Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » Cloudburst On Shilshole – Seattle
Cloudburst On Shilshole - Seattle
Photo from Cloudburst On Shilshole
Cloudburst On Shilshole at a glance
Seattle Ballard
- 🍺 Beer Garden
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 23 of the guests
#530 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#1 Beer Garden out of 1 in Seattle
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
243
Reviews
73.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Craft beer
- Food truck
- Outdoor seating
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- No samples
- High prices
The beer garden Cloudburst On Shilshole in Seattle’s vibrant Ballard neighborhood offers you a truly refreshing experience. You’ll discover a fantastic spot to unwind, known especially for its great beer selection.
Whether you’re looking for a casual evening out or a trendy gathering place, this is where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks in a welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect setting for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner.
Overview: Introducting Cloudburst On Shilshole
Cloudburst offers a compelling experience, particularly for those who appreciate well-crafted brews and a relaxed setting. Many patrons highlight the truly excellent beer and the diverse offerings from the resident food truck, which even includes delicious vegan options.
The comfortable outdoor spaces are also a significant draw. However, some visits have been marred by an unwelcoming attitude from staff and concerns over pricing, especially regarding the payment tablet‘s default tip.
While the quality of the main offerings shines, these aspects can detract from the overall enjoyment.
Good
7.2
out of 10
243
Reviews
73.7%
Satisfaction
53
negative
11
neutral
179
positive
Cloudburst maintains a solid overall standing with a Restaurant Score of 7.2, indicating a good experience for many, and a Customer Satisfaction of 73.7%, which also falls into the good range. This suggests that while there are areas for improvement, most visitors leave content.
These figures are drawn from 243 customer comments, with 179 positive remarks outweighing 53 negative ones. The standout aspect is clearly the Food (8.3), particularly the beer and food truck fare.
The Ambience (7.4) also scores well, praised for its comfortable and dog-friendly outdoor areas. However, Service (4.2) and Value (4.4) present more of a mixed picture, suggesting these are areas where the experience can be inconsistent for some guests.
What people like
- Exceptional craft beer
- Great food truck
- Comfortable outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Unwelcoming service attitude
- No beer samples
- High prices, forced tip
If you prioritize exceptional beer and a pleasant outdoor atmosphere, Cloudburst is certainly worth considering. The quality of their brews and the convenience of the on-site food truck make for a strong offering, especially if you know what you want and are prepared for the pricing structure.
However, if attentive service or budget-friendliness are high on your list, you might find the experience less consistent. With a Recommendation Score of 7.3, it’s a place that many enjoy, but it’s best approached with an understanding of its particular strengths and potential quirks.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cloudburst On Shilshole
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
Get ready to dig in, because the food here is a definite highlight! With a good score of 8.3 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 87.6%, its clear that most diners are raving. Out of 121 comments, 106 highlight the amazing food, delicious food truck, and specific delights like Dan Dan noodles and vegan options.
However, not every bite is perfect. While only 10 out of 121 comments were negative, some mentioned the food truck occasionally being below average or long wait times. There was also a specific note about the Mapo Tofu' not being vegan, which could be a concern for some.
Food
121
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
10
negative
5
neutral
106
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing food
- Delicious food truck
- Great vegan options
What people don't like
- Food truck inconsistent
- Long wait times
- Mapo Tofu not vegan
Often praised
- beerMy experience at Cloudburst was fantastic! I enjoyed the great covered patio, which was complemented by even better beer. Cloudburst is undoubtedly one of Seattle’s best breweries, and this location is perfectly situated right in the heart of Ballard.
- food truckthe food truck they have in residence might be the best in Seattle!
- beersThe beers are exceptional
- foodMy experience at the Plenty of Clouds Szechuanese food truck was fantastic. I enjoyed their great brews and great food. They offer delicious vegan options, which is a big plus.
- IPAsIf I was grading this on beer alone it would be an easy 5 stars. Some of the best IPAs you can get anywhere. However, it comes at a cost.
