Hopping around Portland.
Portland had been on my travel wish list for ages before I finally made my way there in October. One of my closest childhood friends has lived in the city for years, which means my trip felt especially local-y in the very best friend kind of way. Greg and I share a whole bunch of funny little friend traits—mainly a mutual love for absurd instagram videos, our favorite electronic duo DRAMA, and, most importantly for this trip, beer! Beer! BEER! If you too are a fan of hopping your way around a city… get your butt to Portland immediately. Run, don’t walk.
The beer culture in Portland is like nothing I’ve ever seen. Unlike the craft-beer-is-trendy-let’s-bandwagon-aboard feelings I’ve gotten in some other cities, Portland’s breweries are run by people who deeply give a shit. The taprooms feel experimental in the best way, but hold on to their west coast chill. They’re friendly, they’re warm, they don’t take themselves too seriously. Get outside of the city center, try beers you normally wouldn’t, make new friends. Cheers, buckaroos.
Breweries.
Cascade Brewing Barrel House. If you’re a fan of sour beers, go to Cascade immediately. The number of traditional, modern, and funky barrel aged options they have on tap is truly incredible and they offer pours of all sizes so you can try before you buy. The seats outside are especially magical when it’s warm. Map, Website.
Great Notion Brewing. Great Notion is some kind of magical, mystical brewery that is somehow both incredible with hops and sours, and their NW Brewpub is definitely a place you’ll want to spend all day. Pro Tip: take a taxi instead of driving yourself, the options here are boozy. Ask the bartenders about how best to fill your flight—they’re super knowledgable and can guide you through your beer journey. Have some food, hang out, enjoy. Map, Website.
Modern Times. Modern Times might just be my favorite place ever. Disclaimer: I am absolutely biased because my above-mentioned friend Greg works at this brewery, but trust me when I say it would be my favorite even if he didn’t. Modern Times is HQ’ed in San Diego, but their Portland location has some sparkly magic going on. They moved into a brand new space this autumn and while I was there just weeks before it opened, I’ve heard it’s absolutely incredible. Roof bar, colorful interiors, kickass vegan food (even if you’re a carnivore, trust me), and insanely good beer. I’m always partial to a bar seat, but at Modern Times it’s especially great. The beertenders are all so damn cool and know so much about the tasty treats they’re pouring. Go early, to beat the crowd stay the day, try all the things. Map, Website.
Ruse Brewing. Ruse has a cool, design-y calm about it that was perfect for a Sunday afternoon slow sip. My friends and I went in the early afternoon and there was an awesome little bluegrass band playing in the far corner of the space. The minimalist bar is huge and has an incredible view back into the brewery space, adorable brewery husky dog included. Map, Website.
Breakside Brewery. Breakside is a slick little spot with good beer and tasty bar food. The IPAs are especially great. And listen to me and listen close, get the waffle fries. At their Slabtown location, there’s a huge covered outdoor space, but inside has lots of seating in the main bar and upstairs too. Take a big group of pals or head over in the afternoon and make friends with the super-nice bartenders. Map, Website.
Bars and bottle shops.
Apex. Apex is a cool spot that feels like a hardcore dive with the beer menu send from above. They have something like 50 beers on draught and a killer outdoor space. Get Mexican food next door to go with your pint. This place is a little bit notorious for… brusk… service, but don’t take it personally. The beers are so good you don’t really need a warm welcome. Map, Website.
Bailey’s Taproom. This great little beer bar is downtown, not a neighborhood I would normally find myself in when traveling for fun—it’s definitely more of a work vibe—but it’s a great spot if you’re meeting colleagues for happy hour, unwinding after business travel, or find yourself downtown for a show. The interior looks like a pretty run-of-the-mill work-bros-in-button-downs spot, but the beer list is rad and changes regularly. Plus, the bartenders are all super fun, which definitely changes the mood for the better. Strongly suggested for a weeknight pint. Map, Website.
The BeerMongers. Ooh baby, this bottle shop is stellar. So many beers, shockingly cheap (especially coming from New York City prices), and a few tables if you want to crack a beer while there. The selection is super IPA heavy, which was a bummer because I love a sour, but there really is something for everyone. They even have a cooler of mead if that’s your jam. If you’re up to hang for a bit, bring a sandwich from The Baker’s Mark across the street, they are actually heavenly. Map, Website.
