Welcome to Beervana

Portland Craft Breweries
Additional Craft Beer Outlets
Craft Beer Retailers
A Sampling of Regional Craft Brewers & Distillers

In the mid-1980s, when the city of Portland first became awash in handcrafted beer, jaded outsiders attributed the growing phenomenon to Oregon’s legendary rainfall. Rain is also the reason cited for the abundance of bookstores and coffee shops in Portland. The idea was that Portlanders, restricted in their choice of activities by the occasional liquid sunshine (it’s really quite refreshing), were forced to (a) read voraciously, (b) drink relentlessly, or (c) do both at once. The fact that about 10 percent of Portland’s beer sales were from draft beer — three times the national average — was held up as proof that Portlanders especially took shelter from the rain in pubs. Truth be told, the average Portlander reads more, sips more coffee and drinks more beer more than the residents of any other city — no matter what the weather. Rain or shine, Portland is the beer capital of the world, with 32 breweries in the city limits — 38 if you consider the entire metro area. That’s more than any other city on earth.

Looking back, it seems perfectly natural that Portlanders would take to craft beer. After all, this region is blessed with the best ingredients that are needed to make beer. Fourteen varieties of hops are grown in the Willamette Valley, which makes brewing “fresh hops” beer (made from hops picked within the previous 24 hours) a piece of cake for local brewmasters.

Two-row barley, so called because of the number of rows on each grain, is grown here as well. Softer and sweeter than the more traditional six-row barley, it is the preferred grain for quality craft beer. As for water, an essential ingredient of beer, local brewers use nothing but the best. It’s pure glacial water from the slopes of Mount Hood that flows throughout Portland with just a flick of the faucet.

Add to these natural resources locals’ dedication to the DIY ethic and Oregon’s progressive legislature, which legalized brewpubs in 1983, and it’s no surprise that Portland is fondly referred to as “Beervana.”

 

Portland Craft Breweries

For breweries and brew pubs with more than one location, the flagship or headquarters location is listed first.

Alameda Brewing Company
Beaumont-Wilshire/Northeast Portland
4765 N.E. Fremont St., Portland, Ore.
www.alamedabrewhouse.com

Brewing takes place in three stainless-steel tanks located just behind the curved white-maple bar. Head brewer John Eaton, a 1997 graduate of UC Davis’ Master Brewers program, makes a variety of ales, many named after the Beaumont neighborhood’s streets and parks. Klickitat Pale Ale (whose moniker comes from nearby Klickitat Street) is the best seller; Black Bear XX Stout wins all the medals. The beer list features suggested food pairings from the pub’s sophisticated menu.

Amnesia Brewing Company
North Mississippi
832 N. Beech St., Portland, Ore.
503.281.7708 (no website)

Amnesia sits in the hip little neighborhood along North Mississippi Avenue. The facility’s friendly, unassuming feel emanates from the casual picnic tables spread across the concrete floor of this warehouse turned brewpub. Owners Kevin King and Kristina Heartman opened the brewery in 2004, serving Dusty Trail Pale, Desolation IPA, Amnesia Brown, Wonka Porter and Precious Pils. The pub menu isn’t huge, but does include yummy burgers and sausages prepared on an outdoor grill.

BridgePort Brewpub + Bakery
Pearl District
1313 N.W. Marshall St., Portland, Ore.
www.bridgeportbrew.com

This granddaddy of craft breweries, operating longer than any other in Oregon, underwent a facelift in 2005. Reopening in 2006 with an on-site bakery and espresso bar, an atrium, and a two-story main bar with five stainless-steel 300-gallon serving tanks, this Portland landmark continues to draw crowds. Originally opened in 1888 as a cordage factory that made ropes for sailing ships, BridgePort’s impressive building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

BridgePort Ale House
Hawthorne District
3632 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, Ore.

