In case you haven’t heard by now, Portland loves beer. Especially local beer. With over 50 breweries in town serving up a seemingly endless list of award-winning beers, it’s not hard to find a great spot to grab a brew (or two) and a bite to eat. Tripping.com is here to get you started on your Portland beer tour. Here’s a list of the ten best (local, of course!) breweries in Portland. No wonder they call it Beervana!
Portland Breweries: Taste the best of the City's Famous Craft Beer Scene at these 10 Breweries
1. Breakside Brewery
Located in the heart of the up-and-coming, family-friendly Dekum neighborhood, Breakside’s real highlight is the spacious front patio. If you can catch a sunny Portland day (or evening), grab a seat outside and enjoy their hearty food menu, plush with local products. Of course, you’ll want to wash your meal down with some of their prize-winning beers like a Wanderlust IPA, a classic “liquid sunshine” Pilsner or any of their rotating limited releases. Kids are welcome in the restaurant until 9pm.
Address: 820 Northeast Dekum St, Portland, OR 97211
2. Bridgeport Brewing
Founded in 1984, Bridgeport has the distinction of being Oregon’s oldest brewery. Known for their award-winning IPA and the popular Kingpin Double Red Ale, the brewery is also a great family-friendly spot to eat and drink in Portland’s bustling Pearl district. Their food menu includes everyday crowd-pleasers like a tangy pulled pork sandwich and mac and cheese, made with Kingpin ale. Take a tour of their brewery on Saturdays at 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm.
Address: 1313 NW Marshall St, Portland, OR 97209
3. Cascade Brewing Barrel House
This artisan brewery is a Portland go-to for sour beers. Get out of your comfort zone and try the puckery Honey Ginger Lime - a sour rye ale - or the legendary Vlad the Imp Aler. If you can make it for Tap It Tuesday, the brewers release a new exclusive beer from the cellar each week. You can even sign up to be the tapper! Kids are welcome until 10pm.
Address: 939 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214
4. Laurelwood Public House and Brewery
Located in the Hollywood District, the brewery’s flagship location offers traditional pub fare and a laidback vibe. The award-winning and approachable beers never disappoint, like the Workhorse IPA or the Free Range Red. This kid friendly establishment has a play area for entertaining little ones. You can catch a brewery tour from Brewvana, a local craft brewery tour guide company.
Address: 5115 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213
5. Hopworks Urban Brewery
Hopworks (aka HUB) puts an emphasis on sustainability and contributing to the community. Many of their beers are organic including the best-selling IPA, lager and the Survival Stout, featuring a hint of cold-pressed local Stumptown coffee. Bring the kiddos; they’ll enjoy the extensive kid-friendly menu. Free tours of the brewery are offered every Saturday at 3pm.
Address: 2944 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97202
6. The Commons Brewery
This craft brewery began in true Portland fashion: in a garage. They’ve since moved on from the garage, brewing dozens of unique European-style beers and quickly becoming a local favorite. The small but spacious tasting room is the perfect balance of cozy-industrial and offers a curated food menu from legendary Portland cheesemonger Steve Jones, providing perfect pairings for an Urban Farmhouse Ale or a Flemish Kiss. The Commons is 21 and over only.
Address: 630 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214
7. Base Camp Brewing Company
As the name suggests, Base Camp loves the outdoors and aims to be the beer for adventurous types. Guzzle down a Pilgrimage Saison, a S’More Stout, or an In-Tents IPL along with food from one of two rotating local food carts. Kids are welcome until 10pm and tours are offered through Brewvana. (Brewery tour tip: It never hurts to ask! Smaller breweries don’t offer scheduled tours but if you’re lucky they’ll have a brewer on hand who’s willing to show you around.)
Address: 930 SE Oak St, Portland, OR 97214
8. Occidental Brewing Co.
This humble brewery in the St. John’s neighborhood is quietly brewing some of the best German suds this side of the Atlantic. A pint of their classic Hefeweizen or Kolsch will always satisfy. The tasting room doesn’t serve food but head across the parking lot to Cathedral Park Restaurant for fresh Latin fare or pack a picnic and relax at Cathedral Park. Just next door to the brewery, the park is on the shores of the Willamette River under the dramatic St. John’s bridge. Occidental is 21 and over only.
Address: 6635 N. Baltimore Ave, Portland, OR 97203
9. Ex Novo Brewing Company
Drinking a beer at Ex Novo will make you feel good, but not in the way you expect. That’s because as a non-profit brewery, Ex Novo donates all of their profits to local and international charities. That’s right, 100% of the profits go to places like Mercy Corps and Friends of the Children. In addition to the feel-good vibes, the beer tastes great. Try a Flint St. Pale Ale or The Most Interesting Lager in the World (how can you not, with that name?) Minors are welcome until 9pm.
Address: 2326 N. Flint Ave, Portland, OR 97227
10. Hair of the Dog Brewing Company
Another Portland beer stalwart, Hair of the Dog has been crafting unique brews for 22 years. You’ll notice Hair of the Dog’s beers are often named in honor of friends and collaborators: try the malty Fred or the smokey, bourbon-aged Matt. As you come to expect from Portland establishments, the menu is fresh and locally produced. Bring the kids, as minors are welcome.
Address: 61 SE Yamhill St, Portland OR 97214
This article was written by Katie Vaughan.