Modified for the COVID-19 era, Brouwer's Cafe merges Sour Fest & Back in Black, during Seattle Beer Week.

2020 was no picnic for anyone. There, it’s been said. 

But if the management of Brouwer’s Cafe, in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood, has anything to say about it, they call it a $#1tshow! So yeah, they really don’t want to repeat 2020 in 2021. 

image sourced from Brouwer’s Cafe

Maybe that’s the inspiration behind their recent announcement: their Seattle Beer Week events are back, albeit changed for the pandemic.

Last year, when the entire world tensed up, places like Brouwer’s Cafe were forced to close because of local health restrictions. The impact on most businesses, like Brouwer's, were no Seattle Beer Week events, including Back in Black or Sour Fest. Now in 2021, the ‘Cafe has adopted a term to describe their approach to Seattle Beer Week 2021, a hybrid event. 

In order to revive Stout and Sour Fest from a rough year off, we knew what was needed was a shot (or two) in the arm. Fortunately, the team here in the beer cave has just that. Having our staff fully vaccinated made us feel like hosting a Beer Week event was actually possible. Still though, we know many people are not or will not hit that milestone before the annual May festivities would have kicked off. Once again, we are going to pivot the event a tad to keep it as responsible as we can.

Some examples of poster from previous years of Back in Black and Sour Fest

That’s right. Instead of two unique events, each with a uniquely organized draft list, the Brouwer’s Cafe crew are splitting up their taps to host a bit of Sour Fest and a bit of Back in Black. 

But what does this mean, you ask. Well, try to imagine 12 sours and 12 stouts, side-by-side, for you to indulge in. With the approach recognizing not everyone is comfortable dining in, coupled with a changed capacity limit based on Washington state’s “Phases”, Brouwer’s Cafe hopes that this is the last time they will feature simultaneously Sour Fest or Back in Black festivals. 

Also, for those who aren’t quite ready for a sit-down or (weather permitting) limited outdoor experience, Brouwer’s Cafe has created another edition of their “Fests-at-Home” boxed, takeaway, packages. Just visualize beers showcased at the festivals, but bottled or canned up, and in an easy takeaway package. Look for the take home edition of Sour Fest and Back in Black, to go on sale May 2nd via the ‘Cafe’s website store.

For those who wish to dine in or eat outside, before, during or after the festival, Brouwer’s Cafe reminds all the following.

As is the case with everyday dining here, we are strictly adhering to all King County regulations for indoor and outdoor dining. We are also placing a cap on party sizes to six (6) guests.  We won’t be taking reservations, and as such, we ask that tables limit their time here to two (2) hours. That should be plenty of time to get your fill of awesome brews.

image sourced from Brouwer’s Cafe

Finally, the staff want to share the following for those weary of all the sacrifices made in the name of coming together.

This time has been anything but normal, and we look forward to seeing a lot of you in the near future. Hopefully. Keep wearing your masks and wash your damn hands.

Brouwer’s Cafe is located at 400 North 35th Street in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood. For more information, including other events, food, and drink menus, visit https://www.brouwerscafe.com/

About Brouwer’s Cafe

We have 64 craft beers on draft, a selection of over 400 bottles from both the U.S. and abroad, an exceptional selection of Scotch and American Whisk(e)ys and a full service bar, and Belgian-inspired cuisine.

Our Belgian-inspired cuisine includes our versions of Belgian classics such as pommes frites (true Belgian fried potatoes), stoofvlees (a thick Belgian stew served on Frites), and the Belgian staple of moules-frites. We also serve a variety of sandwiches, such as our very popular lamb burger, which is ground in house. We also have a selection of salads, desserts, and a rotating specials menu.

We serve Seattle's Fremont neighborhood seven days a week, opening at 11 am. Our "Power Hour" is from 3 pm to 6 pm everyday and boasts a delicious selection of small plates and $1 off all draft beers and well cocktails.