At BridgePort’s satellite brewpub, patrons can still sample all the brewery’s most popular brews, including Blue Heron, Ropewalk Amber Ale, India Pale Ale and Old Knucklehead. Cask-conditioned ales, drawn from the firkin (a small English-style keg) can also be ordered. Daily, enjoy full lunch and dinner menus, as well as brunch on weekends.

Clinton Street Brewing
Clinton/Division District
2520 S.E. Clinton St., Portland, Ore.
503.238.5588 (no website)

Since 2005 this tiny brewery has served a rotating selection of beers — both in-house brews and guest taps — to patrons and moviegoers catching a flick at the adjoining Clinton Street Theater.

Deschutes Brewery
Pearl District
210 N.W. 11th Ave., Portland, Ore.
www.deschutesbrewery.com/BrewPub/Portland+Pub

Deschutes Brewery, an award-winning craft brewery headquartered in Bend, Ore., opened its first Portland brewpub in 2008. The new pub occupies a 10,000-square-foot, 85-year-old historic building in Portland’s Pearl District neighborhood. The location is just one block north of Powell’s City of Books, a venerable Portland landmark, and across the street from the Gerding Theater at the Armory, another historic building that is home to the Portland Center Stage theatrical company.

In addition to sampling brews, guests at Deschutes’ 165-seat Portland brewpub can watch the brewers crafting a diverse selection of beers on-site. All Deschutes’ beers are vegan; the brewery uses no animal products in its cellaring or brewing processes.

Full Sail Brewing Company at RiverPlace
RiverPlace Marina
0307 S.W. Montgomery St., Portland, Ore. 97201
www.fullsailbrewing.com

In 1992, Hood River’s Full Sail Brewing Company opened a satellite brewing operation in downtown Portland. Located next door to McCormick & Schmick’s Harborside Pilsner Room restaurant and overlooking the Willamette River and RiverPlace Marina, this small brewery has one of the city’s best views. While the facility produces many of Full Sail’s specialty and seasonal beers — which are on tap in the adjacent Pilsner Room restaurant — it also serves as Full Sail’s research and development center for new brews. Tours of the brewery are by appointment only.

Hair of the Dog Brewing Company
Southeast Portland
4509 S.E. 23rd Ave., Portland, Ore.
www.hairofthedog.com

Unlike the majority of Portland’s craft brewing outlets with on-site pubs and restaurants, Hair of the Dog is strictly a brewery — albeit one that stocks many of Portland’s most popular watering holes. Hair of the Dog brews, several of which are bottle-conditioned, can be found at the Horse Brass Pub, the Pub at the End of the Universe and others (visit www.hairofthedog.com for additional locations). Beer nuts with a yen to see the inner workings of the brewery — another revamped Portland warehouse — should call ahead to make an appointment.

Hopworks Urban Brewery
Southeast Portland
2944 S.E. Powell Blvd., Portland, Ore.
www.hopworksbeer.com

In 2008, brewmaster Christian Ettinger — formerly of Laurelwood Brewing — opened Hopworks Urban Brewery (“HUB,” for short), a new breed of “eco-brewpub.” In addition to brewing only organic beers, the brewery is powered with 100 percent renewable energy and its innovative building incorporates sustainable design throughout. The décor includes recycled bicycle frames, and there’s parking for up to 50 bikes outside. Hopworks’ 20-barrel brewery produces 3,000 barrels a year; 10 different HUB organic beers and two cask ales are always available at the pub.

Laurelwood Pizza Company
Hollywood District
1728 N.E. 40th Ave., Portland, Ore.
www.laurelwoodbrewpub.com

Laurelwood is one of several Portland breweries that feature organic beer, that is, beer brewed with grains grown with no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Brewer Chad Kennedy offers several organic beers, including Organic Free Range Red, the pub’s biggest seller. Located in a Hollywood District storefront, Laurelwood is family-friendly, even boasting a kids’ play area. A big window looks down on the brewing area. The menu features hand-tossed pizzas, fresh-baked breads and breakfast on the weekend.

