Coquitlam may be known for its hiking trails, community spirit, and mountain views—but there’s a growing buzz around its craft beer scene, too. Over the past few years, the city has tapped into the Lower Mainland’s love for local brews, and while it’s not as packed as East Van or Port Moody’s Brewery Row, Coquitlam holds its own with character, quality, and creativity.
Whether you’re a long-time local, new to the area, or just visiting and looking for a pint, here’s everything you need to know about Coquitlam’s brewery and craft beer scene.
Mariner Brewing: Coquitlam’s First Craft Brewery
If there’s one spot that truly kickstarted the craft beer scene in Coquitlam, it’s Mariner Brewing. Since opening in 2017, Mariner has grown from a local curiosity to a beloved staple in the city’s social and craft beer culture. As the first craft brewery to open within Coquitlam’s city limits, it set the tone for what’s possible when local passion meets creativity in brewing.
Located just off Barnet Highway, Mariner’s modern taproom has become a gathering place for everyone from after-work professionals to weekend explorers and craft beer lovers. Inside, the vibe is casual and welcoming—think clean wood finishes, cozy seating, and a large bar where friendly staff are always happy to walk you through the tap list.
Speaking of the tap list—it’s constantly evolving. You’ll find everything from juicy hazy IPAs and crisp pilsners to inventive kettle sours, coffee stouts, and fruit-forward seasonal brews. They’ve brewed with everything from lychee and yuzu to vanilla bean and cacao nibs. For those who like something a little different, this is the place to be.
Mariner also leans into community. Expect trivia nights, board games, and live music on select weekends. In warmer months, the patio becomes a go-to hangout, often paired with a rotating schedule of food trucks featuring tacos, poutine, fried chicken, or plant-based bites.
🛎️ What to try: The Northeast IPA is a fan-favourite for good reason—bold, hoppy, and balanced. Their Peach Sour and Juicy Pale Ale are also standouts when available.
Smuggler’s Trail Caskworks: Honour, Flavour, and Good Times
While not technically located in Coquitlam, Smuggler’s Trail Caskworks has earned an honourable mention for its growing presence in the Tri-Cities and its regular appearance on local taps. Based in nearby Langley, this brewery has strong ties to the Coquitlam scene and a loyal following among locals who know good beer when they taste it.
Smuggler’s Trail brings a different flavour to the table—quite literally. Their branding is rooted in BC’s rugged history of hidden trade routes and smuggling trails, and their brews reflect that spirit of craftsmanship. They focus on well-executed traditional styles: English ales, crisp lagers, and smooth pale ales made with care and consistency.
You can often find Smuggler’s Trail beers at top Coquitlam pubs like The John B, Browns Socialhouse, and Woody’s. Even if you don’t visit their brewery in Langley, you’re still part of their story when you enjoy one of their pours around town.
🍺 Go-to pint: Their Flagship Pale Ale is smooth, sessionable, and perfect for patio weather—or any weather, really.
Local Pubs with Serious Craft Beer Cred
Coquitlam may not be packed with breweries, but its pub and restaurant scene makes up for it with stellar rotating taps, exclusive collabs, and BC-wide selections that keep beer lovers coming back. These venues have become the heartbeat of Coquitlam’s craft beer scene, acting as the bridge between local drinkers and the province’s best brewers.
The John B Neighbourhood Pub
Let’s be honest—if you’re into craft beer and you’re in Coquitlam, you’ve probably heard of (or been to) The John B. This place is a legend. With over 80 beers on tap, including local brews, rotating seasonal specials, and rare finds from across the province, it’s a paradise for beer enthusiasts. They even have dedicated taps for IPAs, ciders, and nitro pours. Add in live music, theme nights, and sports on big screens—it’s a whole scene.
🍻 Insider tip: Ask the bartenders what’s new. They’ll often recommend a seasonal or limited-run beer you might not find elsewhere.
