Breakside Brewing
This brand new space on the Northeast side of the Pear District has an industrial feel and a pretzel the size of a small dog. Sit at the bar, befriend your bartender, and make bets on if you’ll be able to finish the pretzel, that’s what I did. I know you are dying to know, yes I did finish it, I won. While I was here Nike headquarters was having their annual meeting upstairs, you could say I was in good company. Try the Cuddle Puddle and Mo’ Problems on tap.
Deschutes Brewery
This wildly popular brewery is one block away from the famous Powell’s Books, but don’t try to go pick out books after stopping by and tasting their brews, you might now be able to read clearly. This place is popping for lunch and dinner as well with comfort food being the staple of the menu. Try the Black Butte Porter or the Obsidian Stout Nitro on tap.
10 Barrel Brewing
This brewery has a female brewmaster who names her beers after female pop culture. This is definitely a welcoming environment for all the women who like craft beer, coming either in groups or by themselves (like me). The bartender was amicable and let me try practically everything on the taplist before I made my choice. Try the Glen Coco or the Boise 150 on tap.
Rogue Brewery
A brewery with a national clientele with a taproom nestled in a street corner in Portland which also happens to be the companies original distillery space for their spirits. This place is a staple for the Pearl District and a local favorite hangout and viewing space for the Portland Timbers games. Try the Cold Brew IPA and Paradise Pucker in bottles.
Base Camp Brewing
This brewery is in the industrial district in East Portland and hosts a yearly Collabofest on one Saturday in the Spring each year. Collaboration brews are displayed and tasted at stations behind the brewery. The mini festival is complete with live music, cornhole, axe throwing, and lots and lots of beer. Partners include (but are not limited to) Occidental Brewing, Stormbreaker Brewing, Uptown Brewing, and Ex Novo brewing. I had the best beer of my life at this event. It was beer made with jasmine puff rice that tasted exactly like rice krispy treats, I went back for fourths.
Wayfinder Brewery
This industrial warehouse turned brewery boasts an impressive front porch that is a must for the rare sunny day in Portland. Cross the bridge to the industrial district and you’ll find the hip side of Portland. This should be your midday stop on any brewery hopping tour. Enjoy the massive space with friends or have a mini party here. Try the Lagerbier Hell on tap.
The Kat Chase 