PUBS OF THE USAWEST COAST

 

Including San Francisco and Northern California, Portland and Oregon, Washington State, Seattle and Denver

 

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA and the PACIFIC NORTH WEST

The beer scene in the US has changed tremendously over the last 23 years. In 1980 there were only 40 or so large and regional brewers, now there are well over 1,400 brew-pubs and micro-breweries offering a great deal of beer choice for the US drinker. Most offer a choice of international styles from all around the world including English ales, Czech lagers and Belgian fruit beers, which are brewed with quality and taste in mind.

The beer revolution seems to be stronger in some states and cities than others; some of the earliest brew pubs and micros were in the Pacific North West and Northern California, and not only do they have more breweries per population than most places in America, they have some of the best! Stuart and I visited many of these places in 1998.

American brewpubs serve different beer styles from all over the world. So unlike anywhere else in the world, every beer style is brewed in one pub. Most pubs will have anything from an Irish stout, English ale, German lager, Belgian abbey beer, Porter and IPA. To name just a few! If you are baffled by the choice most pubs will offer sample trays, which are small batches of beer they brew. A recent addition has been my favourite beer style-cask or English real ale. Which makes drinking for me in America an even greater pleasure!

I have not listed the beers available in the brewpubs, as they might change over the years. I have mentioned any beers, which have stood out for us. I have enclosed a telephone number for any information you need to know about the brewpub; such as location, opening hours, beers, etc. Happy beer hunting!

SAN FRANCISCO

It is not just me-San Francisco seems to be everyone’s favourite American city. Like Sydney, you can’t beat a good harbour-side and bridge. San Francisco has 7 brewpubs, 2 local breweries Anchor Steam  (see entry) and the Speakeasy and some good pubs. Prices are high by American standards. Visited March 1998, March 2006 and September 2007.

Gordon Biersch Brewing, 2 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94120

Beers- Home Brew Pub

Telephone-415-243-8246

Very much an up-market place, where the clientele seem to be more interested in food than beer. Beer range consists of German style beer, which is above average, if expensive. Pub is almost on the water-front, close to Oakland Bridge.

John 7.5/10 visit March 1998

This is about fashion and food. Beer takes a second place. There is a good view of the bridge, and the place is full of flirting couples, (us excluded !) It can get really packed in the evening and finding a seat can be a problem.

Stuart 6/10 visit March 1998

________________________________________________________________________

San Francisco Brewing, 155 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133

Beers- Home Brew pub

Telephone- 415-434-3344

Traditional old pub built in 1907, with some interesting history, which is now a brew pub, brewing some nice beers and serving some nice food in a friendly atmosphere. First pub visited after a long flight so a little jet lagged! It was interesting enough to keep us awake!

John 8.5/10 visit March 1998

We were really 'jet lagged' when we visited this place. Lovely range of beers and good food. Whilst departing in our 'lagged' state, I accidentally demolished a glass; which was not a problem for the friendly bar staff to clean up!

Stuart 8/10 visit March 1998

Atmospheric pub with nice décor with white walls and ceiling fans. Good atmosphere.. Smaller than I remember it. Only brew pub on my visit to San Francisco with no cask beer. Beer was average, but the pub is good.

 

John 8/10 visit March 2006

_________________________________________________________________________

Twenty Tank Brewing, 316 11th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Beers- Home Brew Pub

Telephone-415-255-9455

A glass-fronted brew pub with its own fermenting tanks. Inside there are two bars, an upstairs bar and a downstairs bar. A nice mix of old and new , as well as reasonably priced food.

John 8/10 visit March 1998

Interesting pub in an industrial district. Bar down the right hand side with a good range of beers and food. We had rather a marathon walk to get here, as we had to go via the Anchor Steam brewery which is even further out of the city!

Stuart 8/10 visit March 1998

Sadly this brewpub is now closed.

Anchor Steam Brewery, 1705 Mariposa Street, San Francisco. CA 94107

Beers- Brewery trip

Telephone- 415-863-8350

Web site  www.anchorbrewing.com

 

Not easy to get to public transport wise, but a trip to this brewery is recommended. Trips are daily at 1300 hours and last about an hour. Book a trip to coincide with your visit to San Francisco. Make sure you book a month ahead.  Anchor Steam was the only brewery in America brewing quality beer in the 1970s. Which in turn started the great microbrewery revolution in the USA in the 1980s. Learn now Fritz Lang brought the brewery because he did not want the see his favourite beer disappear. Good crowd on both visits. Had a good session of samples in the bar. If you are a beer nut you must visit!!

 

John 9/10 visit   March 2006 and Sept 2007

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

21st Amendment Brewery, 563 2nd Street, San Francisco. CA 94107.

Beers- Brew pub

Telephone-415-369-0900

Web site www.21st-amendment.com

Good brew pub. It’s says brewery, restaurant and bar, maybe a little too much space is taken up by food. At the time of my visit after 1630 hours everybody is in the bar part. Modern airy décor with a wooden barn like ceiling. Like the descriptions of the beers! plus points for having a barrel of cask IPA on the bar. Friendly place.

 

John 8/10 March 2006

____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Thirsty Bear Brewing Company, 661 Howard Street, San Francisco. CA94105.

Beers- Brew pub

Telephone-415-974-0905

Web site-  www.thirstybear.com

Go through the glass door, get stopped by the waitress. It is okay to have a beer. Modern décor with bare brick walls and low lighting. The upstairs bar has a dartboard and a pool table. This brewpub does a cask ESB that is good; enjoy the beer with Mike from Houston who is a fellow good beer fan.

 

John 7.5/10 visit March 2006

___________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Chieftain, 198 5th Street, San Francisco. CA 94103.

Beers- US and overseas on draught

Telephone-415-615-0916

Web site- www.thechieftain.com

An Irish pub with a range of international beers.  Beers mainly from global breweries; one or two worthwhile beers including Sierra Nevada, which I had. Small pub with good décor including flagstone walls and wooden floor!! Friendly bar service, friendly pub. International sports on the screen including English football.

