This is the "good 'ol boys" brewery in town. And I say that with 100% positivity. You'll feel like you're at a big rowdy backyard cookout (don't you DARE call it a BBQ unless yer smokin' meats) that you just stumbled into. The man running the taps, who I can only assume is the owner, is boisterous, friendly, and ON TOP OF THINGS. He'll ask you what you normally drink, give you some samples, and hook you up with the right beer. I tried to give him a card and he just said "just let me know how many you've had before you leave, I trust you!". You really feel like you're at some sort of family get together. Oh, and the views of Rainier from the patio are stellar! Unlike almost all other breweries in the PacNW, this one is not stocked chock full of insufferable, apathetic, hipster and post-hipster types. The crowd here is largely blue collar: truckers and farmers, Carhart and coveralls, construction workers and men-at-work signs. Which, again, is refreshing for a brewery. Beer is for everyone, not just beardos at coffeeshops with macbook pros that "work in tech". My only qualm is that I feel like the beer is just OK. It wasn't bad or anything, but it also didn't blow me away. Most of the beers were a little too much on the sweet and malty side (even the IPA) for what I usually like to drink. (which is stuff that is really pale, dry, and bright) The irony of my sounding like one of those disaffected beer bro stereotypes I just criticized earlier in the review is not lost on me though so...take what I say with a grain of malted grain. read more

This was one of two really good breweries I visited in Buckley. Like a lot of breweries I've been to, Elk Head is tucked away in a industrial/work shop location, just off the main highway running through town. I don't know if it's there all the time, but when I stopped in, there's a Mexican food truck in the front parking lot. Once you've seen it it not hard to miss, as it's the only shop with all the doors wide open and a good sized covered patio area. Walking through the entrance, the decor stands out right away, growler jugs, hanging from the ceiling from breweries from all over the country, along with a lot of cool animal wood sculptures and memorabilia for honoring Veterans and history. I believe the bar tender was also the owner or one of them? Very friendly and helpful with the selections. Taking time to answer questions, even on a surprisingly busy Thursday afternoon. Lots of seating throughout the inside and on the patio area. They specialize in unfiltered brews, which I like, as it gives a full flavor to most beers you may not get, if they're over filtered, another one of those balancing acts that those workers of brewing magic deal with. I started off with a Amber lager, full tasting with the crispness of a lager, a flavorful change from the usual amber ales. The place had a cool old dudes vibes due to all the memorabilia and the old van in the shop, but definitely wasn't just an old dudes place, as a few of the younger crowd was enjoying a brew while working remote. Plan on a return trip on a weekend to check out the weekend vibe, try the food truck, and more of their tasty unfiltered beers. I also tried their Red Ale, which was also robustly flavored and went down smoothly. Gotta love those reds! A fun stop while passing through or coming back from some of the beautiful hikes in the area. Definitely have their own style and niche well done. Happy Yelping and Cheers! read more

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Richard and Al do an amazing job at this place. Every time I come it's like coming home to family. Great regulars and a great environment. Richard obviously knows how to make beer well. I don't think there's one beer I don't like. For a great experience in Buckley this is it. read more

This place is totally different now, at least in terms of construction. Everything else from my old review still flies. This evidently isn't new--they expanded pretty seriously in February 2010. They now have a huge second space full of tons of seating and tons of standing room. And they pack 'em in even more than ever now. Still in the same spot, still the same philosophy toward beer and beer drinkers. They pour a ton of big heavy interesting ales, lots of barleywines and imperial thisses and thatses. They still draw a big crowd of doods in sturdy work trucks, and the casual bar chatter quite often runs to hunting and heavy machinery. It also quite often runs to grilling and BBQing...I was here for ten minutes and got half a dozen killer tips on cooking fish and game. They have a bunch of cool art projects by local artists and craftsmen on display, and they have a sweet-looking old 30s Ford sedan delivery that they park inside. It's decorated with their name and logo, and looks like something they probably take to festivals. They still hardly ever distribute their beer, so they're one of the most under-the-radar breweries in the state, especially for having as many beers as they do, and having two locations, and for drawing the crowds they do. They clearly rock the plateau when it comes time to have a beer. Always get a kick out of this place. read more