- Dan Dan noodlesTry the Dan Dan noodles; they're my favorite
- beer selectionMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed with the excellent beer selection and the availability of both indoor and outdoor seating. The food from the Clouds food truck was amazing.
- breweryI enjoyed the great covered patio, which was complemented by even better beer. Cloudburst is undoubtedly one of Seattle’s best breweries, and this location is perfectly situated right in the heart of Ballard.
- hazy IPAsbest hazy IPAs in all of Seattle
- 5.2 ABVand the 5.2 ABV
Frequently criticized
- beerBeer was so so, nothing like the cloudburst
- foodit took over an hour (not exaggerating) for it to be ready
- Mapo Tofuthe Mapo Tofu here is not vegan
- beersThe beers I've had have been just okay at best
- food truckA small sip beforehand could solve a lot of that. The food truck was also really below average, which didn't help the overall experience. Overall, if you know what beer you want and you’re not too hungry, I would recommend it!
- selection of beerslacking in their selection of beers for the season
- tasteThey fall flat in taste very quickly
Overall, the food is a major draw here, with most people loving the variety and quality, especially from the food truck. If youre looking for tasty and often unique options, youll likely be very happy. Just be mindful of potential wait times or specific dietary needs for certain dishes.
Service (4.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
When it comes to service, there are definitely some shining moments! Many guests have highlighted the friendly and helpful staff, with specific praise for the owner and teams welcoming demeanor. Some even appreciated the staffs knowledge, making for an awesome experience, as noted in 14 positive remarks.
However, the overall picture is a bit mixed, with a score of 4.2 and customer satisfaction at a low 31.1%. A significant 30 out of 45 comments point to issues like an unwelcoming attitude, rude bartenders, and a perceived arrogance from servers, often tied to their strict no-samples policy, which left many feeling disappointed.
Service
45
Reviews
31%
Satisfaction
30
negative
1
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Knowledgeable service
What people don't like
- Unwelcoming staff attitude
- Rude, arrogant servers
- No samples policy
Often praised
- servicethe service was great
- staffMy experience involved grabbing a quick brew at the bar. The beers were good and the staff was friendly. There was quite a bit of seating available both inside and outside.
- ServiceService:5
- StaffStaff is always v helpful and friendly
- Steve and teamSteve and team are the best in the area
- customer serviceCustomer service was great
- knowledgeappreciated the knowledge to help me
- ownerthe workers and the owner were sooo nice and friendly
- peoplethe people are friendly
- workersthe workers and the owner were sooo nice and friendly
Frequently criticized
- serviceOn my three visits to Cloudburst, I have left disappointed. Not by the beer (which is always excellent), but by very poor service. Every time I have been there, I feel a sense of arrogance from the servers who do not have the friendly welcoming attitude that I have come to expect from a brewery.
- staffThe staff acted as if providing basic customer service was an inconvenience
- bartendersThey did not seem certified in anything and were absolutely not there to help
- tastersthey do not allow tasters of their beer
- attitudeCloudburst does not sell flights or give tasters of their beers, which although very rare, is their right to do so. What I am troubled by though, is the condescending manner in which the servers treat their customers; as if they don’t even really want us there. I have experienced this same attitude every time I have been there by multiple bartenders.
- business practicesshown me what kind of business they choose to run
- entitled clerkentitled clerk flips the tablet around, hovering over the device
- free beerWhen I asked for samples of the two I was undecided on, I was told they don’t give samples. Upon asking why, the response was, “we don’t give away free beer. ” This was a first for me at any brewery, so I walked out and went elsewhere.