Laurelwood Public House & Brewery
Northeast Portland
5115 N.E. Sandy Blvd., Portland, Ore.

Opened in 2007, the newest addition to the Laurelwood lineup is less than a mile up the street from the original location and features the same handcrafted beers and a family-friendly menu.

Laurelwood NW Public House
Northwest Portland/Nob Hill
2327 N.W. Kearney St., Portland, Ore.

In this Victorian-era home turned watering hole, you’ll regularly find seven Laurelwood brews and one seasonal beer on tap. Located just off 23rd Avenue in Portland’s urbane Nob Hill neighborhood, this satellite pub has the same full menu — excluding breakfast — as Laurelwood Public House & Brewery.

Laurelwood also operates two locations at Portland International Airport (PDX), so travelers can grab one last microbrew before leaving town.

The Lucky Labrador Brew Pub
Hawthorne District
915 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, Ore.
www.luckylab.com

Admire the dog art, especially the many soulful portraits of Labrador retrievers, on the walls of this old roofing warehouse. In 1994 the building was converted to a neighborhood pub popular with humans and dogs alike. Dogs are present in full force on the back patio during the annual “Dogtoberfest,” a charity dog wash to celebrate the Lucky Lab’s September anniversary and Oktoberfest. Bento and sandwiches are on the menu; tasty dog-themed brews (Super Dog, Black Lab Stout, Dog Day IPA) are on tap. In 2008, Lucky Lab became the first “solar brewpub” in Oregon. Solar panels on the roof of the pub generate energy to heat the water used in making beer. The renewable energy is also used to heat water needed for dishwashers and bathrooms.

The Lucky Labrador Beer Hall
Northwest Portland/Nob Hill
1945 N.W. Quimby St., Portland, Ore.

The newest location for the Lucky Lab draws beer fans to Northwest Portland for fine ales, casual atmosphere and a “relatively healthy menu.” The ample outdoor seating area is dog-friendly. Lucky Lab enthusiasts share photos of themselves traveling the globe in Lucky Lab T-shirts. See them posted in all Lucky Lab pubs or online at www.luckylab.com.

The Lucky Labrador Public House
Multnomah Village
7675 S.W. Capitol Highway, Portland, Ore.

Housed in a 1925 stucco building that was once a Freemasons hall, this was the Lucky Lab’s first satellite pub. Just like at the main location, canine companions are always welcome in the pub’s outdoor seating area. The menu is loaded with great pizza, salads and brews.

MacTarnahan’s Taproom at Portland Brewing
Northwest Industrial District
2730 N.W. 31st Ave., Portland, Ore.
www.macsbeer.com

Purchased in 2004 by Pyramid Breweries of Seattle, the former Portland Brewing Company now flourishes as the MacTarnahan’s Taproom at Portland Brewing. The feisty spirit of Portland Brewing patriarch Robert “Mac” MacTarnahan, a world-ranked senior athlete who died in 2004 at the age of 89, inspired the best-selling Amber Ale. Other popular brews include Black Watch Cream Porter and Highland Pale Ale. Greeting visitors to the pub are two shiny copper brewing vessels that were shipped to Portland from Bavaria, where they were originally used at the Sixenbrau Brewery.

The Mash Tun Brewpub
Alberta Arts District
2204 N.E. Alberta St., #101, Portland, Ore.
503.548.4491 (no website)

Named for the vessel used to convert the starches in crushed grains into sugars for fermentation in brewing, this mellow neighborhood tavern offers classic pub food, house-made microbrews, a killer jukebox and a laid-back patio.

McMenamins Pubs and Breweries Headquarters
1624 N.W. Glisan St., Portland, Ore.
www.mcmenamins.com

Below is a mere sampling of the McMenamins empire; a complete listing of McMenamins’ pubs and breweries would be longer than this directory. The funky, family-friendly neighborhood bars and historic inns that make up the McMenamins universe thoroughly polka-dot the maps of Oregon and Washington. There are now nearly 60 locations in both states, with 37 locations in the Portland metro area, including 22 within Portland city limits. Of the Portland locations, five are breweries, with five additional breweries in the metro area.