 

John 7/10 visit March 2006

___________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Johnny Foley’s Irish House, 243 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco. CA 94102

Beers –US and overseas beers on draught.

Telephone-415-954-0777

Web site- www.johnnyfoleys.com

 

Irish pub with décor I like. Black and white chequered floor, wooden panelled partitions and impressive white ceiling.  Better than the fake Irish pubs in the UK. International draught beers include Chimay from Belgium and local from Anchor Steam. English football on the TV is on low sound. Good pub, good atmosphere.

 

John 8/10 visit March 2006

______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Leffe O’Doul’s, 333 Geary Street, near Powell, San Francisco. CA 94102.

Beers- US micros and overseas beers on draught.

Telephone-415-982-8900

 

The sign outside says Restaurant and piano bar, which usually means upmarket. But the place has lots of character and a good locals’ atmosphere. The youths on the table next to me were enjoyable company. Good old baseball photos on the wall. Interesting beers on tap from local micros including Speakeasy, Fat Tire and Wilmer Bros at a price.

 

John 7.5/10 visit March 2006 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Magnolia pub and brewery, 1398 Haight Street, San Francisco. CA 94117

Beers- Brew pub

Telephone-415-864-PINT

Web site  www.magnoliapub.com

 

This is one of the most unlikely brew pub I have visited. From the outside it looks like a coffee shop and you would never guess not only is it a brew pub, but it does 5 cask beers! Amazing!! The place is in Haight Ashbury where the hippie movement started, but i didn’t see any hippies today. Small place with café décor and a good atmosphere. The beer menu explains about cask conditioned beer. The beers were in good condition.  On the same road as the Toronado, but you will need to get the bus.  This is pub under the same ownership as the 21st Amendment? Great pub.

 

John 9/10 visit March 2006  

___________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Toronado, 547 Haight Street, San Francisco CA 94117

Beers- over 47 beers on draught  US micros and overseas. Bottled beer mainly Belgian.

Telephone-415-863-2276

Web site- www.toronado.com

 

Wow! What a pub! 47 beers on draught from US micros and overseas with a great selection of classic beers.  Anchor Steam has four beers here when you struggle to find one in San Francisco. Three of the beers are on handpump. Bottled beers mainly come from Belgium; not too expensive considering.  An narrow pub with a side room at the back. Usual beer posters and signs around the pub. Beers and prices down on a blackboard halfway down the pub. Regulars at the bar are friendly, what else is there to talk about the reason you like beer. Old tills add character to the pub. One of the best range of beers in the USA. Someone from Belgium walk in and was amazed to find the beer of his home town, De Koninck Bolleke on draught. I might be wrong but I don’t remember the pub having any wine or spirits behind the bar. . A San Francisco beer institution. Welcome to beer heaven!  

 

John 10/10 March 2006 and Sept 2007

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Mad Dog in the Fog, 530 Haight Street, San Francisco.CA 94117

Beers- 13 beers on draught US and overseas.

Telephone-415-626-7279

 

Like the name of the pub, but it is an American bar trying to be a English pub. Over 13 beer taps on the bar including London Pride, but mainly mainstream beers. A dimly lit place with sport screens. Two dartboards say Boddingtons brewed in Manchester; well not any more! Opposite the Toronado-must get the overflow!!

 

John 5/10 visit Mach 2006

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Colombus Café, 562 Green Street, San Francisco. CA 94133.

Beers- US micros and overseas beers on draught

Telephone-415-291-0818

 

Regular bar with lots of beer taps, some are US micros and some imports including Bass and Newcastle Brown Ale. A pool table is in the corner as well as a sport screen. Seats are all bar stools. Happy hour is 1600 to 2000 hours, which I just missed! Interesting old photos around the bar including one of Joe Di Maggio.

 

John 7/10 visit March 2006

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rogue Ales Public House, 673 Union Street, San Francisco. CA 94133.

Beers- Rogue beers plus guest beers

Telephone- 415-362-7880

Web site www.rogue.com

 

Not a Rogue brew pub, but part of a Rogue franchise. Pub has a wide range of Rogue beers as well as guest beers. Good décor with raised carpet area in the middle of the pub. Windows overlook Washington Square park.  Regulars at the bar  and bartender are creating a good atmosphere. Background music is rock music from the 70s and 80s. Like the Portland pub, the pub is full of Rogue bottled beers. Pub opens from 1500 hours on  Monday to Friday. Good pub.

 

John 8/10 visit March 2006

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Beach Chalet Brewery, 1000 Great Highway, San Francisco. CA 94121.

Beers –Brew pub

Telephone-415-386-8439

Web site  www.beachchalet.com

 

If there was a competition for the best location of a brew pub in the world, this pub would probably win it. Behind is Golden Gate Park at the front is the beach and an ocean. Timing is everything in life and we turn up an hour before sunset, to watch the sun go down . Great. The pub is not too bad either! The pub is up one floor, while the seats at the windows are for dining you can still see out to sea from the bar area. Friendly bar service and the beers were good.

 

John 9/10 visit Sept 2007

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pubs I didn’t get round to

 

Wunder Beer, 1326 Ninth Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122. Brewpub I missed! Former the Eldos, now Wunder

beer. Web site www.wunderbeer.com

 

Speakeasy, 1195 Evans Avenue, San Francisco, CA 95124.  A brewery, which has an open house on Fridays between 1600 to 2000 hours.  Check web site and ring in advance. Web site www.goodbeer.com

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

ARCATA

Humboldt Brewery, 856 Tenth Street, Arcata,  CA 95521

Beers- Brew Pub

Telephone-707-826-BREW

Very much a student-type pub, with a CD jukebox which has music from all sorts of eras. Pitchers of beer seem to be popular with the clientele. Waitress' first day, we seemed to know more about the beer she was serving than she did!

