Congratulations to Trade Route Brewing! This past Saturday they celebrated the grand opening of the new Trade Route Brewery and Taphouse in Pacific, WA – just a couple of clicks south of Auburn on Hwy 167. We stopped by for a little bit to check out the new digs and raise our glasses in celebration.
When you pull in to the complex off of Valentine Ave., don’t be distracted by the battalion of sleeping semi trucks parked next door. This is the right place. The Brewery and Taphouse is located in a light industrial business park amidst machine shops, exhaust repair shops, and big rigs. When we pulled into the parking lot just after dark, we were amazed at how many cars and people we saw. My first reaction, “This is going to be a zoo.”
We were expecting to find a simple little tasting room bursting at the seams with people. Once we made our way inside, the crowd was easy to navigate. Sure, there were a lot of people, but it wasn’t even difficult to get a beer. Trade Route adequately staffed the event and the space is large. This is not a simple little tasting room. The Pacific Fire Department says they’re good for up to 85 people, so this is one of the larger brewery tasting rooms I’ve ever seen. No wonder they call it a taphouse.
We shot a short video while we were there. It should help you get a feel for the space. Read the entire story to see pictures.
We fully expected to see all the familiar faces from the greater-Seattle beer scene; however, we quickly learned that the grand opening was a much-anticipated occasion for the locals as well. To continue reading the entire story…
Apparently the usual suspects had been there earlier in the day and by the time we arrived it seemed to be nothing but locals. And a lot of them. Anyone who knows the town of Pacific, and the “south county” in general, recognizes that it is a region still starving for craft beer.
A somewhat haggard and sleepless-looking Chris Castillo (Trade Route owner/brewer/impresario) told us that this event was catered. The taphouse normally will offer a limited food menu, focusing more on the beer. He also told us that the crowd has been steady throughout the day.
To get to the new Trade Route Brewery and Taphouse from the Seattle side, take Highway 167 south from Renton. Just south of Auburn, take the exit for 8th Street / Steward Road. Turn left and head east for two blocks. Turn left on Valentine Ave. and then turn right into the parking lot. Trade Route is towards the back of the complex.
Trade Route Brewing Co.
1091 Valentine Ave SE
Pacific, WA 98047
253-987-5680
[Click for map]
Wow, that looks like a really amazing event! Why can’t any of the shows I go to be like this!?! Loved the pics!