoying a sweet spot.

Greg Ramirez, chair of the Georgetown Community Council, has lived in the neighborhood his entire life. “The community here is the cool thing,” he said. “We have a really friendly vibe. And then you throw in the food and nightlife. Even with all of the challenges, it’s still the place I want to live and raise my family.”

 He highlights the growing number of families and businesses in the area. And says that it’s great to see people able to walk around the neighborhood and enjoy all that Georgetown has to offer.

Georgetown Brewing Company, 5200 Denver Ave. S., is the largest independent brewery in Washington state and ranked as one of the Top 50 Producing U.S. Craft Brewing Companies last year. It was started in the early 2000s by Manny Chao and Roger Bialous brewing their famous Manny’s Pale Ale in the original Rainier Brewery. They now have their own facility with a tasting room that serves over 20 different beers on tap. The tasting room is open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily and offers beers that you can’t find anywhere else. Beer drinkers can get a pint of their favorite, try a flight of the tasting size ales, or pick up a growler to go. They don’t serve food at the brewery, but customers are welcome to bring food from neighboring restaurants or even have it delivered. And they always have a non-alcoholic offering on the menu.

General Manager Dave Forrester said that the original Manny’s is still their most popular draft beer, but Bodhizafa IPA is their top seller because it is also available in cans. He has a few personal favorites and said “the fun part is always making more beers and trying things that you wouldn’t usually get to try.”

Paul Hero is the owner of Georgetown’s Sound Homebrew Supply, 6505 Fifth Place S. He bought the business shortly after the pandemic shutdown and has seen a steady stream of business as people try their hand at brewing beer. He said it’s pretty easy and interested people should give it a try.

“If you can cook or you can bake, you can brew,” he said.

They offer classes to learn how to brew your own beer, or you can buy a kit and be on your way. They also sell all of the ingredients, including Yakima hops and malt from Europe.

In addition to the many local breweries, people will find shops, restaurants and businesses steeped in local history.

Martin Imbach, owner of Georgetown Records, 1201 S. Vale St., said he loves the neighborhood because it feels the most like the Seattle that he remembers. He moved to Georgetown in 2000 and opened up a record shop when space became available in the prominent location on Airport Way South. He shares space with Larry Reid of Fantagraphics Bookstore, who sells and publishes comics and graphic novels.

“I like the history of the neighborhood and the blue collar, Bohemian arts vibe,” Reid said. “This building is the original hub of the Georgetown artist community.”