Damn Drinkable
narrows brewing
Set along the rugged and scenic waterfront of Tacoma, Washington, Narrows Brewing Company has become a beloved staple in the Pacific Northwest craft beer scene. It’s not just the beer that makes Narrows Brewing special, but its people and the deep connection to Tacoma’s rich history, maritime culture, and brewing traditions that have shaped the city for over a century.
To truly appreciate Narrows Brewing, it’s important to understand the landscape of Tacoma and the city’s brewing heritage, including the historic Heidelberg Brewing Company. From Tacoma’s rise as the "City of Destiny" to the evolution of its beer culture, this story is as much about the resilience of the people as it is about the brew.
Narrows Brewing is located in Narrows Marina, a gorgeous spot that overlooks the majestic waters of Puget Sound. The marina sits at the southern end of the Tacoma Narrows, where the towering Tacoma Narrows Bridge stands as an iconic structure linking the Kitsap Peninsula to Tacoma. The original Tacoma Narrows Bridge, infamously known as “Galloping Gertie,” collapsed in 1940 due to high winds, a testament to the power of the waters below. The new bridges, built in 1950 and 2007, have since become a symbol of resilience and engineering innovation.
The waters of the Narrows, framed by the Olympic Mountains to the west and Mount Rainier to the east, have long been a focal point of Tacoma's development. For centuries, the Narrows were home to the Puyallup Tribe, who used the waterways for fishing and transportation. As European settlers arrived in the mid-19th century, they recognized the economic potential of Tacoma’s strategic waterfront. Today, Narrows Brewing sits on this same waterfront, standing watch and paying homage to the region’s natural beauty and maritime heritage as time flows ever onward.
In the 1870s, Tacoma was dubbed the “City of Destiny” because it was chosen as the western terminus for the Northern Pacific Railroad, linking Puget Sound to the rest of the country. This decision was a pivotal moment in Tacoma’s development, transforming it from a small settlement into a bustling port city.
Tacoma’s location on the shores of Puget Sound made it an ideal spot for industry and trade, and the city quickly grew into a major center of commerce. The Northern Pacific Railroad brought waves of settlers, entrepreneurs, and workers, creating a boomtown atmosphere. Timber, coal, and other resources from the surrounding area flowed through Tacoma’s port, solidifying its status as a vital hub in the Pacific Northwest.
However, Tacoma’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. The economic downturns of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coupled with competition from neighboring Seattle, tested the city’s resilience. Yet Tacoma persisted, carving out a unique identity as a blue-collar, working-class city with a proud industrial heritage. By the mid-20th century, Tacoma was thriving again, and one of the industries that helped bolster the local economy was brewing.
Long before craft breweries like Narrows Brewing were on the scene, Tacoma was home to one of the most successful breweries in the Pacific Northwest: the Heidelberg Brewing Company. Founded in 1900, Heidelberg Brewing was a significant player in Tacoma’s industrial landscape, producing beer that became a favorite among locals and beyond.
Heidelberg’s founder, Jacob Ortmayer, was a German immigrant who brought old-world brewing traditions to the Pacific Northwest. The brewery’s success was built on its reputation for producing high-quality, German-style lagers, and by the mid-20th century, Heidelberg was distributing its beer across the region.
During Prohibition, Heidelberg Brewing managed to survive by producing near beer and soft drinks. When Prohibition was repealed in 1933, the brewery quickly returned to producing full-strength beer, and Heidelberg became a staple in the post-war era.
At its peak, Heidelberg was one of the largest breweries on the West Coast. However, like many regional breweries in the 20th century, it struggled to compete with the national brewing giants that emerged in the 1960s and 70s. After several changes in ownership, Heidelberg Brewing eventually closed its doors in 1979. Despite its closure, Heidelberg left a lasting legacy in Tacoma’s brewing history, paving the way for the craft beer revolution that would follow decades later.
Tacoma’s brewing scene lay relatively dormant for several years after the closure of Heidelberg, but by the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the craft beer movement was sweeping across the country. Small, independent breweries began to spring up, offering unique, locally made beers that reflected the character and creativity of their communities.
Narrows Brewing Company, founded in 2013, is part of this new wave of craft breweries. Located in the historic Narrows Marina, the brewery draws inspiration from Tacoma’s maritime culture and brewing heritage. The founders of Narrows Brewing, Parker and Lauren recognize the opportunity to create a space that celebrates Tacoma’s waterfront while also contributing to the city’s growing reputation as a craft beer destination.
Its location on the waterfront gives it a distinct identity. The brewery’s taproom offers stunning views of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and the surrounding waters, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. The beers themselves are a reflection of the Pacific Northwest, with a focus on executing and producing a variety of styles with great care, quality, and ingenuity. From classically piney/bitter West Coast IPA’s, to the ever-quaffable and quenching Pilsner for the summer heat, Parker and the team at Narrow’s Brewing prides themselves in achieving top-notch quality and production while still maintaining a large breadth of creative freedom.
One of the important values Parker speaks about of Narrows Brewing is its commitment to the community. The brewery regularly partners with local businesses and organizations, supporting everything from environmental initiatives to local arts and culture events. To try and have an impact larger than just yourself and your business is a noble and humble goal in the business world, especially in this day and age. But, Parker and his team are adamant on creating more than just an open, inclusive community. They want to see the community around them grow and succeed together, like how a rising tide raises all ships. The sense of community that was so central to Tacoma’s development as the “City of Destiny” is alive and well at Narrows Brewing.
The brewery also emphasizes collaboration with other local breweries, helping to strengthen Tacoma’s craft beer scene as a whole. This collaborative spirit is reminiscent of the early days of Tacoma’s industrial growth when the city’s success depended on the efforts of its entire community. Over time, the distinction between collaboration and competition has blurred, leading to tensions in the industry. In the process, we've sometimes lost sight of the fact that none of us would be where we are today without the support and cooperation of others in the community and industry.
Narrows Brewing Company is more than just a place to enjoy great beer—it’s a living link to Tacoma’s rich history. From its scenic location on the Narrows Marina to its nods to Tacoma’s brewing past, Narrows Brewing embodies the resilience, creativity, and community spirit that have defined the city for over a century.
As Tacoma continues to grow and evolve, Narrows Brewing serves as a hub for innovation and revitalization in the craft beer industry. Whether you’re sipping a beer while watching the sunset over the Narrows or learning about Tacoma’s brewing roots, Narrows Brewing offers a taste of both the past and the future of this remarkable city.
In many ways, the story of Narrows Brewing is the story of Tacoma itself—a city shaped by the water, defined by hard work, and always looking ahead to what’s next.