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WORTH THE DRIVE
cornelius pass roadhouse and brewery
Roadhouse, a term that in print dates back to 1857, usually denotes an inexpensive restaurant, bar or inn located near a highway. This vague definition could include everything from Dairy Queen to EconoLodge, but most people associate roadhouses with swinging saloons. Unfortunately, Cornelius Pass is very un-Patrick Swayze and not entirely cheap, although it's a good place to watch a tornado approach across a field of transformers. It's also earning a reputation as the McMenamins outpost for spotty service--be prepared for your food to arrive 15 minutes before your beer. When it does arrive, the dry and hoppy Maibock soothes, as does the robust Raccoon Red. If you like a light pilsner, try the Whistling Wheat, but by all means avoid the lifeless Hammer Hoofed. Located about halfway between Portland and Forest Grove, the Roadhouse is a good place to stop when returning from the beach, or to meet some high-techers grabbing a pint after work. (CM) 4045 NW Cornelius Pass Road, Hillsboro, 640-6174. Open daily. 20 taps. mcmenamins edgefield: power station pub
So many McMenamins...so little time. While this burgeoning hospitality and entertainment machine continues honing bars to suit its variety of patrons, check out the industrial hub that brings them all together. Among the hotel rooms, movie theater, banquet hall, vineyard and brewery, the Power Station Pub is the main artery of Edgefield. With the breadth and richness of a converted mansion, the main room of the pub bustles with a relaxed detachment--we are, after all, in the country. Don't work yourself into too much excitement over the food, which is reliable at best. The beer selection, featuring the usual McMenamins brews plus seasonal Deschutes and Widmers, is surprisingly small for such a large place, but well-selected. The sweeter-than-most bock complements a summer garden walk better than a parasol. (RR) 2126 SW Halsey St., Troutdale, 492-4686. Open daily. 15 taps. mcmenamins rock creek tavern
More of a roadhouse pub than a neighborhood tavern, Rock Creek Tavern occupies a bucolic setting off Highway 26 in Hillsboro. Surrounded by trees and looking out at farms and rolling hills, the converted house features a raised deck that's the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon or a warm summer evening. Indoors, there's a lodge-like decor of wood and stone, a kitchen that cooks up tasty burgers, fries and other fare, and live music from some of the area's best roots players every night--with no cover charge. Besides the usual assortment of McMenamin-brewed Wheat, India Pale and Ruby ales, there are three seasonals on the menu at any time, and either a porter or stout available on nitro. Rural denizens, suburbanites and city dwellers alike come to the Rock Creek seeking refuge and a relaxing atmosphere, and everyone's welcome. (RM) 10000 NW Old Cornelius Pass Road, Hillsboro, 645-3822. Open daily. 16 taps. |
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