Elk Head Brewing Company - Big new expansion doubles the size of the taproom and adds tons of seating - Breweries Near Me - Buckley, Washington

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Great people, great beer, always have a fantastic time whenever I can get there. I can't wait to get back

Beer is awesome brew tenders are great and the atmosphere is one that makes you feel welcomed and at home. Ask about the blends that are off menu for something different. read more

Down home type of brewery. The good ole boys who seem to be frequent fliers there are friendly. I like the carvings there and the counterman. I felt like a bit of a city boy when I asked for a flight. The answer that I received was: We don't do flights here. You want to taste the beer just tell me what you want to try. Tasting is free. We don't charge to taste. He pulls out a tiny beer mug shaped shot glass and said, what do you want to try first. I liked the attitude and most of the four beers I tried. I liked the IPA the best this time. read more

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Staff was super nice! Im not too much into bee but on the rec of a staff member at the weed store next-door , I settled on a lager that was smooth with just the right amount of sweetness . Ha type word " left" in the name ... Some regulars at the bar were pretty jovial and kept the mood lite . Tons of chainsaw carvings and local art- bright and airy . Big thumbs up, don't pass this place up! Definitely be back soon :) read more

I really liked this brewery! The beers are excellent. They'll give you a sample of any of the beers. I tasted the kilted elk which was very good. I ended up getting the blast zone. This beer is a spicy beer but it's not overly spicy. The first sip is spicy but it doesn't linger forever. Overall, an excellent beer. The interior has a lot of wood carvings for sale. Plus the view of Mt Rainier can't be beat! read more

Elk Head Brewing Company - Parking lot view. - Breweries Near Me - Buckley, Washington

Good beer, cozy interior,helpful beertender

All I have to say is Blast Zone! This amazing beer is brewed from five peppers. Jalapeño, habanero, poblano, Serrano and wax. If you can't take the heat stay out of the kitchen because this isn't for the weak! Some like it hot and that would be me! They have several other beers as well for those not brave enough. The beer tender was very patient walking us through our options and was kind enough to offer us samples to make sure we were pleased with our choices. My friends that I went with were very happy with their choices. I was really impressed that they also had a lot of beautiful hand carved wood furniture pieces for sale by a local artist that contributed to the charm. read more

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I love their beer and the atmosphere is great BUT I stopped by there last week for some brew to go and there were maybe 20 people there. No masks. No distancing. Wrong. read more

Delicious beer. Atmosphere is superb. I recommend the extra stout and the 50/50 IPA + Blastzone. You won't be disappointed.

The Elk Head is the most unique brewery in the Western Washington area. The staff is knowledgable and can tell you everything there is to know about every beer on tap. I drive to Buckley from Tacoma once a month to experience the beers at the Elk Head. I also have my friend bring me growlers on a regular basis. Their beers at better than anything made locally. The beers are strong and brewed with integrity. I have had beers made with habenaro peppers, rainier cherries, chantrell mushrooms, coffee, honey and stinging nettles. They do innovative things here! The Blast Zone is my favorite! It's brewed with a variety of spicy peppers that make it a flavor sensation. I have sampled everything they make regularly, but they have new beers in all the time and I can't make it out to try every one...I wish I could! There is no food here beyond pretzels and occasionally, they will throw out some sausage or pepperoni. I knew this place was good when I saw a man with one leg park his bike and literally hop in! That is dedication. I am a big fan of the bare bones seating area. Before the remodel, patrons would actually stand in amongst the brewery equipment. I wish more bars had the Elk Head line up on tap. The world would be a better place. read more