John 8/10 visit March 1998

Full of students; this is a college town! Waitress had only recently discovered beer. Bawdy American behaviour inside. We bought a jug of beer and just relaxed.

Stuart 7/10 visit March 1998

_________________________________________________________________________

BERKELEY

Bison Brewing, 2598 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704

Beers- Brew pub

Telephone-510-841-77 http://bisonbrew.com/Default.asp34

Web site www. http://bisonbrew.com/Default.asp

Not what you'd expect from a brew pub in a student area. The décor is modern with lots of steel and glass. Didn't seem to be busy when we visited. The Chocolate Stout was very nice.

John 7.5/10 visit March 1998

Very much the 'new kid on the block'. Modern, fashionable pub near the 'studenty' area.

Stuart 6/10 visit March 1998

_________________________________________________________________________

Triple Rock Brewing, 1920 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704

Beers- Brew pub

Telephone-510-843-2739

Web site-  www.triplerock.com

Pub is much as you'd expect it to be in a student area. Nice 80 year old brick building, with various signs and memorabilia ( not all to do with beer ) around the place. Reasonably priced food and beer. Pub also has a roof-top garden.

John 8/10 visit March 1998

More traditional than the other one above. Long bar area. The beers were nothing special.

Stuart 7/10 visit March 1998

_________________________________________________________________________

BOONVILLE

Anderson Valley Brewing, Buckhold Saloon, 14081 Highway 128, Boonville, CA 95415

Beers- Brew Pub

Telephone-707-895-BEER

Wb site  www.avbc.com

Pub on the main highway as you go into Boonville, but still easy to miss! The décor is bright and modern and on different floors, with nice views out of the back windows. Ceiling is full of T-shirts from various breweries from around the world. Nice Oatmeal Stout.

John 9/10 visit March 1998

You won't miss this place (unless you are us!) as there is a big brewery vessel outside. Looks like a chalet! Inside, plenty of wood; and the beer was good. Very quiet when we visited but a special place!

Stuart 9/10 visit March 1998

_________________________________________________________________________

CALISTOGA

Calistoga Inn, 1250 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515

Beers- Brew Pub

Telephone-707-942-4101

Web site  www.calistogainn.com

Brew pub in the heart of the wine country. Judging by the quality of the beers served here, they only seemed to be interested in wine! There is a restaurant on the other side of the bar, which is why most people come here, not for the beer. Over rated.

John 6/10 visit March 1998

Expensive spa town. We stayed in the pub, the most expensive accommodation and the worst. En-suite is the minimum these days! Beer was okay but the band was too loud. Food was overpriced - but cheap compared with Blighty.

Stuart 5/10 visit March 1998

_________________________________________________________________________

CHICO

Sierra Nevada Taproom and Restaurant, 1075 East 20th Street, Chico, CA 95928

Beers- Brew Pub

Telephone-916-345-2739

Web site  www.sierraneveda.com

Sierra Nevada was one of first micros to open in the 1980s, and in my opinion the best, brewing some truly great beers. The trip to the taproom was not a let-down, with lots of wood panelling and etched glass, and a good atmosphere. The beers on draught were wonderful and served at the right temperature; plus we were given a short brewery tour to finish our visit! What more can you ask for? Closed Mondays.

John 10/10 visit March 1998

Superb brew pub - one of the best in the states! Excellent range of beer and food. It was closed Monday when we visited so we just hung around until Tuesday. Had a great guided tour by the bar manager. If you can't visit, you can get bottles in the UK.

Stuart 10/10 visit March 1998

What a different from my last visit. Last time Stuart and I were the only people in on Tuesday lunchtime. This time on a Thursday evening it is full of people who are mainly dining, with a stand up area by the bar. Impressive choice of beer styles on draught. The Pale Ale tastes even better on draught. Thanks to Rafael and Jorge for befriending me after seeing my Sharp’s Brewery sweatshirt.

 

John 9/10 visit March 2006

_________________________________________________________________________

EUREKA

Lost Coast Brewery and Café, 617 4th Street, Eureka, CA 95501

Beers- Brew Pub

Telephone-707-445-4480

Web site www.lostcoast.com

An old building which has been nicely decorated, with a high ceiling with fans and nice prints of old California. As well as a good Pale Ale beer, the food was good and reasonably priced.

John 8/10 visit March 1998

There were loads of kids here when we visited. Best to start them young! Looks like a cross between MacDonalds and a brew pub-but don’t be put off! Interesting range of beers.

Stuart 8/10 visit March 1998

_________________________________________________________________________

HOPLAND

Mendocino Brewing Hopland Brewery Restaurant, 13351 South Highway 101 s Hopland, CA 95449

Beers- Brew Pub

Telephone-707-744-1361

Web site  www.mendobrew.com

As well as being the first brew pub in California since the prohibition, there are connections to New Albion, which was the first micro in the 1970s. Décor is modern and pleasant with separate dining and drinking areas. Good friendly atmosphere. Red Tail ale was very nice.

John 8.5/10 visit March 1998

Lovely pub sign outside. Inside, full of locals taking it all in, 'MAN'!-. Good beer and a friendly welcome. Definitely worth a visit.

Stuart 9/10 visit March 1998

_________________________________________________________________________

LARKSPUR CIRCLE

Marin Brewing, 1809 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur, CA 94939

Beer- Brew Pub

Telelephone-415-461-HOPS

Web site  www.marinbrewing.com

Pub across the street from the Larkspur ferry terminal, so easy to get to from San Francisco. Very roomy, with lots of different areas to drink and eat in. Beers were excellent when we visited.

John 8/10 visit March 1998

In Marin county, the home of mountain bikes! They even have them on the wall of this place. Modern pub, just a ferry away from San Francisco. Large interior with an extensive food bias.

