-
Stop lurking! Log in to search, post in our forums, review beers, see fewer ads, and more. — Todd, Founder of BeerAdvocate
Brouwer's Cafe
400 N 35th St
Seattle, Washington, 98103-8607
United States
(206) 267-2437 | map
brouwerscafe.com
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by anteater:
More User Ratings:
Reviewed by Harrison8 from Missouri
4.04/5 rDev -7.6%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 3 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4
4.04/5 rDev -7.6%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 3 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4
Belgian inspired bar and eatery with Belgian/German food, and an abundance of beer. Interior is more dimly lit, with stone walls, reminiscent of historic buildings in Belgium. A long bar running the length of the establishment offers a collection of tap handles clustered between double door coolers, showcasing a portion of their bottle selection. Dimly lit interior keeps these bottles from being penetrated by light as they sit waiting for someone to adopt them. Exterior seating offers shaded, open air seating for those seeking a little more space. A full listing of their bottles can be found online, with a paper menu offering the tap list. Bottle list includes beers with ~8 years of age on them, along with fresh options. Bottle list is broken down alphabetically by breweries, with the tap list broken down by beer style groupings (i.e. hoppy, dark, etc. etc.) Tap list spans a wide array of styles, which is easily facilitated by the numerous tap handles available. For those into whiskey, there is a large collection here, again available via a paper menu. Prices are reasonable for both beer and whiskey, although the bottle list for beer does not feature prices - tread lightly. Service is so-so, got some of that Seattle freeze vibe from some here, while others were very kind.
Food is solid. Nothing spectacular, especially in a city with as many quality food options as Seattle, but not a poor choice for dinner either.
Jul 23, 2021Food is solid. Nothing spectacular, especially in a city with as many quality food options as Seattle, but not a poor choice for dinner either.
Reviewed by Quinnimical from Washington
3.9/5 rDev -10.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 1.5 | selection: 5 | food: 3.75
3.9/5 rDev -10.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 1.5 | selection: 5 | food: 3.75
An insane selection of rare and elite quality beers accompanied by a solid menu and rad "bartifacts" (incuding a crest detailing forbidden activities such as Feats of Strength), make this a must stop on any beer geek's hit list. A number of incidents with pretentious and flippant servers are the only knock I have against an otherwise outstanding establishment.
Jul 19, 2018Reviewed by jmdrpi from Pennsylvania
4.35/5 rDev -0.5%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
4.35/5 rDev -0.5%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Had a couple beers and lunch out in the outdoor area. Inside is a little dark, but a nice good sized bar and dining tables/booths as well. Great taplist and bottle list of local craft beers and Belgians. Service was good. We ate an order of the Stoofvlees (beef stew served over frites) which was top notch.
Aug 12, 2017Reviewed by spoony from Colorado
4.4/5 rDev +0.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
4.4/5 rDev +0.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
V-Brouwers is located in Fremont in a huge space that reminds me of a 1990s era dance club. The paint is dark, but the floor space is giant and the ceiling is high, which lend a weird feel to the place. The giant bar could seat at least 25 and there were many tables too. Decor is beer-centric and you can see the bottle cellar behind the bar, which is a cool touch. We stopped in for lunch on a Saturday in April and the place was mostly quiet with just a few couples at the bar.
Q-The tap list and the cellar selections had the highest-quality beers I saw in Seattle and some of the best I have seen in the States. Options included Belgian, U.S. craft, and other less popular regions. It was just a crap, either, somebody put some thought into the beers that are available.
Ser-Our server was quick to help us and very knowledgeable about the beer and food. Pours were done correctly in the right glasses and she was friendly too.
Sel-The tap list is lengthy and contains a good variety of styles and regions. Likewise, the bottle list had a number of vintage offerings and stuff that would be worth trying if I had had more time.
F-We ate lunch and both of us enjoyed the pub-style food. I don't know that I would come here for fine dining, but they made some damn good french fries and the girlfriend's lamb burger was really tasty, if a bit decadent.
O-Despite the odd space and decor, this is one of the better beer joints I have been to.
May 03, 2017Q-The tap list and the cellar selections had the highest-quality beers I saw in Seattle and some of the best I have seen in the States. Options included Belgian, U.S. craft, and other less popular regions. It was just a crap, either, somebody put some thought into the beers that are available.
Ser-Our server was quick to help us and very knowledgeable about the beer and food. Pours were done correctly in the right glasses and she was friendly too.
Sel-The tap list is lengthy and contains a good variety of styles and regions. Likewise, the bottle list had a number of vintage offerings and stuff that would be worth trying if I had had more time.
F-We ate lunch and both of us enjoyed the pub-style food. I don't know that I would come here for fine dining, but they made some damn good french fries and the girlfriend's lamb burger was really tasty, if a bit decadent.
O-Despite the odd space and decor, this is one of the better beer joints I have been to.
Reviewed by frasergrove from California
4.68/5 rDev +7.1%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.5
4.68/5 rDev +7.1%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.5
A must visit in the beautiful town of Fremont. Amazing selection of bottled beers, whisky, beer on draft and killer food to boot. Just go...go now!!!!
Sep 21, 2016Reviewed by StoutSnob40 from California
4.75/5 rDev +8.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.75 | food: 5
4.75/5 rDev +8.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.75 | food: 5
One of the bottle selection I've seen in the US. Bottles that I didn't even know existed anymore. Bottles of 2008 Deviation? Really? Draft list is huge and very good quality. I am looking at the bottle list in awe. It's staggering.
