With more than 100 breweries in the Portland metro area, beer aficionados will never go thirsty in the City of Roses. But with a scene this big, sometimes it can be difficult to navigate through the suds.
While it’s always fun to experience the big, popular events and breweries, exploring some of the lesser-known gems is a great way to get to know the local side of a city. Use this guide to find your place in Portland’s Beervana.
So much great beer, so little time. (Photo Credit: Markus Spiske)
IF YOU LIKE… the summertime vibes at the Oregon Brewers Festival
TRY… the Portland Craft Beer Festival
The Oregon Brewers Festival, typically held the last full weekend of July, is one of the longest-running craft beer celebrations in the country — started in 1907, the beloved festival still attracts people from far and wide.
However, the Brewers Festival is no longer the only game in town. Founded in 2015, the Portland Craft Beer Festival kicks off Oregon Craft Beer Month – over Fourth of July weekend – with an outdoor party that exclusively features beers (plus ciders and wines) made within Portland’s city limits.
Pair good beer with good food — it’s easy to do in Portland. (Photo Credit: @bacchusbarpdx)
After the Craft Beer Festival, you can rest easy at Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland. (Photo Credit: @hotelvintagepdx)
The hyperlocal taste extravaganza also includes a handful of exclusive sips — it is not to be missed. And the best part? Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland is less than a mile from the festival grounds at The Fields Park. (Meaning you can drink all the beer you want!)
IF YOU LIKE… the bicycle-loving, family-friendly Hopworks Urban Brewery
TRY… Migration Brewing
Hopworks is a brewery beloved for its cool bike aesthetic and organic beers served in a space that welcomes everyone, including kids.
Pouring award-winning beers since 2010, Migration Brewing is a great, low-key spot as well — the kind of place where you can park your bike, grab a bite to eat (and a pint, of course) in a rustic urban setting. Sip everything from a citrusy pale ale to a rich, chocolaty porter, try your hand at darts, and bask in the sunshine courtesy of the ample outdoor seating.
Try a new beer, why don’t you? (Photo Credit: Brittani Burns)
IF YOU LIKE… the extensive menu options at Deschutes Brewery
TRY… Wayfinder Beer
At Deschutes, you can pair your lager or summer ale with a whole host of food items, from Northwest clams and truffled green beans to an elk burger and Dungeness crab roll to snickerdoodle cheesecake and marionberry cobbler.
In the culinary department, relative new kid on the block Wayfinder Beer is also no slouch, with its made-from-scratch comfort food that always hits the spot. In the spacious century-old brick warehouse, try the Mac & Beer Cheese, Fried Cauliflower, or charcuterie from the famed local meatmaster behind Podnah’s Pit.
In between the breweries, take a breather — or a nap — at Kimpton RiverPlace. (Photo Credit: @riverplacehotel)
And don’t forget the fur babies — they are always welcome. (Photo Credit: @little_blue_ren)
Cheers to great beer! (Photo Credit: @elevate)
If you happen to be in the company of non-beer drinkers (yes, they do exist), Wayfinder also offers a nice selection of cocktails and nonalcoholic sodas.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland or Kimpton RiverPlace