Mmmmm! What a wonderful little discovery this one was! Elk Head Brewing reminds me much of the beer that we would get in Colorado so naturally we fell in love with it! Steve and I had three of their beers on tap here the other day. We had their gold beer which goes down nice and smooth with a great flavor! They had more experimental beers as well which really made me happy! I got their Blast Zone beer which was a hot pepper beer. It had a wonderful body and would give you a nice burn in your throat in the end. Delicious! They had a really interesting seasonal spring beer called Sting Ya! The beer was brewed with mashed nettle plants which have a reputation for stinging you if you brush up against them but when boiled are edible and harmless. I found it cool that they cooked them and brewed them. Yes indeed, the beer does have a sting to it. You don't notice it right away while you are sipping it but the after taste has a awesome yet subtle little 'sting' to it. Really good and unique! The guys that work here are really nice and friendly and I am eager to try more of their beers that they have to offer! read more

Yeah, no place to eat, let alone sit down. Just some pretzels in a couple bowls that get knocked around the whole time. It is a unique place. It is the closest brewery to my house. Not exactly local, but I am happy it is there. I enjoy their barleywine; expect it to be a little pricier than everything else. It is strong and sweet and manly! Try drinking a growler of it. Beers are not that expensive in the place. They have a large selection. Try the spicey beer! And the free sampling is normal. Kegs and growlers to go as well. Don't expect hospitality. Enjoy the environment for what it is. Guys in Carharts and orange shirts with reflective material. It will not be long before they make enough money to move the operation and set up a brewpub. It seems unlikely when you talk with folks in there, but it will happen. Don't be scared, just walk in and order something. You should be happy to get a good pint anywhere out in the Buckley area. Really nice after some hiking at Rainier. The Carbon River entrance is about 40 minutes away. If you are anywhere near Bonney Lake, White River, Enumclaw for whatever reason it is worth the stop. You can see it from Hwy 410 as you near Bukley proper. Don't ask me how to find it. It is in a random garage near a stereo place. I don't want it to get crowded in there. read more

Awesome rich taste and flavor beer, authentic crowd. Drive in (same entrance as car wah)! Its worth it! read more

Elk Head Brewing Company - Beer is sold in fancy glass bottles - Breweries Near Me - Buckley, Washington

Great brews very cool carved furniture and art for sale. My favorite beer of all time is the whiteout ! I wish they had another location in Kent! All of their brews are crafted w love and fla-va ! read more

Elk Head Brewing Company - Over 3 growlers and the collection seems to continue to grow. So don't forget so you can fill up and being some yummy-ness home - Breweries Near Me - Buckley, Washington

The ambiance of this place....well let's just be honest, it has no ambiance. If I were rating on that it would be one star. But if I were rating on the quality and awesomeness of the beer - a total five star! This is located in a storage warehouse looking place. Big open door and you just walk right in. No frills; people don't go to this place for velvet curtains and candles they go here for the beer. And ohh the beer. I think my fav is the liberty cap IPA. Also on a hot day the citronic is really good (think lemon and orange citrus). They also have a few seasonals and a pepper beer (seriously, it's hot). You can grab a pint to drink there, do some free tasting or take some home to enjoy with a game. If you are a beer drinker I totally recommend stopping by and giving this place a try. read more

What a great place. It is a must go to if your in town. Beer is awesome and owner is super. Thanks for the great time and beer.

Great strong beer and cozy atmosphere. They have expanded their brew house from the first time I ever went. They have a remote taproom in Oceanshores and beer is amazing. read more

Went here just yesterday and it was absolutely worth the drive, even with the for no reason whatsoever traffic. I tried both the stout and the coconut beer and the coconut beer was hands down, the best beer I've had in a while. See my other reviews, I've been to a lot of breweries. Definitely try this place if you're in the area, or even if you aren't! read more

Came for the microbrew and was entertained by all the amazing crap on the wall! I really loved this place. Happened upon it on my way back from White River. The brews on tap are delicious and inexpensive. Loved the beer called "Passion" ( I think that was the name). The patrons were an awesomely eclectic bunch of people. I especially enjoyed the different pieces of wood-carved art that are for sale. Great place, can't wait to go back,,,won't go back alone though...who wants to go with me?? :-) read more

Superb beer and charming staff! Thanks for a great experience for a bunch of city-based out of towners.

