Don's Top Picks
Don lives in Portland and write extensively about beer in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. You can follow him on twitter as @pdxbeerguide or read his twitter feed below
Note that we regularly update what constitutes a top pick so places can be relegated from the list if their beer range dips or there are other significant changes.
Originally a small beer specialty shop located on SE Belmont St very near the Horse Brass, Belmont Station moved and expanded to the current SE Stark location several years ago, increasing the selection and adding a beer café. Widely considered to be one of the best of its kind in Portland. |  |
The pub that brought Portland's emergence in the sour-beer world into sharp focus. Fans of sour beer - particularly beers inspired by Belgium's Flanders reds and browns - should consider this a must-visit. | |
This is the OG pub of the Portland beer scene, a British-style pub that transcends mere imitation with a wider selection on tap than you'll find in any pub in the UK, and a huge proportion of what's on tap is Oregon brewed. The Horse Brass is an institution, and a mandatory stop on any Portland beer itinerary. |  |
Pub and bottle shop, well-stocked selection and well-chosen drafts. | object(ImagickException)#7 (7) {
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COVID-19 Update: limited opening days and hours, and outdoor operation only on deck and streetside "parklet." Reduced menu, but plenty of good beer. |  |
Honorable Mention
Covid-19 saw APEX switch to credit cards. Roomy, long bar, generous beer patio. Like San Francisco's Toronado, this is something of a love-it-or-hate-it place, but the beer selection is usually first-rate. No kitchen, but take-out from neighboring Gordito's or occasional food trucks parked in front is always acceptable. Just don't climb over the fence! NOTE: Covid-19 vaccine checks are mandatory. Unvaxed are refused service and told to leave. | |
Cozy little pub with plenty of corner nooks and a back patio, serving a good range of Sean Burke's lagers and ales. | |
Opened on November 18, 2022. Powerhouse brewer Whitney Burnside and renowned chef (and hustband) Doug Adams have taken over former West Coast Grocery space and made it their own: quality craft beers and elevated pub food. | |
Former location of Lompoc Brewing's Hedge House, now pouring some of the region's best farmhouse-style and mixed-fermentation beers. Do not miss this one. 2021 saw the opening of a Kansas City-style barbecue kitchen. It's good too. Be prepared to show proof of covid-19 vaccination if seated at the bar. | |
Montavilla brewery opened in January 2019, the second brewery in this neighborhood, with Montavilla Brewing just around the corner. Threshold features a roomy, open taproom space, including seats at the bar. Good range of beers on tap: a grisette, various takes on hazy IPA, gose, and lightly smoky grodziskie. Bring your own food or order a zapiekanka. This part of Montavilla now has four decent beer venues, making for a good pub crawl. | |
Revamped former dive bar, now with a modest but very good tap selection, canned beers, classic cocktails, and good pub food. | |