- free samplesrefusal to provide free samples feels particularly unreasonable
- owner conductHow you decide to conduct yourself now, is true sign of who you are as an owner
If you're hoping for consistently friendly and knowledgeable staff, you might find it hit-or-miss here. While some praise the team, be prepared for the possibility of unwelcoming attitudes or a strict no-samples policy that has left many feeling disappointed.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
The ambience here is definitely a highlight, scoring a good 7.4 and boasting a good 80.6% customer satisfaction. With 58 positive remarks out of 72 total, guests rave about the dog friendly atmosphere, outdoor beer garden, and covered patio. Many appreciate the chill spot and great vibes with ample indoor and outdoor seating, making it feel spacious and inviting.
However, not everyone is completely thrilled, with 10 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. Some wished for smaller tables and more general seating, while a few found the overall atmosphere less than ideal, particularly noting issues with lighting inside and feeling unwelcomed as families.
Ambience
72
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
10
negative
4
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Dog-friendly environment
- Outdoor seating options
- Chill, inviting vibe
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Unwelcoming for families
- Indoor lighting issues
Often praised
- atmospherewith a very comfortable atmosphere
- covered patioGreat covered patio with even better beer
- dog friendlythey are also dog friendly
- locationthis location is right in the heart of Ballard
- outdoor areaOutdoor area is covered from rain
- outdoor beer gardensitting outside in the outdoor (partially shaded) beer garden
- outdoor seatingthe small outdoor seating has a quirky and cute vibe
- seatingQuite a bit of seating inside and outside
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Cloudburst locationGreat to see another Cloudburst location
Frequently criticized
- atmospherenot good enough at atmosphere
- seatingYou won't find as much seating as some other breweries
- claim to excellenceWhat felt particularly unreasonable was their refusal to provide free samples, especially in a market where a "try-before-you-buy" approach is standard and customer-friendly. While I understand a business model focused on quality and ensuring every purchase counts, the lack of sampling undermines their claim to excellence. It's difficult to confidently invest in their offerings without a taste of what sets them apart.
- experiencethe entire experience was extremely disappointing
- familiesAs others have said, the staff was unwelcoming and made our family feel uncomfortable. I understand the bartender was a younger girl who likely doesn’t have children, but she certainly made it clear families are not welcome here. Unfortunate.
- lighting insideSlightly too bright inside for me personally
- smaller tablesCould use more smaller tables though
- temperatureit was approximately the same temperature inside as it was outside
If you're looking for a relaxed, dog-friendly spot with great outdoor options and a lively atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that seating can be limited, and families might find the welcome a bit chilly, so plan accordingly.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 6% of the guests
When it comes to value, some guests found a silver lining, especially with the price of their drinks. One person specifically praised the very good beer offered at a reasonable cost, enjoying it in a nicely shaded outdoor spot. However, with a score of just 4.4 and customer satisfaction at a low 20%, it seems this positive sentiment is a rare find among the 5 opinions.
On the flip side, the value proposition takes a hit with several concerns. Many were put off by an obnoxious payment tablet that automatically suggested a default 20% tip on all purchases. Plus, the to-go beers were deemed super expensive, leaving a sour taste for three out of five reviewers.
Value
5
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable beer price
What people don't like
- Obnoxious payment tablet
- Default 20% tip
- Expensive to-go beers
Often praised
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was positive, particularly regarding the beer, which was very good and offered at a reasonable price. I also enjoyed the nicely shaded outdoor sitting.
Frequently criticized
- default 20% tipdefault 20% tip on all purchases
- payment tabletobnoxious payment tablet with a default 20% tip
- to-go beersThe to-go beers are super expensive
If you're heading here, be mindful of the pricing, especially for to-go items and the automatic tip. While some find the beer reasonably priced, the overall value is a mixed bag with significant drawbacks. It might be worth a visit for a casual drink, but be prepared for potential sticker shock elsewhere.
How are the prices at Cloudburst On Shilshole?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 23 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Beer Garden, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 21, we see a good mix in what people spend. Many guests actually spend less, often in the $11–$20 range, but there are also some who go for more premium options, spreading the prices out quite a bit.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 23 reviews.
