Did you know that Portland is commonly called “beervana?” This is because it is home to an astonishing number of breweries, whether you consider startups or big operations that have been around for centuries. Most of the best breweries in Portland have a brewpub or tasting room where individuals can taste beers straight from the source. In fact, some breweries are so exclusive that they do not distribute outside their taprooms.
In this article, you will learn about the best breweries in Portland, along with breweries that provide food as well. We have included some famous drinks and beers that you absolutely must try if you visit any of these places. After all, they are a favorite of the locals and do not disappoint.
- Breakside Brewing
- Wayfinder Beer
- Upright
- Ruse Brewing
- Deschutes Brewery
- Laurelwood Public House and Brewery
- 10 Barrel Brewing Co.
- Cascade Brewing Barrel House
Breakside Brewing
(503) 444-7597
Most of the beers here are brewed at its Milwaukie headquarters but we have to say that Breakside Brewing is the homiest option available. It has wide booths that accommodate friends and polished, bright wood surfaces that are always clean and tidy.
You will find a large variety of beers here, including a sour, session, and pilsner beer. However, the Breakside IPA is definitely a winner with its fruity and citrus aromas with hints of pine. It indulges the taste of orange, guava, and apricot, mixed with the perfect amount of caramel to balance all flavors of the beer.
Wayfinder Beer
(503) 718-2337
Different from a majority of the breweries in Portland, Wayfinder has a great cocktail menu. Even though there are many beers that the company makes, Wayfinder Beer is known for its crisp lagers, like pilsners, Helles, and black lagers.
The best beer at Wayfinder has to be Flower in a Kettle. This beer has a medium copper body that is unfiltered and comes with hints of pine, grapefruit, and floral. You can also taste bits of orange in the beer. The floral bitterness, combined with the caramel makes this beer hard to resist.
Upright
(503) 735-5337
Even though it is a small operation, consistency and quality are two of the things Upright is known for. The owner, Alex Ganum uses his knowledge of brewing history, aligned with classic styles and techniques to make the best beer available in Portland.
If you are looking to try out some world-class beers to try, the 4 percent cask ale or German pilsner will not leave you disappointed. Many people spend their weekends here, especially since the brewery is now a full-time pub.
Ruse Brewing
(503) 662-8325
Two good friends came together for their love of beer, science, and creativity to open Ruse Brewing, one of the best breweries in Portland. It is amazing how, within no time, this brewery has been able to master the craft of making every single beer available in Portland.
If you are looking to be blown away, Fluorescent Farms will have you thinking about how any beer could taste this good. This ale is inspired by smoothies and is blended with wheat and oats, as well as some exotic fruits like pink guavas and pineapples. Is this beer or a dream from heaven? You can be the judge.
Deschutes Brewery
(503) 296-4906
This Scottish brewery has earned itself a name in Portland with its 18 versatile beers on tap which includes seasonal ales, experimental beers, and Deschutes mainstays. Locals love this brewery because it has lots of group seating, making it perfect for a casual night out with the boys or a gossip session with the girls at odd hours of the night.
Deschutes Brewery is best known for the Black Butte Porter and Mirror Pond Pale Ale. Both these drinks go well together with the root beer braised pork belly, red onion apple tart, elk burgers, and deviled eggs. If you are visiting for the first time, you have to try a Pilsner and pair it with the beer cheese soup. Get ready to be blown away.
Laurelwood Public House and Brewery
(503) 282-0622
If you are searching for a brewpub that welcomes people of all ages, the Laurelwood Public House and Brewery will make you very happy. This pub is a great place for families as well as kids. It has assorted play areas designated for children while the adults enjoy their beers in peace. The best part is that this is a brewery that is locally owned and serves a wide range of certified organic beers.
Their famous flagship beers, Workhorse IPA and Free Range Red Ale, paired with the huevos rancheros will be the best thing about your day. We guarantee you that you will not be able to stop drinking the delicious beer or eating the flavorful food till someone has to drag you out of the brewery.
10 Barrel Brewing Co.
(503) 224-1700
Even though it opened a decade ago in another place, 10 Barrel Brewing Co. began working in its Portland location in 2015. The high ceilings and beautiful open-air make this brewery a beautiful spot to drink a couple of beers with friends. The rooftop is also the perfect place to chill after a long day at work. On a regular basis, there are twenty beers on tap on a rotational basis.
You cannot go to this brewery and not try the Hipster Pizza. It is made with spinach, house tomato sauce, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, mozzarella, black olives, and marinated artichokes. Pair this delicious meal with the Apocalypse IPA which has a citrus and fruity flavor and will leave your mouth feeling dry and crisp.
Cascade Brewing Barrel House
(503) 265-8603
If you like barrel-aged, sour beers or have always wanted to try some, this place is for you. In fact, Cascade Brewing Barrel House was the first brewery to launch this movement. The cheery and bright brewery has garage doors that allow beautiful natural light to enter, and off-white walls backed up by tables with bases made from barrels. This little brewery is filled with the fantastic aroma of flavorful beers all year round.
The most famous dish served here is the meat and cheese platter, which is perfect for munching as you sip on your beers. You can even try a traditional brewery dish, like a Caesar wrap, a Reuben, or a beer cheese soup. The Kriek makes a wonderful combination of these- sour, aged, and fruity. In fact, rumor has it that 16,000 pounds of cherries were used in the latest batch of beers made by Cascade Brewing Barrel House. Imagine that!