Food: Get the Stoofvlees. One of the best things I've ever eaten. Ever.
Apr 26, 2016Food: Get the Stoofvlees. One of the best things I've ever eaten. Ever.
Reviewed by brewskifan55 from Mississippi
4.46/5 rDev +2.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.75
4.46/5 rDev +2.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.75
Glad I got to make it over to this Rock Star of beer and food. Right across from a chocolate shop, so you can get dessert when you're done. Brouwer's is dimly lit, with 2 stories of coolness, eclipsing an old German beer hall. Great tap area featuring lots of hard to find offerings. We shared a Hopworks Under Pressure (Woodford Reserve barrel aged) a barrel aged Floggin Noggin, and the coup de grace, a Bravo 30 Year Bourbon Barrel Aged from Firestone Walker. Then the food came. My Cuban sandwich was awesome and my wife's seafood salad was equally delicious. Our server was patient with our food and beer choices and very helpful with suggestions. This was an early afternoon lunch, so the crowd was light. But I can only guess the masses when the sun goes down.
Make Brouwer's a must when you hit Seattle. You won't forgive yourself if you miss it.
Apr 19, 2016Make Brouwer's a must when you hit Seattle. You won't forgive yourself if you miss it.
Reviewed by HerbGuy42 from Washington
5/5 rDev +14.4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
5/5 rDev +14.4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
Damn good food, with a damn good selection of damn good beer! As other reviewers have mentioned, the place is not well-lit, but this goes well with the overall decor. Personally, I approve of these choices. The staff look pretty hipster, but I have no reason to complain about my interaction with any of them.
Feb 03, 2016Reviewed by rodbeermunch from Nevada
4.36/5 rDev -0.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
4.36/5 rDev -0.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Has a real neckbeard dungeons and dragons vibe to the place, its dark, like the dude's from bottleworks prolly hang out here and listen to death metal and grindcore.
Quality is phenomenal, they really have always had a real impressive tap and bottle list, not to mention hosting some rad beer fests.
Lots of coolers, old school wooden tables, barely lit.
Dec 28, 2015Quality is phenomenal, they really have always had a real impressive tap and bottle list, not to mention hosting some rad beer fests.
Lots of coolers, old school wooden tables, barely lit.
Reviewed by Mehinaman from Washington
4.83/5 rDev +10.5%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.25
4.83/5 rDev +10.5%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.25
Best selection of beers on draft and in bottles in the Seattle area, though I should mention you can't buy bottles to go. In one sitting I had Cantillion Iris and Hair of the Dog Cherry Fred. In short, this is beer nirvana and the food is very good as well. If you come on the weekend though prepare to deal with major crowds. If you can try and come during the work week at lunch time. And if you need some suggestions as to what beer to choose ask the staff as they are as friendly as they are knowledgeable.
Dec 04, 2015Reviewed by Sound_Explorer from Washington
4.61/5 rDev +5.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.25
4.61/5 rDev +5.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.25
Located in a nice spot between the Ballad "Beer District" and the Fremont area, this beer destination is lively, fun, and tasty. Primarily a Belgian tint to it, Brouwer's is fun for any beer drinker really. Deep bottle list and wide ranging taplist with the tasty food (try the Lamb Deluxe) make it a great place for lunch or dinner when in Seattle proper.
Nov 29, 2015Reviewed by ccnorthwest from Washington
4.75/5 rDev +8.7%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.75
4.75/5 rDev +8.7%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.75
I almost rated this place perfect. What really makes this bar stand out more than others is really the bottle selection for on premise drinking. They have countless sought after bottles you can purchase. Their rockfish and chips are amazing along with their sausage & kraut. The bartenders were kind and provided outstanding service. You must check out this place if your near Fremont.
Sep 20, 2015Reviewed by EdwardAbbey from Washington
4.36/5 rDev -0.2%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
4.36/5 rDev -0.2%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
A bit dark and dim, and sometimes very loud, with above-average pricing and below-average service (in my experience), but because of its well-curated selection, privileged access to certain beers/breweries, and special events, it's still a pretty great place, despite its shortcomings.
Sep 11, 2015Reviewed by Canada_Dan from Colorado
4.56/5 rDev +4.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.5
4.56/5 rDev +4.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.5
World class place. One of my favorite bars in the US without a doubt. Amazing selection, the food is awesome (get the Cioppino), service always friendly and prompt. Great vibe. What more can you ask for?
Sep 01, 2015Reviewed by BMMillsy from Florida
4.93/5 rDev +12.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.25
4.93/5 rDev +12.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.25
Stopped in here while in Seattle and was blown away by the list of beers. The cellar list is incredible, with amazing stuff from Firestone Walker, Fremont, Hair of the Dog, and many many others. Vintage Cantillon as well. Prices were on the higher side for bottles, but that's also what keeps them around for someone like me to drop in and splurge on something I won't see at home. Food was solid, service was excellent. Up there among the best places I've ever been for beer.
Aug 17, 2015Rated by The_Golden_Spruce from Washington
4.19/5 rDev -4.1%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.25
4.19/5 rDev -4.1%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.25
Excellent beer selection, but the space can feel dark and loud. More windows and quieter music might help.
Jun 10, 2015
Brouwer's Cafe in Seattle, WA
Place rating:
4.37 out of
5 with
177 ratings
We love reviews (150 characters or more)! You don't need to get fancy. Drop some thoughts on the place's attributes plus your overall impression. Something that backs up your rating and helps others. Thanks!