Hillsdale Brewery & Public House
Hillsdale/Southwest Portland
1505 S.W. Sunset Blvd., Portland, Ore.
http://www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=20

Portland’s first post-Prohibition brewery, the Hillsdale Brewery & Public House is decorated in the inimitable McMenamins fashion — fantastical artwork covering walls, ceilings, doors, pipes and every other visible nook and cranny. McMenamins classic beers — raspberry-tinged Ruby, medium-bodied Hammerhead, and strong, dark Terminator Stout are always available.

The Mission Theater
Northwest Portland/Nob Hill
1624 N.W. Glisan St., Portland, Ore.
http://www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=72

From its roots as a Swedish Evangelical Mission and Longshoreman’s Union, this brick building was transformed into a theater showing recent silver-screen releases, cult classics and art films. An ornately decorated balcony overlooks the old pulpit, while the expansive main floor is naturally lit by several large windows. In addition to McMenamins’ brews, there’s a solid pub menu. Minors are allowed only to matinees and early shows when accompanied by a parent; all other screenings are 21 and over.

McMenamins Edgefield
Troutdale (near the entrance to the Columbia River Gorge)
2126 S.W. Halsey St., Troutdale, Ore.
http://www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=3

McMenamins Edgefield is a 38-acre beer-lovers’ resort. Formerly the Multnomah County Poor Farm, this National Historic Landmark property features 100 European-style bed-and-breakfast rooms, an on-site brewery, winery and distillery, movie theater, golf course, restaurants and bars, meeting rooms and gardens.

McMenamins Kennedy School
Alberta Arts District/Northeast Portland
5736 N.E. 33rd Ave., Portland, Ore.
http://www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=57

The Kennedy School is another historic McMenamins’ property. At this former 1912 grade school, you can sleep in class (thanks to the bed-and-breakfast rooms on-site) and drink in detention (a former janitor’s closet is now a hole-in-the-wall bar).

The New Old Lompoc
Northwest Portland/Nob Hill
1616 N.W. 23rd Ave., Portland, Ore.
www.newoldlompoc.com

Yes, there was an Old Lompoc; this is the “new one,” since 2000 under the ownership of local beer luminary Don Younger, owner of the legendary Horse Brass Pub. Housed in a 1912 building with a creaky wooden floor, the pub is funky, eclectic, warm and welcoming. The New Old Lompoc brews an average of 10 ales and lagers and serves four other craft beers on guest taps. On warm, sunny days, check out the hidden beer garden in back.

At The New Old Lompoc, you may run into fans of W.C. Fields. His 1940 film “The Bank Dick,” about a heavy-drinking bank detective, was set ironically in Lompoc, Calif., a town originally founded as a temperance colony. The hotel in the film was named The New Old Lompoc House.

Lompoc Hedge House
Clinton/Division District
3412 S.E. Division St., Portland, Ore.

The Hedge House was The New Old Lompoc’s first satellite location, opened in 2003. Tucked into an old house turned cozy pub, visitors can also enjoy Lompoc beers outside on the large deck.

Oaks Bottom Public House
Sellwood/Moreland
1621 S.E. Bybee Blvd., Portland, Ore.

The Oaks Bottom pub opened in March 2006 in the heart of Sellwood/Moreland neighborhood. The full line-up of Portland’s Lompoc beers are featured, plus the owners’ choice of guest brews on tap. In warmer months, the patio out back serves to double the seating space. Tasty pub food is served daily in this “kid-tolerant, dog-friendly” gathering place.

5th Quadrant
Boise Neighborhood/North Portland
3901 N. Williams Ave., Portland, Ore.

Opened in 2006, a few blocks from bustling North Mississippi Avenue, the newest Lompoc location serves a range of house beers in an airy, high-ceilinged building that was once a car showroom.