How this Beer Garden’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Beer Garden in Seattle. You can definitely find good value here, whether you’re looking for a quick, affordable bite or something a bit more substantial.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cloudburst On Shilshole
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Service, Amazing Food Truck
My experience at this restaurant was unfortunately very disappointing. The woman working behind the bar was incredibly rude, which created an uncomfortable atmosphere. The staff acted as if providing basic customer service was an inconvenience, and made not only myself but other customers feel as if they were not welcome.
This was a significant disappointment because the food truck at the entrance is amazing. Between the poor service and the unfriendly staff, I personally would not recommend this place. There are plenty of other spots that actually value their customers.
- food truck5
- woman behind bar1
- staff1
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Unwelcoming Staff Made Family Feel Uncomfortable
As others have said, the staff was unwelcoming and made our family feel uncomfortable. I understand the bartender was a younger girl who likely doesn’t have children, but she certainly made it clear families are not welcome here. Unfortunate.
- staff2
- families2
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Experience, Poor Service
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time here. The beer was just okay, a far cry from the quality I remember from Cloudburst five years ago.
The staff were absolute jerks and seemed to lack any real knowledge about beer. We had high hopes, as Cloudburst was our favorite brewery when we lived in Belltown, but the entire experience was a letdown. They also don't offer tasters or samples.
Their website claims, "Hey redditors – stop writing negative reviews because you read online that we don’t give free samples. Instead, how about actually coming in and talking with our amazing Cicerone-certified bartenders. They are here to help.
" I believe they need new staff if this is how they justify not providing free samples. The staff did not appear certified in anything and were certainly not there to help.
- beer4
- staff1
- staff knowledge2
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Rude Service, Mediocre Beer
My experience at this restaurant was marked by rude bartenders with incredibly entitled attitudes and mediocre beer. The service was terrible, and this has been consistent over several visits, with the last one being the final straw. A staff member answered my questions about IPAs as if I were the most annoying person, despite me being a local who just wanted a nice night out.
For a fun brewery with a food truck in Ballard, I'd recommend Reuben's. For a good local craft IPA, try Stoup. If you want to be treated like a person, consider Slim Goodies or Rough and Tumble.
- IPAs5
- bartenders1
- beer4
- service1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Immaculate Vibes and Delicious Pork Ramen
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The vibes were immaculate, complemented by awesome music and great people. The service was top-notch, earning a perfect score.
I also enjoyed the beers. A standout was the pork ramen from the adjoining establishment, which was so, so good. The food overall received a perfect score, and the atmosphere was equally impressive.
- vibes10
- music9
- people9
What Cloudburst On Shilshole offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Late-night food
- Vegan options
- Food
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Cloudburst On Shilshole accessible and family-friendly?
Yes, you’ll find Cloudburst On Shilshole to be fully accessible with a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. It’s also a great spot for families, offering amenities like changing tables and a welcoming environment for kids.
What kind of food and drinks can you expect at Cloudburst On Shilshole, and what's the vibe like?
At Cloudburst On Shilshole, you can enjoy a great beer selection and other alcohol. They serve food, including small plates, late-night bites, and both vegan and vegetarian options. The atmosphere is casual and trendy, perfect for a relaxed dine-in experience or outdoor seating.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Cloudburst?
Cloudburst generally receives good feedback, with a Restaurant Score of 7.2 and Customer Satisfaction at 73.7%. The Food (8.3) and Ambience (7.4) are highly rated, though Service (4.2) and Value (4.4) are more average.
Does Cloudburst offer good beer and food options?
Yes, Cloudburst is highly praised for its exceptional beer, including IPAs and hazy IPAs. Many customers also enjoy the on-site food truck, which offers great food and even delicious vegan options like Dan Dan noodles.
What are some common concerns about visiting Cloudburst?
Some customers have noted issues with service, describing staff as unwelcoming or having an attitude. There are also concerns about value, particularly the high prices for to-go beers and the default 20% tip on the payment tablet, along with a policy of not offering beer samples.