Great Notion Brewing

By Matthew Korfhage

After taking over for the long-neglected Mash Tun brewpub last summer, Great Notion quickly became the best beer bar ever to hit Alberta, even before it kick-started its own brews in December. The small bar space is a model of every contemporary modern Portland brewpub: wood grain everywhere, Timbers scarves hung with care, and a patio looking out on food carts. But the stout is dry and balanced, and Great Notion's IPAs are perhaps the most ambitious take on fruity, low-IBU brews in the state, with Juice Jr. and Ripe IPA ranking among the top five in a blind tasting of Portland IPAs. Juice Jr. is wondrously refreshing, while Ripe IPA is a kissing cousin, bolder and more alcoholic. The food has been upgraded, and the tap lists are now filled with Great Notion beer-geeky brews ranging from alcoholic root beer to maple stout to coffee and cream.

Happy hour: 3-6 pm daily. Food specials only.

Entertainment: Patio sittin' on a sizable patio.

2204 NE Alberta St., No. 101, 503-548-4491, greatnotionpdx.com. 3-10 pm Monday-Thursday, noon-11 pm Friday-Saturday, noon-10 pm Sunday.

Willamette Week

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Matthew Korfhage

Matthew Korfhage

Matthew Korfhage has lived in St. Louis, Chicago, Munich and Bordeaux, but comes from Portland, where he makes guides to the city and writes about food, booze and books. He likes the Oxford comma but can't use it in the newspaper.

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