Many months in the making, Lake City's Hellbent Brewing Company opened softly last weekend across from the Lake City Fred Meyer in a former manufacturing plant. The 7,500-foot-space by partners Brian Young, Jack Guinn, Chris Giles, and Randy Embernate features a downstairs tasting room and an upstairs lounge with a pool table, darts, Golden Tee video game, and TVs. Pinball is also on the way.
Couches and all, the cozy 140-seat brewery with a reclaimed wood aesthetic is like being in a sports bar but better, with the option of sitting overlooking the brewer's deck. At present, Hellbent has four of its own brews and 12 guest beers on tap; eventually the crew hopes to offer an even ten of its own and ten from guests on their 20-tap system run by head brewer Young (Redhook, Rock Bottom, Gordon Biersch). They also vow to have two ciders on tap at all times, as well as beer, wine, and cider in bottles.
Out back, rotating food trucks abound, including Plum Bistro coming up next Saturday, June 13, for Hellbent's official grand opening, then Tasty Vibes, Wicked Pies, and Streetzeria the following week. The new brewery is 21+ due to its tavern license, which allows it to have more guest taps, wine, and cider, so leave the younger set at home.
Hellbent is open Monday through Thursday from 2 to 10 p.m., Friday from 2 to 12 p.m., Saturday noon to midnight, and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. Also catch the brewery at Washington Brewers Festival at Marymoor Park Father's Day weekend.
The Hellbent Brewing crew: Chris Giles, Randy Embernate, Jack Guinn, and Brian Young