Alameda

By Walker MacMurdo

4765 NE Fremont St., 460-9025, alamedabrewing.com.

11 am-10 pm Sunday-Thursday, 11 am-11 pm Friday-Saturday.

You can tell that Alameda Brewing's flagship pub on Fremont is a lot of people's favorite bar. The spacious brewpub, now almost 20 years old, couples Chipotle's industrial-chic with a sports-bar vibe, thanks to strategically placed televisions and relaxed afternoon drinkers garbed in Timbers colors. The beer itself forgoes the flourish of recent craft trends. Alameda has kept a small handful of classics, including the GABF-awarded Black Bear XX Stout, on tap, and this winter's seasonal offerings played it fairly safe with a raft of dark beers. Not that anyone is complaining, as Alameda seems purpose-built as a spot for regulars. Frequent happy hours, inexpensive cocktails and laid-back staff drive it home as a place to spend a lazy afternoon or enjoy a weeknight beer. And if you want a different type of experience, Dean's Scene is right across the street.

Bridget Baker Bridget Baker

Drink This: Black Bear XX Stout is the discerning drinker's pick, and unlike other offerings hasn't found its way into cans. The Siskiyou Golden Ale was a personal favorite, rich and pleasantly fruity with notes of warm spice and a crisp finish. Go on Saturday and fill a growler for just $5.

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