I’ve got 2 days in Portland coming up the end of the month strictly for fun. Any suggestions for hidden gems there? Maybe some smaller breweries or brew pubs doing some really solid beers but not yet known outside the area? Any and all can’t miss suggestions cheerfully accepted.
Breakside, base camp
Commons
I second this!
I’d also chime in on The Commons. If you’re up that way then you’re also by a number of other excellent options, including Cascade if sour beer is your thing.
If it’s a Wednesday evening, you could walk across the street to the Green Dragon tap room and introduce yourself.
Thanks for the input. The Commons is on my list. Can’t say I’ve been a huge sour fan, but places like Logsdon, Commons and DeGarde have certainly expanded my horizons.
I’d love to stop in and say Hi Steve, but alas it will be on Mon. & Tues. that we’ll be there, though a visit to Green Dragon is on the list.
There’s actually 6 of us from our local club making a beer quest tour…some will be joining in or dropping out at various locales. We’ve got 2 days in Eugene with a VIP tour with Denny at Oakshire, a day in McMinnville with an appt. at Heater Allen, 2 Days in Portland, 2 Days in Hood River, then loop down through Bend and back down to the Burg. Looking forward to some nice meals and some great beers.
Logsdon website shows closed/no retail at the brewery. But a “barrel house” opening soon in town. I wonder if the tasting room at the brewery is closed for good now. That would be sad, its a great stop off for the bike.
That would be sad. I’ll have to call and see what’s up. That was one of the sites for hitting Hood River.
Sounds like a great trip, make sure to hit Pfriem Family Brewery in Hood River.
Safe travels!
I really liked Pfriem Family Brewery as well. I made a trip for my 40th birthday almost two years ago and also really like Hair of the Dog and Cascade Barrell House (even though I’m not all that into sours). I would go back to both of those for sure the next time I’m in Portland.
I have to second Breakside. They are making some very good beers. The India Golden double IPA is fantastic.
The pub near Dekum Ave is a bit outside of town but it’s a cool area and the food is good, worth the trip.
My favorites are Breakside, Deschutes, Hair of the Dog, and Hopworks. The Commons and Upright are good for unique Belgian styles. Cascade is also a good spot for sour beers. I also like Migration and Bridgeport for happy hour, though neither will blow you away with their beer (good, not great).
Places I would skip: anywhere owned by Rogue, Alameda, Tug Boat, Baerlic, Base Camp, Occidental, Kell’s (obviously).
10 Barrel got bought out by Anheuser-Busch, but the beer is still excellent and food is good. McMenamin’s has crappy beer, but they are fun places to watch movies or play pool.