Stuart 8/10 visit March 1998

_________________________________________________________________________

SACRAMENTO

River City Brewing, 545 Downtown Plaza, Sacramento, CA 95814

Beers- Brew Pub

Telephone 916-447-BREW

Brew pub which is not easy to find in a shopping mall (thank you, nice security man!). Separate areas for drinkers and dining; décor modern and bright. Big bar stools, which I am sure someone's going to fall of! Nice Pilsner beer.

John 7.5/10 visit March 1998

I will go to more malls if they have brew pubs there. Smallish, with the brewing vessels visible. Nice friendly place.

Stuart 7/10 visit March 1998

_________________________________________________________________________

Rubicon Brewing,2004 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95814

Beers- Brew Pub

Telephone 916-448-7032

A bit of a long walk to find this one, but worth the effort. Décor is very modern and bright, what I think is called California style! Friendly cosy atmosphere with some good background music. India Pale Ale very 'hoppy,' - unlike the English versions!

John 8/10 visit March 1998

Don’t order taxis here - they don’t turn up! Worth a long walk across town. Basic but friendly inside and a good food menu.

Stuart 7/10 visit March 1998

_________________________________________________________________________

SAN JOSE

 

Gordon Biersch, 33 East San Fernado Street, San Jose. CA 95113.

Beers- Brew pub

Telephone-408-294-6785

Web site www.gordonbiersch.com

Brew pub chain. I must admit I think this pub is better than their pub in San Francisco, which was too much of a restaurant. Here there are more people drinking than eating and there is more of a lively atmosphere. Gordon Beirsch

specialist in lager beers and the beers that I had were above average but one one beer stood out from the sample tray. Good service on a busy night.

 

John 7/10 visit Sept 2007.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

San Jose Tied House, 65 North San Pedro Street, San Jose. CA 95113.

Beers- Brew pub

Telephone-408-295-2739

Web site  www.tiedhouse.com

Early brew pub which seems to have lost its way. No cask beer and the beer range was small . Like Gorden Beirsch the beers were above average, with no one beer standing out. Décor is a little like a diner. Tied house in the UK means drinking the beer of the brewery who owns the pub and no one else beer.

 

John visit Sept 2007

 

 

Trails pub, 265 North 1st Street, San Jose. CA 95113

Beers- Various US micros and English beers on draught

Telephone- 408-947-0497

Web site- www.trailspub.com

If you read my reviews of English pubs in the USA. I tend to say the same thing; an American bar pretending to be a English pub. This pub is different. I cannot put my finger on it, but it has a different atmosphere from an American bar. Might be because there is no waitress service. Food menu was very British, even down to the curry! Remember I had a handpump beer which is a good sign of a authentic English pub.

 

John 8/10 visit Sept 2007

_________________________________________________________________________________________

TRUCKEE

Truckee Brewing Pizza Junction, 11401 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA 95734

Beers- Home Brew Pub

Telephone-916-587-5406

Brew pub high up in the Sierra Nevada mountains. In the car park you will see a railway boxcar which they use for bottling. You can see the brewing vessels through the windows, as you walk into the pub. Friendly bar staff and locals seem impressed we came all the way from England to see their pub! Pub does nice pizzas as well.

John 9/10 visit March 1998

Special pub at 6000 feet. Snow covers the ground. Get inside and have some food and beer. Friendly bar staff - I'm sure there are snakes in the place! As you exit, take a deep breath of the thin air. Alcohol and high altitudes do mix!

Stuart 9/10 visit March 1998

 Closed no longer Brewing

_________________________________________________________________________

PORTLAND AND OREGON

PORTLAND

With over 20 brewpubs and microbreweries in the greater Portland area. Portland is the craft beer capital of the world or as I call it, beer drinker’s paradise. Portland people have a great knowledge of beer and champion local beers. Even the regular pubs have a good choice of beers. Visited March 1998, March 2006 and September 2007. Still some more pubs to do for another visit.

Bridgeport Brewing And Public House, 1313 NW Marshall, Portland, OR 97209

Beers- Brew Pub

Telephone-503-241-7179

Web site  www.bridgeportbrew.com

A big brew pub in a 100 year old warehouse, with a lot of character. Food is just pizzas, but they are very nice. Some of the beers are cask-conditioned, which being English, we enjoyed! (Try the Bridgeport Blue Heron ). Staff were very friendly and we managed to get a quick tour around the brewery, which was very nice of them. Enjoyable visit.

John 9.5/10 visit March 1998

Cracking brew pub which specialises in good beer and pizzas made from barley. The manager was really friendly and gave us another brewery tour. Large interior - you must visit this place if you are in Portland!

Stuart 10/10 visit March 1998

Much has changed since my last visit. A smaller drinking area and a larger dining area. There’s a bakery off to the right as you walk in. Had 3 cask beers on at the time of visit; this was one the first places in the USA to do cask beer. Monday to Friday 1500 to 1800 hours is happy hour with pints at $2.75. An upstairs area is more pubby. Pub has a lift and good facilities for the disabled. A little more corporate than my last visit, but still a good pub.

John 8.5/10 Sept 2007

_________________________________________________________________________

Full Sail,0307 SW Montgomery, Portland  OR 97201

Beers- Brew Pub

Telephone-503-220-1865

Web site  www.fullsailbrewing.com

A big pub which was not easy to find. There are two floors to this place; with windows looking out to the Willamette River. Pub was busy when we visited, but the service was friendly. Nice place; nice views.

John 8/10 visit March 1998

Always ask for a sampler tray in the States! This place is no exception. Big windowed, posh, by the river , full of beautiful people- excluding us! Great beer and extensive food menu. It can get really busy.

Stuart 8.5/10 visit March 1998

 Less crowded than my last visit, but it is a Monday night! Low lighting and views out to the river. Reggae music in the background. There were three cask beer on and a good selections of malt whiskies.

 

John8/10 visit Sept 2007

_________________________________________________________________________

Heathman Hotel, SW Broadway And Salmon, Portland

Beers- Various US micros and overseas beers

Telephone-TBA

A upmarket hotel bar which was recommended in Michael Jackson's pocket book beer guide. Not impressed with the choice of beers or the surroundings! Not really a drinkers' place.

