Hellbent Brewing Comes to Lake City in May

Just north of Elliott Bay Brewing, Hellbent Brewing Company will open next month across from the Lake City Fred Meyer (13035 Lake City Way NE; formerly a manufacturing plant). The 7,500-foot-space by partners Brian Young, Jack Guinn, Chris Giles, and Randy Embernate will feature a downstairs tasting room and an upstairs lounge with pinball, a pool table, televisions, and seating overlooking both the brewer’s deck and the tasting room.

The 140-seat brewery has a reclaimed wood aesthetic (the bartop is made of milled madrone trees) and a cozy, sports bar feel, couches and all. Their 20-tap system will include a combination of guest brews and their own work, led by head brewer Young (Redhook, Rock Bottom, Gordon Biersch). Hoping to source all beverages from Washington, they plan to start with three beers on tap and build up gradually; they will also offer wine and cider.

Out back, anticipate rotating food trucks and a patio eventually. The four partners have been working on the site themselves for months, which has been very rewarding, according to Embernate, the marketing manager. "We’ve learned a lot in the construction process and we’re excited to have a finished bar," he says. Take a virtual tour here.