MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Decade-old Capitol Hill brewery closing permanently

Sep 16, 2025, 5:34 PM | Updated: Sep 17, 2025, 5:55 pm

Capitol Hill brewery closing...

A Brewer samples a new batch of beer during brewing. (Photo: Sean Gallup, Getty Images)

(Photo: Sean Gallup, Getty Images)

Outer Planet Brewing announced its permanent closure is set for Saturday, and that it will host a party for its final day of service, the company stated.

The decade-old brewing company previously announced in February that its lease would expire at the end of September, and spent six months searching for new ownership.

“It’s hardly viable to run a craft brewery when the costs are what they are on the Hill,” co-owner Gabriel Villenave told Capitol Hill Seattle Blog. “Smaller breweries closing, consolidation of larger breweries taking over.”

Capitol Hill brewery debated alternatives ahead of closure

Villenave indicated that the company searched for other options that would avoid a complete closure; however, hopes to keep Outer Planet Brewing alive began to run dry.

“We were trying to pass the torch after 10 years, trying to put the word out and got it listed with a broker,” Villenave told Capitol Hill Seattle Blog. “We talked with potentially interested people. Ultimately, no one was serious. Honestly, we didn’t really know. We think there is definitely potential there to keep it going or take it to the next level.”

Outer Planet Brewing will sell off the last of its beer inventory before its closure on Saturday. The company’s machinery will also be sold and moved from the location, with the goal of it being viable at another brewery.

A final trivia night will be held on Wednesday at 7 p.m. inside Unit 100 at 1812 12th Ave., followed by a closing party on Saturday, and lastly hosting a garage sale on Sept. 27, encouraging others to “buy our stuff.”

Outer Planet Brewing is open for service Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“It’s bittersweet and mixed feelings,” Villenave told Capitol Hill Seattle Blog. “We were ready to move on, so that’s happening. It’s not the preferred way of unwinding things. The hardest part is really the community space aspect of it. Over that decade, we really built something. Ultimately, we’re leaving on high spirits.”

Outer Planet Brewing’s closure marks the second Capitol Hill brewery to close this year, with Redhook Ale Brewery previously closing in June.

Follow Jason Sutich on X. Send news tips here.

MyNorthwest News

Saldaña King County...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Rebecca Saldaña remains far ahead of Toshiko Hasegawa in King County Council race

Rebecca Saldaña holds a 21-point lead in the race for King County Council District 2, with 60% of votes counted in initial results Tuesday.

5 hours ago

Kim Schrier...

MyNorthwest Staff

Kim Schrier maintains early advantage over Spencer Meline in WA-8 race

Democratic incumbent Kim Schrier is ahead of Republican Spencer Meline in initial election results for Washington’s 8th Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

6 hours ago

adam smith doug basler sawant...

Frank Sumrall

Adam Smith keeps commanding lead over Doug Basler in WA-9 results

Democratic incumbent Adam Smith holds a commanding lead over Republican challenger Doug Basler in initial results for Washington’s 9th Congressional District.

6 hours ago

mckinney duresky Congressional District 4...

Frank Sumrall

Trump-endorsed McKinney continues to lead Duresky in WA District 4 to replace Newhouse

Republican Amanda McKinney leads Democrat John Duresky in initial results for Washington’s 4th Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

6 hours ago

Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez john braun primary...

Frank Sumrall

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez’s lead over John Braun barely budges in updated District 3 results

Democratic incumbent Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez leads Republican challenger John Braun in initial results for Washington’s 3rd Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

6 hours ago

I-001 parents bill of rights...

Frank Sumrall

Parents’ bill of rights initiative I-001 still trails in early returns

Initial results show Initiative 001 narrowly trailing, with 52.77% of votes counted opposed and 47.23% in favor. The measure seeks to restore the original 2024 parents’ bill of rights by undoing changes made by the Washington Legislature last year.

6 hours ago

Decade-old Capitol Hill brewery closing permanently