The Old Market Pub & Brewery
Southwest Portland
6959 S.W. Multnomah Blvd., Portland, Ore.
www.drinkbeerhere.com

Located on the site that for years was Frank Comella’s produce store, there’s plenty of room for tables and booths, even for pool and shuffleboard. With a nod to the former green grocer, live plants are suspended overhead by original 1950s produce scales. Walls are adorned with vintage wooden signs. There are 22 taps, serving brews such as Mr. Toad’s Wild Red Ale (the Old Market’s first creation), HOP ON!, Great White Wheat and British Bombay IPA. The menu offers sandwiches, burgers, pizzas and desserts.

Broadway Grill & Brewery
Irvington/Lloyd Center District
700 N.E. Broadway, Portland, Ore.

Old Market’s eastside outpost offers the same ‘pub grub menu, as well as a dozen Old Market beers on tap.

Philadelphia’s Steaks & Hoagies
Sellwood/Moreland
6410 S.E. Milwaukie Ave., Portland, Ore.
www.phillypdx.com

With a three-barrel brewing system, Philadelphia’s is one of the smallest licensed breweries in America. Try any of the fresh ales with the menu’s specialty: a Philadelphia cheesesteak (six ounces of thinly sliced steak grilled with onions and served on a hoagie roll). This small, Westmoreland neighborhood establishment serves brews such as Double Hopped Eagle Ale, Ginger Hefeweizen, Spectrum Amber, South Street Porter and Betsy Ross Golden.

Raccoon Lodge & Brew Pub
Raleigh Hills/Southwest Portland
7424 S.W. Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway., Portland, Ore.
www.raclodge.com

Raccoon art galore, along with stuffed animal heads and other outdoorsy paraphernalia, adds to the Northwest hunting lodge décor at the establishment founded by Art Larrance, co-founder of Portland Brewing Co. and one of the creators of the Oregon Brewers Festival. The place gets its name from the raccoons that have been known to appear in the outdoor beer garden. Ring Tail Pale and Blond Boc are the most popular brews. The upstairs restaurant serves burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads, but is best known for its five varieties of fries (shoestring, ale-battered steak fries, sweet potato, Tater Tots and onion rings) which come with a choice of dipping sauces. The downstairs pool den has windows overlooking the brewery.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
Downtown
206 S.W. Morrison St., Portland, Ore.
www.rockbottom.com

Colorado’s Rock Bottom Restaurants, Inc., operates 34 brewpubs around the country. Chain or not, Rock Bottom knows its brews, and was named Large Brewpub of the Year at the 2008 Great American Beer Festival. In Portland, brewing is handled by Van Havig, who also serves as president of the Oregon Brewers Guild. His creations include Volksweizen, a Northwest wheat beer livened up with ginger and coriander; the dark, chocolaty Maltnomah Porter; and Oregonic Amber, crafted with organic malts. Cask-conditioned and seasonal specials can be had here, as well.

Rogue Distillery & Public House
Pearl District
1339 N.W. Flanders St., Portland, Ore.
www.rogue.com

Located in the Pearl District, Rogue offers 36 microbrews on tap, and houses the first and only rum distillery in Oregon. On the menu: Kobe beef burgers, halibut fish and chips, and a selection of “haute dogs.” The facility has a full bar and outdoor seating; distillery tours offered by appointment. Rogue also has a location at Portland International Airport (PDX).

Roots Brewing Company
Hawthorne District
1520 S.E. Seventh Ave., Portland, Ore.
www.rootsorganicbrewing.com

Roots owners Craig Nichols and Jason McAdam felt so strongly about the virtues of organic beer that they left their previous brewing jobs to open Oregon’s first certified all-organic brewery in March 2005. In addition to organic beers like Woody IPA and Roots Island Red on tap and by the keg, the Roots facility features a host of other recycled/eco-friendly elements. The brewpub is itself a renovated tattoo parlor, and the 14-foot bar is made of recycled hardwood flooring and siding.