John 5/10 visit March 1998

Typical hotel bar with insufficient seating.

Stuart 4/10 visit March 1998

_________________________________________________________________________

 Rogue Public House ( Former Portland Brewing ) , 1339 NW Flanders Street, Portland OR 97209

Beers- Ex-Brew Pub

Telephone-503-222-7150

Web site  www.rogue.com

Brew pub with one half for diners and the other half for drinkers. Décor modern and bright and without character, and I'm afraid the beers were also without character! Served too cold to give them any taste!

John 6/10 visit March 1998

I am glad we came here before the Bridgeport - as it is a bit mediocre!

Stuart 5/10 visit March 1998

Former Portland Brewing, now the Rogue public house and distillery. So no brewery! 22 Rogue beers on tap. More drinking room, more character and a better atmosphere than when it was Portland brewing. Happy hour 1500 to 1800 hours and 2200 hours until close. ‘Unleash your inner brew pub’. One handpump, no cask beer.

 

John 8/10 visit Sept 2007

_________________________________________________________________________

Rock Bottom, 206 SW Morrison, Portland, OR 97204

Beers- Brew Pub

Telephone-503-796-2739

Web site  www.rockbottom.com

Found this pub by accident, but a nice find! Pub was very crowded - only room at the bar for us, but a good lively atmosphere. Talked to a guy who was off to Scotland in a few months. Rock Bottom have a chain of brew pubs across America; their beers are drinkable, with one or two interesting ones.

John 8/10 visit March 1998

Modern and loud pub near the centre of town. Full of office workers when we visited. Reasonable selection of beers. Often difficult to find a seat.

Stuart 8/10 visit March 1998

More room than I remember from my last visit. The drinking area is a fair size. They do two cask beers; an IPA and amber. They do fresh beer to go and we are not talking Budweiser! Friendly bar service and a good atmosphere

John 8/10 visit Sept 2007

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Henry’s 12th Street Tavern, 10 NW 12th Avenue, OR97209.

Beers- US micros and overseas on draught

Telephone- 503-227-5320

Web site-  www.hendystavaern.com

Turn left at the door past the restaurant into a large bar area, which is dimly lit and full of bar stools- so far so unpromising! But in the centre of the bar are lots of beer taps; too many to count, with beers from local micros as well as international brands. There is a beer menu on the table. The pub is crowded with a good atmosphere, with old brewery photos around the walls. Low lighting makes it hard to read the beer menu. Good range of every drink product including wines and spirits including malt whiskies. An unlikely place for good beer, but welcome none the less!

 

John 8/10 visit March 2006

_____________________________________________________________________________________________---

 

Tony’s Tavern, 1955 West Burnside Street, OR 97209.

Beers- US micro beers on draught

Telephone-503- 228-4574

 

Regular bar on West Burnside in the downtown area. The neon lights on the windows are for smaller breweries, not Budweiser. Pool table, jukebox and lively atmosphere makes this a good locals’ hangout. Pub had 10 beers on draught.

 

John 6/10 visit March 2006

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tugboat Brewing, 711 SW Ankeny Street, OR 97205.

Beers- Brew pub

Telephone- 503-226-2508

Web site-  www.d2m.com/Tugwebsite/

A small brew pub in the downtown area. Great intimate atmosphere with low lighting and candles, bookshelves and small paintings on the wall, all add to the place. Wonder if the piano in the corner gets used? As well as their own beers they have guest beers from other breweries. Excellent bar service, with the owner telling us about the beers they brew.   I try the Brown Nut cask, which was good. Locals tell me the Chernobyl Stout (7.5 strength) is great but will send me to sleep!! You can see how small the brewery is on the way to the toilets!  A great pub with a good personal touch. Opens from 1600 hours. My favourite brewpub in Portland.

 

John 10/10 March 2006

 

Alameda Brewing Company, 4765 NE Fremont, OR 97213.

Beers- Home brew pub

Telephone-503-460-9025

Web site  www.alamedabrewhouse.com

A fair way outside the city centre; well, into the suburbs. The number 33 bus stops outside this pub, thanks to the nice bus driver who seemed to be a fellow beer nut. Pub design is modern and airy with a lot of wood around the building. The brewing vessels are on view, with the brewer cleaning them out at the time of my visit. Beer was good as was the food. Laid back sort of place, which is worth the trip out.

 

John 8/10 visit march 2006

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Laurelwood, 1728 NE 40th Avenue, OR 97212.

Beers- Brew pub

Telephone-503-335-9084

Web site  www.laurelwoodbrewpub.com

Brew pub which is child-friendly with a little play area. I asked if they had a cask beer and was offered a nitro keg beer as an alternative!! The IPA which I had was good. Nice etched glass behind the bar with the brewery logo. You can see the brew house through the glass windows. Service was slow. Happy hour is 1500 to 1800 hours and 2100 hours until close.

 

John 6/10 visit March 2006

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Widmer Brothers, 929 North Russell Street, OR97227.

Beers- Brew pub

Telephone-503-281-2437

Web site  www.widmer.com

A brew pub which is strong on lagers. The beer taps and the pub has a German design to it. Close to the freeway and

 the bridge which goes over the Willamette River. Pub has a nice easy-going feel to it. Handing out samples of its new IPA.

 

John 7/10 visit March 2006

____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

McMenamins White Egale Saloon, 836 North Russell Street, OR 97227.

Beers – Brew pub?

Telephone-503-282-6810

Web site- www.mcmenamins.com

 

Pub which is close to the Wilmer Brothers, their car park is next door to the pub. Pub was not busy at the time of my visit. Good pub design with wood cravings, Indian rugs and old adverts on the wall. They have a corner for live music and an outdoor patio. McMenamins have a number of pubs in Portland and I am not sure if the beers are brew here?

