Just the Tap: Engineer-Founded Beer Experience in Belltown.
The perfect Seattle group hangout: Handcrafted Self Pour Beer Wall. Glow in the Dark Swing Room. Pinball, movies, Board Games, Dessert Pizzas and more.
Tucked away in Belltown, Just the Tap is a cozy, all-ages, and pet-friendly beer bar serving up unique pizza by the slice alongside a self-pour tap wall featuring 24 local brews. But behind this one-of-a-kind spot is a story of innovation.
The founders’ story
Owners Aaron and Travis first met in 2016 while working at an aerospace company, dreaming of leaving corporate life to build high-tech escape rooms.
After a year of research and travel, the pandemic forced them to pivot - but their passion for tech and problem-solving remained. Instead of escape rooms, they engineered their own self-pour tap system.
What makes this small-business special?
Just the Tap is no ordinary brewery. Neon & black lit rooms, silent disco parties, dessert pizzas, and Cinnamon ciders are just a few things that make this spot worth visitng.
The Self-Pour Tap Wall with 24 different local taps.
Let's start off with the most important part - they have a huge variety of local taps!
At the counter, you can grab a key fob and make your way to the wooden tap wall. Hang the key fob on any beer you fancy and refill as often as you’d like. You can mix and match different flavors together - our tip: mix the Vanilla Bean Cider from Locust Cider and the Cinnabear Cinnamon Cider from Slightly Furry.
Four Uniquely Themed Rooms
The immersive experience at Just the Tap extends beyond their self-pour taps into five distinctly themed rooms that elevate any visit.
The Glow in the Dark Swing Room (rooms 1 & 3) offers a fun atmosphere where guests can gently swaying on illuminated swings - creating Instagram-worthy moments with every visit.
The Pinball Room (2) features a curated collection of classic and modern pinball machines that pair perfectly with pizza and IPAs.
Movie enthusiasts will naturally gravitate toward the dedicated Movie Room (room 4), where films are projected in a comfortable setting.
In the Glow in the Dark Activity Room (room 5), you can challenge friends to luminous versions of popular games while sampling from the 24 rotating taps. Each uniquely designed space contributes to the brewery's reputation as Belltown's most entertaining beer destination.
You certainly won’t get bored here!
Tasty pizzas - savory and sweet!
At Just the Tap, the pizza isn't an afterthought. There are plenty of options designed to complement their extensive tap selection.
With fun and interesting combinations like Salmon Pesto which pairs with crisp pilsners, Pork Carnitas that enhances amber ales and their newest, Rosemary Potato Chip which compliments a fresh pale ale.
If you’re on the traditional side, they have the classics Hawaiian and Pepperoni to satisfy without compromising quality.
They even have their Sweetzzas menu for those craving a treat, with Churro and Almond Joy always satisfying our sweet tooth. You’ll be able to find the perfect slice to enhance the beer of your choice!
Ever-changing events: From Movie nights to Karaoke
Just The Tap is not only a great spot to hang out, but you can participate in their weekly events like trivia, game nights, movie nights, karaoke, pinball and beer pong tournaments, silent discos, and more.
With a heavy community focused approach, Aaron and Travis are not only open to new ideas and feedback, but love when customers share new ways to celebrate and utilize the space!
Ask The Founders
We sat down with Aaron to discuss the founders vision for Just the Tap's future and what excites them most about the unique space they've created. Here's what the founders shared.
What’s your favorite thing about Just the Tap?
“A few months after we opened I was talking to a man and his 5 year old daughter about JTT and how they found us. The little girl had just finished her slice and asked us if she could give me a hug because it's the best pizza she ever had. OMG it melted my heart!
Everytime someone comes in here and tells me how awesome it is to find such a unique and fun place to hang I swell with pride.”
What does the future hold for JTT?
“I'd like to open a few more JTT's with more art, more activities, more beer and more community gathering. We’re currently in the process of exploring interactive projects we can do in, so watch this space!
We’re also looking to develop the beer technology - the aim is to eventually start selling to other venues in the self-pour tech market.”
How do you and travis work together as co-founders?
"We're both engineers with similar problem-solving approaches, but our personalities balance perfectly - I'm the high-energy idea guy with ADHD, while Travis provides focus and steadiness. We joke that I'm the 'GO' and he's the 'NO' guy!
Our beer preferences are completely different, which ensures diverse options on tap. We work together seamlessly on physical projects, often without needing to speak. Most importantly, our friendship and mutual respect help us navigate disagreements while remembering why we started Just the Tap in the first place."
Plan Your visit
Make sure to follow Just the Tap on socials to see what fun events they’re cooking up next.
Just the Tap Website, Instagram, Directions.