Tugboat Brewing Company
Downtown
711 S.W. Ankeny St., Portland, Ore.
www.d2m.com/Tugwebsite/home.htm

In a cozy location on tiny Ankeny Street, Terry Nelson first shared his watch repair shop with a 24-hour coffee shop, the Café Omega. Then he decided to brew beer and the Tugboat Brewing Company was born. With its bookshelves and plants, the Tugboat still exudes a coffeehouse feel. There’s live jazz nightly, Tuesday through Saturday, and six to eight Tugboat brews on tap, including Berlin Ale, Chernobyl Imperial Russian Stout and Thunderbold Pale.

Widmer Brothers Brewing Company/Widmer Brothers Gasthaus Brew Pub
Eliot Neighborhood (North Portland)
Brewery: 929 N. Russell St., Portland, Ore.
Gasthaus: 955 N. Russell St., Portland, Ore.
www.widmer.com

Kurt and Rob Widmer are beer legends. Among the pioneers of the craft beer renaissance, they grew from a tiny operation in 1984 to become Oregon’s largest brewery and the 18th largest in the nation. Many beer drinkers know them for their award-winning Hefeweizen, still the best-selling craft beer in Oregon. The friendly Gasthaus, across the street from the brewery, serves burgers and German cuisine, including schnitzel, fondue and sausages cooked in Widmer’s pale ale. The Gasthaus is closed on Mondays. Brewery tours are offered Fridays at 3 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. and noon.

 

Additional Craft Beer Outlets

In addition to the brewpubs listed above, the following bars and restaurants — and this is by no means an all-inclusive list — also offer great craft beer selections.

Bailey’s Tap Room
Downtown
213 S.W. Broadway, Portland, Ore.
www.baileystaproom.com

This beer bar offers 20 rotating taps featuring craft ales and lagers from Pacific Northwest breweries, as well as 20 bottled beers. The menu is limited to a selection of local cheeses and chocolates to pair with your selected brew.

The Dublin Pub
Raleigh Hills/Southwest Portland
6821 S.W. Beaverton-Hillside Highway, Portland, Ore.
www.dublinpubpdx.com

Since opening in 1983, The Dublin has introduced many a Portlander to the finer points of craft brewing. Today, the pub offers 59 beers on tap, 30 bottled beers from around the globe, 50 varieties of liquor, and live music every weekend.

The Green Dragon
Buckman Neighborhood/Southeast Portland
928 S.E. Ninth Ave., Portland, Ore.
www.pdxgreendragon.com

This pub, acquired by Rogue Ales in 2008, offers 24 frequently rotating taps, emphasizing small, hard-to-find breweries. Beer aficionados savor the opportunity to try a variety of new and unusual brews, and flock to the regular “Meet the Brewer” evenings with brewmasters from Portland and beyond. The Green Dragon shares its building with craft distiller Integrity Spirits.

Henry’s 12th Street Tavern
Pearl District
10 N.W. 12th Ave., Portland, Ore.
www.henrystavern.com

Housed in a portion of the historic Blitz-Weinhard Brewery complex, Henry’s has more than 100 draft beers, including a few dozen imports and almost 60 craft brews from around the country. The kegs chill in a glass cooler right above the bar. There’s even a chilled strip that runs the length of the bar to keep pints, cocktails and shots cold.

Horse Brass Pub
Hawthorne-Belmont District/Southeast Portland
4534 S.E. Belmont St., Portland, Ore.
www.horsebrass.com

Horse Brass features a traditional English pub menu and more than 20 American and imported craft beers on tap. In business for more than 30 years, the bar is proud of its long history with its sister pub, the Princess of Wales, in South London.

Produce Row
Buckman Neighborhood/Southeast Portland
204 S.E. Oak St., Portland, Ore.
www.producerowcafe.com

Originally opened by Mike McMenamin (yes, one of the McMenamins) in 1974, Produce Row was sold to its current owners in 1978, and its 27 taps have been pouring craft brews ever since. Named after the previous incarnation of its central eastside locale, Produce Row also offers more than 200 bottled beers and an inexpensive menu of burgers and sandwiches to enjoy on its popular outdoor patio.

