With more brew pubs per capita than any other U.S. city, Portland, Oregon, is known as "Beervana" for good reason. In 2008, Portland boasted 30 microbreweries within the city limits as well as 46 brew pubs, many of which have won national and international awards. Whether travelers are looking for a relaxing spot to toss back a pint or a raucous evening of ale and hearty pub food, Portland brew pubs have something for everyone.
As of March 2010, 19 of MacTarnahan Brewing Co.'s ales had won 49 awards in prestigious competitions such as the World Beer Championships, the International Beer Summit and the Great American Beer Festival. This Portland-based craft brewery produces a variety of pale, amber and dark ales, including Hum Bug'r (black roast with hints of caramel) and Lip Stinger Farmhouse Ale (a two-malt beer spiced up with a Malaysian and Indian four-pepper blend).
MacTarnahan's Taproom, nestled in Portland's northwest industrial area, serves only beer produced by its namesake brewery. The Taproom is cozy and a bit refined, with wrought-iron chandeliers and high ceilings accented with oak rafters. Guests can pair one of MacTarnahan's many ales with a classic pub entrée such as Scottish pie or home-style pot roast. Those having trouble selecting a beer can order the five-ale sampler tray.
MacTarnahan's Taproom
2730 NW 31st Ave.
Portland, OR 97210
503-228-5269
macsbeer.com
Housed in a former trucking warehouse, Lucky Labrador Beer Hall attracts a hefty dose of Portland hipsters and scalawags, making for a fun and casual place to hang out for a pint and a bite and listen to live music or one of the pub's DJs. This cavernous tavern serves only Lucky Labrador brews, which include Organic Golden Ale, Hawthorne's Best Bitter and Black Lab Stout.
The food menu offers up pizza, sandwiches, soups and salads, as well as Lucky Labrador root beer, available by the glass or pitcher. In honor of the company's name, dogs of all shapes and sizes can kick back on the pub's outdoor patio.
Lucky Labrador Beer Hall
1945 NW Quimby St.
Portland, OR 97209
503-517-4352
luckylab.com
This cozy neighborhood pub serves a dozen locally handcrafted beers, along with seasonal brews. Patrons can choose from offerings such as Old Granny Smith (a crisp beer flavored with green apples), Mr. Toad's Wild Red Ale (a complex amber with five malts and three kinds of hops) and Hot Tamale! (a super-hot ale made with jalapeno and serrano peppers).
The extensive lunch and dinner menus offer sandwiches, salads and entrées, including homemade chili, a house-cured corned beef Reuben, a variety of burgers and pizzas and a selection of beef, lamb and vegetarian gyros. Those with a little room left can top off their evening with four-berry Oregon crisp or an ice cream float made with brew-pub honey root beer.
Old Market Pub and Brewery
6959 SW Multnomah Blvd.
Portland, OR 97223
503-244-2337
drinkbeerhere.com