Great beer and inside has lots of spaces to sit or stand and have a pint or two. I wish the beers were posted with some simple stats like style, IBU, etc. would have been easier to chose but everything i tried was great read more

Great beer!!!!! I'm not even a huge beer fan. But this beer is so goooooooood!!! I will be back!!! I got the stout. It was good. read more

So , most reviews are good on this place. But a few are bad. Sorry you had a bad experience . Yes this place closes at 7, and yes you bus your own table, but the beer is awesome and the people are good. Keep in mind that they have donated over $21,000 to the food bank in 2 years and this year is over $5000.00 Back Pack For Kids, so far this year (2018). Plus the food bank donation is still going. Don't expect a bar seen, but more of a (drinking in your buddies garage seen). Best place I have ever been. If you have had a bad experience please give it another try. You won't regret it. read more

Great place. Service is good with lots of choices of beer. You can drink there or take home growlers. I only wish they would stay open longer. read more

Went for the first time yesterday after work. Great beer, great bartender,great atmosphere. We were having a great time and the place was packed when a rather rude little man with an Arrow Lumber shirt on kicked everyone out of the back room at 7PM. Yes 7PM. Unbelievable. Funny how a great first impression of a place can be ruined in a couple minutes. read more

Based in an industrial park that looks more like a storage unit this the definition of a cottage industry. However they produce a quality product that rivals any of the larger micro breweries. I've had there amber and IPA and both are excellent. They look like there's 10 different makes on tap. It's a bit more expensive then going to the store, at $10 for a half gallon, with a $6 purchase of a refillable jug, but you get a great beer. Overall would highly recommend stopping in on your way back from Crystal Mtn. read more

Give me Blast Zone. Best drinkable Hot Pepper infused beer. Nearly as good as ElkHead's Black Fire. A real hot treat.

LOVE this place!! Been coming to Elk Head for years now and am never disappointed! Staff is great and friendly. Very knowledgeable. Highly recommend it to anyone who likes good beer! Bring all your friends! read more

I guess I wasn't quite expecting what I found. When I read about this place on google, I pictured a place where you could come in, get a beer, sit down and maybe get some food. Boy howdy, was I wrong. We missed the brewery on our first pass because of this little miscalculation. Where is Elk Head located? At the end of a huge shed-type building. The brewery is in a large garage, while the bar in right next to it. No frills here folks. Decor aside, this place is pretty awesome. The bartender was letting me sample everything for free (not sure if thats a normal thing) since I was getting a growler (1/2 gallon jug) The imperial stout is pretty good, it has lots of flavors going on, and is quite alcoholic (11%) The regular stout is pretty good too, but doesn't have as much going on flavor-wise. So, if you're up for a drive to the boonies (sorry Buckley) and like beer, this place is worth a stop. read more

Immediately was greeted at the door with friendliness and BEER SAMPLES! W hat a cool place. From cool wood carvings to local wall art and ofcourse, awesome beer, this place has it all. What a find in Buckley! Damn, might now become a regular! Thank you Elk Heads! read more

Visited this place twice and both times was treated like a regular even though I was the new guy. Impressive beer and the art décor is always gives you something to chat about while drinking some great beers! read more

Neat spot! The staff were very friendly. I tried a few different beers and each on was pleasant. I would love to try their ghost pepper beer, however they were out when we were there. It is a bit of a drive to BFE, so I'm not certain we will make this a regular spot, however the beer was tasty! If you like spicy try the blast zone, you won't be disappointed! read more

Best beer for miles! Great staff and atmosphere. Highly recommend all beers and also always have interesting seasonal brews available.

I didn't realize how big the establishment was until I stepped foot inside it. The bartender was super nice and very patient with me (because I've never been). They offer samples, just in case. They don't serve food, so keep that in mind if you plan on being there for a while read more

Awesome Beer Here! The place is a hidden gem and these guys really know what they are doing when it comes to brewing. The guys pouring the beer are great as well - very friendly. I took one star away because the place is definitely a local hangout and you will receive some stares coming in here if you aren't a regular, but once you throw a couple back it doesn't matter anymore. read more

Best beer I have found, I can't get enough of it. The Chili Pepper beer, Blast Zone is a must try.