Pub at the End of the Universe
Creston-Kenilworth Neighborhood/Southeast Portland
4107 S.E. 28th Ave., Portland, Ore.
503.235.0969 (no website)

This locals’ favorite maintains an ultra-low profile with a sign reading simply “Pub.” Although not a draw for trendsters with a need to see and be seen, the Pub at the End of the Universe is great for mellow hopheads who enjoy a rotating selection of sometimes obscure craft beers on 23 taps.

Saraveza Bottle Shop and Pasty Tavern
Overlook Neighborhood/North Portland
1004 N. Killingsworth St., Portland, Ore.
www.saraveza.com

Opened in 2008, Saraveza’s name is a play on owner Sarah Pederson’s name and the Spanish word for beer (cerveza). But the spirit of this bottle shop and pub is hardly Latin — it’s British by way of Pederson’s native Wisconsin. The welcoming room features more than 140 beers by the bottle, a rotating tap selection and a menu of “pasties,” savory hand pies traditionally eaten by miners in both England and the Midwestern United States.

 

Craft Beer Retailers

Check out these stores with outstanding selections.

Belmont Station
Belmont District/Southeast Portland
4520 S.E. Belmont St., Portland, Ore.
www.belmont-station.com

This impressive bottle shop stocks more than 1,000 beers, hosts “meet the brewer” events, and sells “breweriana” gifts. Shoppers can drink their purchases — including a rotating selection of draught beers — accompanied by simple café fare at the adjoining “biercafé.”

John’s Marketplace
Multnomah Village/Southwest Portland
3535 S.W. Multnomah Blvd., Portland, Ore.
www.johnsmarketplace.com

There’s been a John’s Market in Multnomah Village since 1923. The current incarnation offers one of Portland’s largest selections of beer and wine, with more than 800 bottled beers, 400 wines, and 100 kegs — including many Oregon beers.

 

A Sampling of Regional Craft Brewers & Distillers

Double Mountain
Columbia River Gorge
8 Fourth St., Hood River, Ore.
www.doublemountainbrewery.com

Hood River’s Double Mountain was founded in 2007 by Matt Swihart and Charlie Devereux, two brewers who learned the trade at nearby Full Sail Brewery. The taps pour four year-round beers, and a wide variety of seasonal and experimental brews — all served unfiltered and long-aged. These brewers take their hops seriously, and perennials Hop Lava and India Red Ale both feature the bold flavors of hops grown within two hours of the brewery.

Fearless Brewing Company
Mt. Hood Territory
326 S. Broadway, Estacada, Ore.
www.fearless1.com

Tiny Estacada is a favorite stop for rafters, campers — and beer lovers. Fearless Brewing Company is a family-friendly brewpub that offers five of its own beers, as well as several guest taps. The on-tap lineup includes Fearless Scottish Ale, Clackamas Cream Ale, and a critically acclaimed India Pale Ale (IPA).

Full Sail Brewery and Tasting Room
Columbia River Gorge
506 Columbia St., Hood River, Ore.
www.fullsailbrewing.com

Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, Full Sail has evolved from a small craft brewery to the 25th largest brewery in the United States. Despite phenomenal growth and expansion, Full Sail has remained true to its commitment to quality hands-on brewing. While many breweries have automated their brewing processes, Full Sail adheres to the philosophy that it is the people — not the technology — that make the difference.

In 1995, Full Sail unveiled a state-of-the-art brewery next door to its original brewery, which is located in the historic Diamond Fruit Cannery building. In 1999, Full Sail Brewing Company became an employee-owned brewery. Full Sail currently boasts a brewpub and tasting room overlooking the Columbia River, which, during the summer months, is covered from shore to shore with colorful windsurfers. Tours are available every hour from 1 to 4 p.m. upon request.