 

John 7/10 visit March 2006

______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Lucky Labrador, 915 SE Hawthorne Boulevard, OR 97214.

Beers- Brew pub

Telephone-503- 236 3555

Web site  www.luckylab.com

There’s something I like about this pub. More of a college bar feel than most brew pubs. Didn’t seem to have any waitress service even the food was ordered at the bar. With a name like this you know there’s bound the be a Labrador theme. A wall is full of photos of people’s Labradors ( cute ). The beer is good especially the Black Lab stout. Lots of pitchers being sold. Popular with cyclists at the time of visit. Good pub.

 

John 9/10 visit March 2006

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Roots Organic Brewing, 1520 SE 7th Avenue, OR 97214.

Beers- Brew pub

Telephone-503-235-7668

Web site  www.rootsorganicbrewing.com

Brew pub close to the Lucky Labrador. Like the Lucky Labrador, it has no waitress service and a college bar atmosphere. Smaller pub with wooden benches as seats. You can see the brewery at the back of the pub. Unspoilt pub with good bar service. Beers are all strong with the weakest beer being 5% alcohol, pints are $2.50 on a Tuesday; guest what day it is today! Root Reggae playing in the background- what else! My Saint Francis School brew, Bend T-shirt was noticed by a few people.

 

John 8/10 visit March 2006

__________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Rose and Rainbow, 532 SE Grand Avenue, OR 97214

Beers- US Micros on draught.

Telephone-503-238-6996

Web site-

 

Not a brew pub, but a pub with a great choice of beers including 5 cask beers. I understand why a brewpub might want to try cask beer. But for a non-brew pub to do so many cask beers is brave. The beers were well looked after and enjoyable. Pub has a upmarket/ hotel bar feel with a laid back atmosphere. Impressive pub.

 

John 8/10 visit March 2006

Sadly this pub is now closed

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Captain Ankeny’s Well, 50 SW 2nd Avenue, OR 97204.

Beers- US domestic and micros.

Telephone-503-223-1375

 

A regular’s pub in the downtown area, with a good choice of beer on tap ( see outside ). Interesting that the Michelob is half the price of the micro beers. Various happy hour deals on food and drink on Monday to Friday.  Younger clientele with interesting haircuts! Notice a bottle of Chimay on the way out.

 

John 7/10 visit March 2006

__________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 Pubs I didn’t get round too

Horse Brass Pub, 4534  SE Belmont Street, Portland OR 97215.  Pub with a big choice of beers, over 50 on draught including Oregon micros and English beers. Web site www.horsebrass.com

Deschutes, 210 NW 11th Avenue in Pearl District.  Deschutes pub in Portland. Target date for opening April 2008.  Check web site www.deschutesbrewing.com

__________________________________________________________________________________________

 

ASHLAND

Standing Stone Brewing, 101 Oak Street, OR 97520.

Beers- Brew pub

Telephone- 541-482-2448

Web site www.standingstonebrewing.com

Ashland is a town on the California/ Oregon border off Highway 5, which holds Shakespeare Festivals. The standing Stone is the only brewpub in the town. It is a nice old building with a outside patio. The beers from the sample tray were good, as was the bar service. Old photos of the town are around the granite walls of the pub. Good atmosphere, good pub.

 

John 8/10 visit Sept 2007

____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

BEND

Bend is a growing town in Mid Oregon with over 70,000 people. Thanks to my good friends Neil and Michelle Loftgard for looking after me so well when I stayed here. Bend has 5 brew pubs. Local brewer Descutes is the big success story with their beer available in all of Oregon and beyond. Visited March 1998, March 2006 and September 2007.

Bend Brewing, 1019 NW Brook Street, Bend.  OR 97701

Beers- Brew Pub

Telephone-541-383-1599

While the beers are not up to the standard of the Deschutes beers, they are good in their own right. Nice wood panelled building, with a laid-back feel. Food was nice as well

John 8/10 visit March 1998

This place serves very good food and does rather good beers as well. Loads of wood inside.

Stuart 8/10 visit March 1998

Still much the same as my last visit here, I remember the wood panelling! The outside drinking area has views of the river and must be nice in the summer. There is a children’s eating area at the front. More laid back than Deschutes

John  8/10 visit Sept 2007

_________________________________________________________________________

Deschutes Brewery and Public House, 1044 Bond Street, Bend,  OR 97701

Beers- Home Brew Pub

Telephone- 541-382-9242

Bend is a little out of the way town, but if you are ever passing this way this brew pub is well worth stopping off for. Lucky for Stuart and I we had some good friends, Neil and Michelle Loftsgard living there at the time. Visiting on a Friday night the place was crowded , but had a lot of atmosphere and everyone seen to know each other. Beer was excellent, especially the Black Butt Porter.

John 9/10 visit March 1998

Behind the bar is a small basketball net. You can throw quarters into it. Just wait until the bar staff are out of the way! This place can get packed and has a great atmosphere. Bend is a great town situated on the high desert plateau. The porter was superb!

Stuart 9.5/10 March

Pub which has not changed much since my last visit. Drinkers are sectioned off in a standing room only area by the bar. Only pub in Bend with cask beer. 

John visit Sept 2007

 

Southside Pub, 61160 South Highway 97, Bend. OR 97702.

Beers – 10 US beers on draught.

Telephone- 541-383-7672

Pub in a shopping complex. Neighbourhood pub with 2 pool tables and sport screens. There are 10 beers on draught here with Sierra Nevada being the most interesting brew. Pub does food with a different special for each day. Regular bar, and none the worse for that.

 

John 6/10 visit March 2006

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Cascade Lakes Lodge, 1441 SW Chandler Avenue, Bend. OR 97702

Beers- Home brew pub

Telephone 541- 388-4998

Web site   www.cascadelakes.com

New brew pub opened since my last visit to Bend. Standard brew pub design with lots of bricks and ceiling fans. The sample tray was big; almost 2 pints worth. Some of the beers were good, the food was good too. The pub was lively at the time of my visit.

