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In the middle of the Hillsdale neighborhood sits a little piece of Oregon beer history. Following the typical McMenamins model, it started out as something else—in the days of disco this was a fish 'n' chips joint, then it was a short-lived burger shack before the McMenamin brothers acquired the space and turned it into the state's very first brewpub in 1985.
The spot is quaint compared with its larger siblings, but still manages to ooze the same eclectic charm, with low lighting and whimsical painting adorning the walls. The tiny kitchen cranks out the usual brewpub fare and the place gets packed, which can make the wait to get food arduous. Beer-wise, you’ll find all of your old faves from the Bros, at least one cider and several small-batch limited releases on tap. We had very bad luck with the sours, one of which reminded me of vinegar with a splash of plastic.
Drink this: The Ruby will always be near and dear to my heart, but if fruit beers aren’t your thing, go for the classic Terminator Stout.
Welcome to the 2017 Portland Beer Guide
This Year's Guide Is Dedicated to Dean Pottle
An Oral History of the Horse Brass
The Best Portland Bars for Hardcore Bar Geeks | Portland's Best Cider Bars | These Are the Bars in Portland Where We Get Our Beer to Go | Where to Get Crowlers in Portland | Big Beer Halls Where You Can Drink With Half of Portland | The Six Best Spots to Take Little Ones For a Little Nip | Warm & Cozy Beer Caves | Portland Spots Where Great Food and Beer Come Together | Tap a Belgian or German at These Portland Bars