The Best Local Breweries to Explore in Vancouver, Washington

Vancouver’s craft-beer scene has grown from under-the-radar taprooms to full-blown destinations that can hold their own against Portland’s. Whether you’re chasing a hazy IPA, savoring wood-fired pizza, or testing your trivia chops, these local breweries pour personality as much as beer. From Vancouver’s bustling downtown to Washougal’s laid-back river views, here’s where to grab a pint, a bite, and maybe a trivia crown.

🍺 Top Breweries to Visit

1. Loowit Brewing Company — Downtown Vancouver

The anchor of Vancouver’s beer revival, Loowit serves the city’s signature Shadow Ninja IPA and Two-Sixteen Red Ale with a lineup of clever pub food — think empanadas, brussels sprouts, and hearty sandwiches. Trivia and open-mic nights keep locals coming back, and there’s always that sense you’ll bump into a neighbor you actually like.

2. Brothers Cascadia Brewing — Hazel Dell & Evergreen

Brothers Cascadia does small-batch right. Their hazy IPAs are the stuff of legend, but their trivia nights at the Evergreen location are what make it a community hub. Local food trucks rotate daily, and every pour comes with the friendly energy that defines Vancouver’s north-end crowd.

3. Ghost Runners Brewery & Kitchen — Vancouver

Running puns aside, Ghost Runners knows how to keep the momentum going. Signature beers like 5K IPA and Chasing Fluffy Pink Unicorns Gose pair with pizzas and sandwiches that surprise you in the best way. Thursdays are Trivia Night, and it’s standing-room-only by the first round. Families, runners, and anyone hungry for a solid pint all blend right in.

4. Victor 23 Craft Brewery — Vancouver

Named for the D.B. Cooper flight path, Victor 23 combines intrigue, great beer, and even better pizza courtesy of Rally Pizza. The Skyjacker IPA and Hijack Porter headline a tap list that’s adventurous but accessible. Show up Wednesday at 7 p.m. for trivia night, when this aviation-themed taproom takes off.

5. Vice Beer — East Vancouver

Retro arcade, neon lights, and bold flavor. Vice Beer’s 90s-inspired taproom mixes nostalgia with serious brewing chops. The menu rotates through playful names like Shaquille O’tmeal (yes, really) and Ribbit Robot, served alongside fruited sours and hazy IPAs. Between beer releases and themed events, it’s one of the liveliest breweries east of I-205.

6. Recluse Brew Works — Washougal

A hidden gem in Washougal’s quiet corners, Recluse Brew Works feels like your friend’s cabin with a world-class tap list. Their Lagers are clean and balanced, beers that demand you slow down. The taproom’s cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and small-town charm make it feel instantly familiar. Regulars know Bruce, the massive, lovable dog who roams the patio, and that alone is worth the trip.It’s a personal favorite, a place where every pour feels like part of the community.

7. Irrelevant Beer — Vancouver

Don’t let the name fool you — Irrelevant Beer is anything but. Their Double IPAs and creative seasonal releases have earned cult status among locals. The vibe is pure Vancouver: casual, welcoming, and conversation-driven. The staff genuinely loves talking beer, and the regulars genuinely love hanging out. Grab a pint, stay for a chat, and you’ll understand why this one ranks high.

🍻 Bonus Pours

Fortside Brewing Company — Vancouver

Fortside is the quiet cornerstone of Vancouver’s beer scene. Their 23andMe IPA and Around the Buoy ESB set the tone for clean, balanced Northwest styles. The taproom’s unfussy setup and steady rotation make it a must-stop for those chasing the classics.

54°40′ Brewing Company — Washougal

Known for Kascadia Kölsch and Broken Record IPA, 54°40′ delivers the kind of easygoing taproom that Washougal locals swear by. Trivia, live music, and pop-up food events fill the calendar, and the staff couldn’t be friendlier if they tried.

Heathen Brewing — A Local Legacy

Though the Feral Public House has closed, Heathen’s name still echoes through Vancouver’s beer history. Their fearless sours and barrel-aged experiments helped shape the city’s brewing identity, and you can still find their bottles and kegs across town — a nod to the roots that started it all.

🍺 Final Pour

Clark County’s brewery scene has evolved into something distinct, a blend of Portland-caliber beer and small-town warmth. Whether you’re sipping a Double IPA with Bruce in Washougal or answering trivia questions over pizza downtown, the Couve’s breweries prove one thing: the best nights start with a local pour.