 

John 7/10 visit March 2006

 

Mcmenamins Old Saint Francis School, 700 NW Bons Street, Bend. OR 97701.

Beers- Brew pub

Telephone- 541-382-5174

Web site  www.mcmenamins.com

McMenamins are a brew pub chain, who might not be to everyone’s taste, but they deserve a lot of credit for turning this ex-school into a unique pub. The pub is spread over different buildings and includes a movie theatre, a smoking area, different drinking and eating areas. As well as a steam room( drinks are not allowed ). The beers are above average. The pub is great.

 

John 9/10 visit March 2006

________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Silver Moon Brewing, 24 NW Greenwood Avenue, Bend. OR 97701

Beers- Brew pub

Telephone- 541-388-8331

Web site- www.silvermoonbrewing.com

 

This brewpub started out as a beer supply store for home brewers and has grown into a brewpub. The pub has a lively atmosphere with reasonably priced food, live bands (not at the time of my visit) and good beer. While doing food, the pub has more of a drinking atmosphere than the other Bend brewpubs.

John 9/10 visit Sept 2007 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EUGENE

Eugene City Brewery, 844 Olive Street, Eugene. OR 97401

Beers- Brew Pub

Telephone- 541-345 8489-

Web site  http://www.rogue.com/locations-eugene.html

Not easy to find, but a nice place. I might be wrong but i think we had a meal in the basement. Place was cosy with a lot of wood panelling, but nothing too outstanding here.

John 7/10 visit March 1998

Pub which seems to compliment the other two. We went downstairs for food as it was busy upstairs. Food was mediocre and the beer was not memorable.

Stuart 5/10 visit March 1998

NOW OWN BY ROGUE

_________________________________________________________________________

High Street Pub, 1243 High Street, Eugene  OR 97401

Beers- Brew Pub

Telephone-541-345-4905

Web site  www.mcmenamins.com

A pub which is in a house, which gives the place a lot of character and atmosphere, as well as a cosy feel. What a nice idea. Mcmenamins who own the pub, have a chain of brew pubs, this is the first one I have been in-hope they are all as individual.

John 8.5/10 visit March 1998

I thought this was a bungalow - but no, it is a pub! Busy when we visited although the local drunk was giving the staff a hard time.

Stuart 8/10 visit March 1998

_________________________________________________________________________

NEWPORT

Bayfront Brewery and Public House, 748 SW Bay Boulevard, Newport OR 97365

Beers- Brew Pub

Telephone-503-265-3188

Web site  www.rogue.com

Great pub, great beers. Brew pub on the sea front at Newport, with lots of different areas to drink in. Lots of character in the décor, and lots of humour in the name of the beers-Rogue Ales-'For the Rogue in all of us'. So many beers we had to have two sampler trays, all the beers were of a very high standard. Beer paradise.

John 10/10 visit Mach 1998

Kiko the killer whale used to live here (in a tank next to the pub) looks like he had his own brew pub. We never got to see him as the pub did so many different beers! A sampler tray here was impressive. I liked the chilli beer. Two-bar pub is definitely worth a visit.

Stuart 9.5/10 visit March 1998

_________________________________________________________________________

SEATTLE AND WASHINGTON STATE

SEATTLE

Seattle has less brewpubs and microbreweries than Portland, but not by much. Like Portland it is a great drinking town, with people who like to support a well-made local product. Brewpubs are spread with not so many in the downtown area. Visited March 1998.

 

Big Time Brewing, 4133 University Way NE, Seattle,  WA 98105

Beers- Brew Pub

Telephone 206-545-4509

Web site  www.bigtimebrewery.com

Brew pub in the student area of the city. As you expect the food and the beer are reasonably priced for the students. Old building with a lot of charm and lively atmosphere, as well as beer memorabilia around the place. Good beers; I remember having a nice IPA here. The Scotch beer was called 'beam me up '-( get it )!

John 8.5/10 visit March 1998

Very studenty place but we liked it! Wooden walls and the barman knew Michael Jackson - not the singer the beer writer! Food was cheap and plentiful. The beer was also very good.

Stuart 8/10 visit March 1998

_________________________________________________________________________

Pike Place Brewery, 1432 Western Avenue, Seattle,  WA 98101

Beers- Brew Pub

Telephone-206-622-1880

Web site  www.pikebrewing.com

Brew pub in the city centre near Pike Market. Pub was very spacious, but a little empty-it was Tuesday night-however the service was good and the beers were some of the best beers we tasted on our trip. Nice place.

John 9/10 visit March 1998

We sat in the comfy chairs - its actually in the middle of the market. This was a bit special and we had some good food here. The beer was excellent as you might expect.

Stuart 9/10 visit March 1998

_________________________________________________________________________

Rock Bottom,1333 5th Avenue, Seattle. WA 98101

Beers- Brew Pub

Telephone- 206-623-3070

Web site  www.rockbottom.com

Chain brew pub in the city centre. Pub was dimly-lit with wooden diner seating, a busy lively atmosphere and TV screens all around the pub. Beers were okay , but nothing too outstanding.

John 7.5/10 visit March 1998

This reminds me of a railway carriage with separate sitting areas along the bar. Beer was okay.

Stuart 6/10 visit March 1998

_________________________________________________________________________

Rock Plaza, 322 Occidental South, Seattle, WA 98104

Beers- Home Brew Pub

Telephone-206-621-7002

There was suppose to be a brew pub called Pacific Northwest Brewing here, but seems to have been a change of owners. Never seen brewing vessels so close to the bar area before( not without windows ). While into food, there seem to be a fair number of people drinking.

John7/10 visit March 1998

More of a restaurant and we can't remember too much about it!

Stuart 7/10 visit March 1998

Now Closed

_________________________________________________________________________

Trolleyman Pub, 3400 Phinney Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98103

Beers- Home Brew Pub

Telephone-206-548-8000

One of earliest micros, now owned by Budweiser. Brew pub is very comfortable and cosy, with some nice sofa chairs and a fireplace. Service was friendly, and the beers were good, especially the Redhook ESB, which was not unlike Fullers ESB back in London.

