There will soon be a new attraction on the northern shore of Seattle’s Lake Union — one that shares the name of the decommissioned coal and oil gasification plant: Gas Works.
Later this spring, Gasworks Brewing will open its doors, bringing a balanced tap list and full kitchen to a waterfront location about a quarter-mile east of its namesake park. And given the city’s continued ability to embrace new brewery startups — and thirsty citizens to populate them — there is no reason to believe the brewing equipment will have the same fate as the rusting tanks and pipes at the nearby park.
And just like the park, the brewery shares the same spectacular views of downtown Seattle from its waterfront location. Located on N. Northlake Way next door to dining favorite Westward, the brewery will address what some see as a dearth of waterfront locations to dine, drink and enjoy the (sometimes elusive) sunny days. Heck, you can even access the brewery by boat, paddleboard or kayak.
“Our location is one of a kind,” says Kyle Hansen who, along with Cody Cluff, is the owner of Gasworks Brewing. “The accessibility is awesome, being close to I-5 and the Burke-Gilman Trail. Plus, who doesn’t like drinking a beer and having a bite to eat lakeside?”
Cluff agrees. “Years ago, we lived in the Wallingford neighborhood and I always felt it was missing a brewery,” he says. “During the first year of Covid, we would drive N. Northlake Way every day, looking at buildings and the views. One day, a property sign went up and I was the first to call. The landlords of the marina loved the idea of having a brewery on their property and the two-and-a-half-year permit process began.”
Both Hansen and Cluff have been active in the brewing community for years. Hansen, who got his start slinging tasters and guiding backstage tours at Georgetown Brewing, ultimately moved over to the production side for several years. Later, after a five-year stint in coastal Massachusetts launching and running Untold Brewing, Hansen was ready to return back to the Pacific Northwest.
“Having the solid foundation of Georgetown plus the experience of leading a brand new brewery in the heart of Hazy IPA country, our beer is going to be top notch,” says Hansen. “There really is so much great beer made in this city and we plan to add to that.”
Expect a healthy selection of IPAs on the tap list at the Gasworks, including one of Hansen’s current favorites, a Black IPA. You will also see plenty of lagers pouring — both European and American styles — as well as gluten-free fruited sours.
“When a beer style speaks to us, you better believe we’re going to brew our version of it,” Hansen says.
As with the beer, Hansen intends the menu at Gasworks Brewing to be completely made in-house. Simple and reasonably priced, expect to see burgers, tacos and — Hansens’ favorite — a fried-chicken sandwich. Hand-dipped milkshakes and plenty of non-alc options will be available, as well. “It isn’t trying to masquerade as fine dining,” says Hansen, “it’s food fit for a brewery, from the brewery itself.”
Will the brewery be open before the Seattle sun comes out for good?
“Our current timeline is late spring,” says Hansen, “and no one is telling us otherwise.”
Stay up to date with Gasworks Brewing on Instagram at @gasworksbrewing.