Golden Valley Brewery & Pub
Willamette Valley
980 N.E. Fourth St., McMinnville, Ore.
www.goldenvalleybrewery.com

Golden Valley is a small, family-owned craft brewery dedicated to producing traditional-style ales and lagers. Housed in a 1921 warehouse in historic downtown McMinnville — the heart of the Oregon wine country — the brewery offers fresh Northwest cuisine, seven house brews on tap, a beer garden and a banquet room. The pub and restaurant feature high timbered ceilings, wood tables and exposed copper brewing equipment.

Heater Allen Brewing
Willamette Valley
907 N.E. 10th Ave., McMinnville, Ore.
www.heaterallen.com

This small Willamette Valley brewery produces distinctive all-malt lager and other German-style beers. Heater Allen beers are available at Portland locations like Belmont Station and the Green Dragon (see above), and can be purchased at the brewery, which also hosts occasional open house events.

Karlsson Brewing Co.
Mt. Hood Territory
35900 Industrial Way, Sandy, Ore.
503.826.8770 (no website)

This expansive taproom, complete with Viking-inspired décor, shuffleboard and pub fare, is located in the city of Sandy — known as the “Gateway to Mount Hood.” After a day of skiing or fishing, visitors can quench their thirst with Karlsson’s signature brews, like the refreshing Revenue Rye or the “wee heavy” Sock Knocker Scotch Ale.

Liberator Brewing & Homebrew Supply
Columbia River Gorge
411 E. Historic Columbia River Highway, Troutdale, Ore.
www.liberatorbrewing.com

Liberator Brewing offers one-stop shopping for homebrew enthusiasts. Here you can buy all the supplies and equipment you’ll need for brewing your own beer, as well as fresh brews made by the shop’s proprietors. In the on-site pub, there are more than 14 beers on tap, including eight made by Liberator, and an extensive menu.

Max’s Fanno Creek Brew Pub
Tigard/Washington County
12562 S.W. Main St., Tigard, Ore.
www.maxsfannocreek.com

Just steps away from Fanno Creek Park and the creek itself, this welcoming brewpub in a suburb southwest of Portland offers 10 beers on tap, with seasonal specials, as well as a full bar and keg sales.

Mt. Hood Brewing Company/Ice Axe Grill
Mount Hood
87304 E. Government Camp Loop, Government Camp, Ore.
www.mthoodbrewing.com

Located at the 4,000-foot level of Mount Hood, Oregon’s tallest peak, Mt. Hood Brewing Co. is a popular stop year-round. The brewery and family-style pub are housed in a rustic stone and timber lodge alongside Highway 26, the scenic byway also known as the “Mount Hood Loop.” Mt. Hood Brewing Co. beers include a wide array of Northwest-accented British-style ales. Diners can watch the brewing process in action as they enjoy pizza, vegetarian entrées, steak and seafood.

Pelican Pub & Brewery
Oregon Coast
33180 Cape Kiwanda Drive, Pacific City, Ore.
www.pelicanbrewery.com

This acclaimed brewery enjoys a picture-perfect setting, just steps from the beach of scenic Cape Kiwanda. Pelican opened in 1996 with a brewhouse designed by head brewer Darron Welch. Today, Welch continues to brew award-winning beers, including Kiwanda Cream Ale, India Pelican Ale, Doryman’s Dark Ale and Tsunami Stout.

The Ram Restaurant and Brewery
Mt. Hood Territory
Clackamas Town Center, 11860 S.E. 82nd Ave., Happy Valley, Ore.
www.theram.com

Opened in 2008 in the newly expanded Clackamas Town Center mall, the Ram features two murals highlighting Oregon history as well as a large brewery producing Big Horn Hefeweizen, Total Disorder Porter and more. The family-owned company, headquartered in Lakewood, Wash., brews its award-winning ales and lagers on the premises of each of its 28 locations in seven states.