John 8.5/10 visit March 1998

Lovely pub with loads of comfy chairs by the fire. We had some lovely food here and had some coffee porter which was the closest we came to having coffee in Seattle! A bit of a trip out of the city centre - just get a cab. Great pub once owned by the trolley bus company.

Stuart 9.5/10 visit March 1998

Sadly Redhook moved. Making this pub closed

_________________________________________________________________________________

Pubs I didn’t get round to

Lots of brew pubs still left to do for my next visit.

 

_________________________________________________________________________

YAKIMA

Grant's Brewery Pub, 32 North Front Street, Yakima, WA 98901

Beers- Brew Pub

Telephone- 509-575-2922

In 1982 Grant's was the first brew pub in America since prohibition .Now in the wonderful location of the old Central Railroad Station. Bernie Grant beers are not only the first, his beers are some of the best. The Imperial Stout is one of my favourite beers, since I tasted it at the Great British Beer Festival in the 1980s, it tasted even better in Yakima, but all the beers are great.

John 9.5/10 visit March 1998

We had yet another sampler tray here. A bit cold inside the pub - the locals had tee shirts on, we had to wrapp up in rugs by the fire to keep warm. What bar service! Great range of beers. Bernie died recently but this is an unofficial memorial to him.

Stuart 9.5/10 visit March 1998

Pub closed. Which is a shame. As you can see Stuart and I enjoyed this pub.

________________________________________________________________________

DENVER

Denver is home to the Great American Beer Festival, which Stuart and I managed to visit in October 1999. While we were there, we also found time to visit the Rocky Mountains, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and of course some Denver Brew pubs!

DOWNTOWN

Breckenridge Brewery, 2220 Blake Street, Denver. CO 80204

Beers- Brew Pub

Telephone-303-297-3644

Web site  www.breckbrew.com

Brew pub close to the Coors Fields baseball stadium. Separate areas for dining and drinkers, giving the customers a close look at the brewery. One of the seasonal beers, was a beer called Vanilla Stout, which was one of the most outstanding and original beers I have tasted.

John 8/10 visit Oct 1999

Wow - try the vanilla stout! We did and it made the other beers seem normal. The food is also very good. Right by the field and it must get packed when a game is on.

Stuart 9/10 visit Oct 1999

_________________________________________________________________________

Denver Chop House and Brewery, 1735 19th Street, Denver. CO 80204

Beers- Brew Pub

Telephone-303-296-0800

Web site  www.chophouse.com

Upmarket brew pub, with a lot of space set aside for diners- food did look good. That said, the bar part was friendly and had a nice atmosphere. Dimly lit place with lots of wood panelling. Beers were good. Like Breckenridge it is close to Coors Field.

John 8.5/10 visit Oct 1999

We perched ourselves on high stools by the bar. Great food, a little bit pricey. The beer was reasonable.

Stuart 8/10 visit Oct 1999

_________________________________________________________________________

Falling Rock Tap House, 1919 Blake Street, Denver. CO 80202

Beers- lots of US micros and European beers

Telephone-303-293-8338

Web site  www.fallingrocktaphouse.com

Pub with a student type atmosphere. Very impressive beer menu, with hundreds of beers from all round the world. Also beers from US Micros on draught. Must be the best selection of beer in Denver. Food is cheap, snack meals. If crowded there is a downstairs bar.

John 8.5/ 10 visit Oct 1999

Excellent range of different beers on tap. The beer list can take some time to take in. Very basic inside but don’t worry about that. Food was good and cheap!

Stuart 8/10 visit Oct 1999

_________________________________________________________________________

Pint's Pub, 221 West 13th Avenue, Denver. CO 80204

Beers- Brew Pub

Telephone-303-534-7543

Web site  www.pintspub.com

English brew pub a little away from the rest of the Denver brew pubs. Not a bad attempt at a English pub, with various bits of memorabilia from the UK around the pub. Beers were English ales including a couple which were cask-conditioned which was a brave thing to do! Beers were good. Friendly service.

John 8.5/10 visit Oct 1999

Closest impersonation of a British pub that you will find on this side of the pond. You can find it by the union jack outside. Good food and beer served here. We tried to walk here from our hotel - why do the Yanks laugh at this! - We did have to cross a freeway, railway line and cover 3 miles. Well, we are British!

Stuart 8.5/10 visit Oct 1999

_________________________________________________________________________

Rock Bottom, 1001 16th Street, Denver. CO 80265

Beers- Brew Pub

Telephone-303-534-7616

Web site  www.rockbottom.com

Pub in the busy shopping area of Denver. While the Rock Bottom is a chain of brew pubs which I have been into before, this one had a lot more individual character. Beers were of a high standard and staff were friendly.

John 8.5/10 visit Oct 1999

Big pub on the main shopping street. It can still get busy as the younger set like it. Beer was reasonable.

Stuart 8/10 Oct 1999

_________________________________________________________________________

Wynkoop Brewing Co, 1634 18th Street, Denver. CO 80202

Beers- Home Brew Pub

Telephone-303-297-2700

Web site  www.wynkoop.com

Pioneering brewpub first opened in 1988. It's a large place, but at the same time it has a lot of charm and atmosphere. Different things for different people, there's a dining and bar area, upstairs is a big pool room and downstairs is a comedy club and a chance to look at the brewing vessels. Beers are good, especially the cask conditioned ones. Classic pub.

John 9.5/10 visit Oct 1999

Great brewpub - one of the best. Get a sampler. Multi barred pub. If you want you can sit outside on warm evenings. Upstairs is a snooker hall, restaurant at the back of the ground floor and a comedy theatre downstairs next to the brewery. Superb pub.

Stuart 10/10 visit Oct 1999.

_________________________________________________________________________