Drink Lagunitas Beer On Location in Ballard Today

Today is the day, beer drinkers: Lagunitas will officially open its brewery and tasting room in the former Hilliard’s Beer space at 2 p.m. The so-called “Taproom and Beer Sanctuary” will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 2 to 9 p.m. It’s the second of this type of satellite tasting room for Lagunitas, which recently opened another small Taproom and Beer Sanctuary at a former brewpub in Charleston.

You’ll generally be able to get the full gamut of Lagunitas beers on draft at the Seattle location, but for consistency’s sake, major brands like the pils and IPA will continue to be shipped in from Lagunitas’ larger production facilities, including the original Petaluma, Calif. factory, the Chicago space, and the upcoming addition in Azusa, Calif. In Seattle, expect the company to brew small-batch, experimental beers.

News came back in September that Lagunitas had acquired the expansive Ballard warehouse formerly occupied by Hilliard’s, which was purchased by Odin Brewing in June. The space went up for sale as a turnkey operation perfect for another brewery.

Patrons of Hilliard’s will notice some changes to the venue, including a paint job and a new island bar instead of the one that was up against the front wall at Hilliard’s. The brewery is currently limited to guests 21+ until the kitchen opens and starts serving food. That development is expected to be ready sometime in the second quarter of 2017, Lagunitas officials tell Eater. Meanwhile, the company is also developing a large area in the back of the brewery to serve as free event space for nonprofits, similar to a model that has been rolled out already in places like Portland.

1550 NW 49th St., (206) 784-2230, website. Open Wednesday to Sunday 2 to 9 p.m.