Best neighborhoods for craft beer and beer events (Seattle, Renton: university, food)

[shorterthanrich]

Hey everyone,

I'm not a Seattle native (I've just been lurking for a while), so I don't really know the ins and outs of the area. I'm starting to organize craft beer events in Seattle like new beer launch parties and rare beer tastings, and I'm looking for suggestions on the best neighborhoods for them.

For example, here's a link to the event I organized for next Wednesday: [mod]see note[/mod]. It's a rare beer night with a Bourbon Barrel Aged stout and a ridiculously hoppy IPA in downtown Seattle. Most events will have food specials paired with the beer, too.

Does that area make sense, or is it more of a financial district? I'm also working on another event with Mac & Jack's in the University District, but I don't know how busy the area is during the summer.

So, what are the best neighborhoods for hosting small craft beer events, and what neighborhoods are people most willing to travel to?

Thanks so much in advance!

[Ira500]

Ballard is probably "Craft Beer Central" in Seattle. Capitol Hill is probably a close runner up, and Georgetown right up there.
I've gone to a number of beer events in Renton, and they are always well attended. Renton has a number of establishments that are pretty serious about their beer: The Red House, The Dog N' Pony, Whistle Stop Ale House, The Local 907, and others.

[Kayela]

Despite it's rep for wine, Woodinville has a great beer crowd. Kirkland does too.

[leftwing]

I'd focus more on where and how you market these events rather than on where they're located; we beer geeks will gladly tolerate a hike for the right event. Good luck!

[mkarch]

Originally Posted by leftwing

I'd focus more on where and how you market these events rather than on where they're located; we beer geeks will gladly tolerate a hike for the right event. Good luck!

Agreed. One of the problems with focusing on a neighborhood like Ballard is while there are a lot of people that enjoy craft beer, there are already a few dozen places to get it on tap within a 2 mile radius.

[007jamesbond]

Ballard probably has the most beer nerds.