Browns Socialhouse – Town Centre
Stylish, modern, and always buzzing, Browns Socialhouse near Coquitlam Centre offers a smaller tap list, but it’s well-curated. You’ll find Lower Mainland craft favourites like Parallel 49, Four Winds, and Smuggler’s Trail. It’s a great place for a casual date night or a pre-movie pint if you’re heading to Cineplex VIP next door.
🌮 Pair it with: Their spicy tuna sushi stack or blackened chicken fettuccine.
Woody’s Pub on Brunette
Laid-back and totally unpretentious, Woody’s is a long-standing favourite among locals. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows your name, or at least the bartender will after your second visit. They always have a few rotating BC craft taps alongside your classic favourites, and their daily specials make it a budget-friendly night out.
🎯 Bonus: Pool tables, darts, and a cozy patio in the summer.
The Taphouse Coquitlam
If you’re looking for energy, crowd, and selection—The Taphouse brings it. Known for its vibrant nightlife, this spot mixes a solid craft beer list with upbeat music, DJs on weekends, and all-around good vibes. Their rotating craft taps often include beers from Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, and North Shore brewers, offering something new every visit.
🕺 Weekend tip: Come early or expect a wait. It fills up fast on Friday and Saturday nights.
Even More Craft at Coquitlam Centre
Believe it or not, even chain restaurants at Coquitlam Centre are stepping up their beer game. Places like Cactus Club Café, Milestones, and Earls now feature seasonal BC craft beers on tap or in cans. While they’re not full beer bars, they make it easier for casual diners to explore local breweries without straying too far from the shops. are catching on, often offering seasonal collaborations or local taps alongside big-name lagers.
Craft Beer Events & Tastings
While Coquitlam doesn’t host a brewery crawl quite yet, it’s still home to a growing number of craft beer-focused events:
- Mariner Brewing Events – Keep an eye on their socials for tasting nights, live music, and food truck fests.
- Port Moody’s Brewery Row events – Just a 10-minute drive away, this is the perfect overflow scene when you want more variety in one night.
- Coquitlam Beer Festival (Coming Soon?) – With growing demand, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a full-scale local beer fest hit Town Centre Park in the near future.
Looking for a great local brewery? Explore Coquitlam’s craft beer scene here.
What Makes Coquitlam’s Beer Scene Unique?
It’s not trying to compete—it’s doing its own thing. Coquitlam’s beer culture is casual, community-focused, and more about flavour than hype. While other cities may chase trends, the brewers and bars here prioritize drinkability, comfort, and a welcoming vibe.
Pair that with the city’s beautiful surroundings, and you’ve got the recipe for a laid-back pint after a hike, a post-soccer team outing, or a Friday night hangout with friends.
Where to Live Near the Beer Scene
If being close to your favourite brewery (or pub) sounds like a lifestyle win, you’re in luck. Many Coquitlam neighbourhoods offer easy access to local hangouts, transit, and green space. Areas like Burke Mountain, Town Centre, and Austin Heights are popular with young professionals and craft beer fans alike.
Want to see what’s on the market nearby? Use our nteractive Coquitlam listings page to browse homes by location, price, and lifestyle fit.
New to the Area or Buying Your First Home?
Thinking about making Coquitlam home? Whether you love the city’s craft beer scene, scenic parks, or family-friendly neighbourhoods, finding the right place to live is key. From modern condos in Coquitlam Town Centre to spacious homes in Burke Mountain, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re ready to explore available properties, browse the latest Coquitlam listings to find a home that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Final Pour
Coquitlam’s brewery and craft beer scene may be small—but it’s mighty. With standout spots like Mariner Brewing, a growing number of craft-savvy pubs, and easy access to neighbouring beer hubs, there’s plenty here to explore one pint at a time.
Whether you’re a hop-head, a lager lover, or just want a chill place to grab a drink after work, Coquitlam’s got you covered.
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