Essential Up and Coming Portland Brewpubs You Have to Visit

Craft Beer, Casual Dining, Great Friends: PDX Brewpubs Have It All

2017 will be yet another great year for Oregon beer. As the nation’s beer capitol, the Portland metro area features over a hundred breweries churning out unique craft brews – unbelievable, right? But over the past few years, these seven Portland brewpubs have distinguished themselves amongst a strong set of competitors. Read on to learn which essential Portland brewpubs you should visit now.

1) Great Notion Brewing

Hidden on a side street off trendy Alberta Ave., Great Notion Brewing is a true Portland brewpub. Throughout the space you’ll find finishes detailed in wood grain, Timbers scarves adorning walls, and on-site barrels exposing the brewery’s love of oak barrel aging. Known primarily for their sour ales and juicy, New-England style IPAs, Great Notion is delivering some of the best low-IBU beers in Portland. If you like your beer with Oregon fruit (think peaches, strawberries, apricots, and cherries), Great Notion does not disappoint.

2) Migration Brewing

This inner northeast Portland brewpub resembles an entrance into a logger’s territory. Threads of community and outdoor enthusiasm run deep in this brewpub, as every inch of this bar is covered in Northwest beer. While the cozy decor may draw you in, the beer is what’s worth staying for. Migration Brewing pale ales are smoothly hopped and irresistibly zesty. Community and tasty brews – what more could you want from a Portland brewpub? Drink This: Luscious Lupulin IPA, a 6.5% ale with piney resin and big citrus flavors with balanced malts.

3) StormBreaker Brewing

As spring temperatures begin to climb, the spacious StormBreaker brewpub patio will soon be packed with locals and visitors alike. Set in the historic Mississippi district, StormBreaker offers its guests a hearty selection of beers ranging from IPAs to lighter pilsners. Named after Mt. Hood’s little known nickname, StormBreaker’s head brewing team prides itself on the fact that they “brew [their] beer like Mt. Hood breaks storms coming off the Pacific Ocean, head on with intensity.” If you’re looking for a casual spot to grab an outdoor brew, this is definitely a great place to go.  

4) Ex Novo Brewing

Things started quietly at Ex Novo Brewing, a small brewpub tucked away on N Flint Ave, but in the past year, Ex Novo has established a strong reputation among Portland breweries. As the nation's first non-profit brewery, Ex Novo prides itself on staying  “passionate about social justice and helping others, both locally and globally.” Yes, the brewery is worth visiting for its good deed of donating proceeds to support refugees and mentor underprivileged youth, but the beer stands up to its competitors. Our choice: try the Cardinal Sim IPA, it’s amazingly juicy.

5) Baerlic Brewing Company

Located in inner southeast Portland, Baerlic is a portal to an Old English brewpub. The brewery’s name translates to ‘of barley’ in Old English, and for the brewers, the old world name reinforces the belief that “all things, no matter how complex or involved, can always be traced backward to a single, simple core or point of view.” Baerlic’s beers are simple, and simply delicious. Try a standard glass of the Invincible IPA (a year-round selection), or opt for a taste of the Dark Thoughts Cascadian Ale (a seasonal and experimental beer).

6) Culmination Brewing

Culmination Brewing has always been a little bit different. A brewpub collective, Culmination houses five different brewers who are committed to innovation, experimentation, and great product. While two of the main brewers, Devin Benware and Shaun Kalis, will soon leave Culmination to start their own operation, the brewery will remain dedicated to “the idea that sustainable manufacturing and building practices can and will lead to superior products and customer satisfaction.” Head to Kerns to try one of these small batch beers; we recommend the Phaedrus American or the Oregon Kara Sakura Sour.

7) Ecliptic Brewing

Another Mississippi district brewpub, Ecliptic Brewing is a hub of creativity at the other end of the street, down the way from StormBreaker. Started by John Harris, an Oregon brewing icon who created recipes for McMenamins, Deschutes, and Full Sail, “Ecliptic unites John’s passions for brewing and astronomy, with a seasonal menu rotating ever six weeks (on the Old World calendar).” The beers are consistently creative, formidable, and delicious. This summer, Ecliptic is definitely one of the Portland breweries to enjoy.