Beer enthusiasts consider Portland the brewery capital of the United States – some people even call it Beervana. Clean water and the ideal climate conditions for raising hops have resulted in a steady stream of daring and delicious IPAs, imperial stouts, and sour out of Oregon, but Portland in particular has a brewery scene that anyone with an affinity for hops needs to experience. There are more than 80 breweries in Portland, making it one of the United States cities with the most breweries per capita.
Photo: Alexey Andr Tkachenko/Shutterstock
10 Essential Breweries in Portland, Oregon, AKA 'Beervana'
No matter where you are wandering in Portland, you will find a refreshing beer to sip under the warm Pacific Northwest sun. These breweries are great places to stop after the best brunch you’ll have in Portland or a more low key trip to the art museum. And when you’ve tried all the breweries, Portland dive bars should be next on your itinerary. Here are the Portland breweries to try on your next visit.
- Essential Portland breweries
- Is Portland known for breweries?
- How many breweries are in Portland?
- What is the most popular beer in Oregon?
- Where to stay in Portland
Away Days Brewing Co.
Past customers praise the welcoming atmosphere of this brightly lit, minimalist brewery, with colorful chairs and white walls. Outdoor seating on the sidewalk and a menu of English inspired dishes, like fish and chips make this a charming spot to stop by for a beer in sunny weather. There are ten rotating taps available, in the past have included a summer ale, Czech pilsner, and an Irish stout.
Away Days Brewing Co.: 1516 SE 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House
With its cozy fireplace and 26 beers on tap, Deschutes Brewery Portland is one of the larger craft breweries in Portland. In addition Deschutes classics, the public house also offers the brewery’s more experimental beers. The full food menu includes burgers, steak frites, dessert, and there’s even a cocktail menu.
Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House: 210 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
Montavilla Brew Works
Hoppy beers and German-style lagers are on tap at this brewery which is a favorite of locals. The friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere makes this a great spot to hang out casually with friends – no need to worry about beer snobs here. The heated outdoor seating area is open all year around.
Montavilla Brew Works: 7805 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215
Ruse Brewing
There’s a lot to love about Ruse Brewing: The beer selection is heavy on IPAs, and the industrial space with big windows that let in lots of sunlight and polished hardwood floors and walls are inviting. The brewery is dog and family friendly and while there’s no food menu, you can bring your own lunch from outside.
Ruse Brewing: 784 SE 17th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
Rogue Eastside Pub & Pilot Brewery
Rogue beers are available all over the country now, but brewery maintains a cozy space in Portland. The outdoor patio is particularly appealing, with picnic tables and fire pits. The brewery pours a diverse selection of 36 beers, 19 of which are on tap, so there’s plenty to choose from. Dogs are welcome outside, and in the summer guests can enjoy lawn games like corn hole.
Rogue Eastside Pub & Pilot Brewery: 28 SE 9th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Baerlic Brewery & Taproom
There are three locations of Baerlic Brewery all around Portland. There’s an indoor beer garden that serves pizza and a taproom and cozy taproom with a spacious outdoor patio. Food carts congregate outside the Rose City Park and Alberta locations. There are usually 12 beers on tap at any given time. Past guests have mentioned that on the weekday Baerlic Taproom is quiet enough for an intimate date night – but even on weekends it doesn’t get rowdy. Until 9pm, all the locations are family-friendly.
Baerlic Brewery & Taproom: 2239 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Occidental Brewing Company
This big, open taproom has lots of space for big groups of friends. Alongside ales and lagers are brewery snacks, like thick pretzels, brats, pickles, and fries. In the outdoor seating area, enjoy stunning views of Oregon’s lush forest landscapes.
Occidental Brewing Company: 6635 N Baltimore Ave #102, Portland, OR 97203
Culmination Brewing
Dog friendly with a large indoor seating area that’s great for big groups, Culmination Brewing has a full food menu that includes snacks like fried pickles, a cheeseburger, and barbecue on the weekends. There’s also a wide variety of beer on draft, including sours, IPAs, English Pale Ale, and German pilsner.
Culmination Brewing: 2117 NE Oregon St, Portland, OR 97232
Breakside Brewery
Breakside Brewery Portland in Slabtown features 16 beers on tap and a full service restaurant, so you can try as much beer as you want with a full meal in front of you. The Dekum location is a more low key, casual brewery vibe, with outdoor patio seating. However, there’s a full service restaurant menu there, too.
Breakside Brewery: 1570 NW 22nd Ave, Portland, OR 97210
Upright Brewing
The beers at Upright Brewing are inspired by the farmhouse beers of France and Belgium. With a staff that is happy to give recommendations and plenty of seating for friends, crowds are drawn here. It’s also located near Moda Center, a sports arena, so when there is basketball, the taproom gets crowded. Otherwise, Upright Brewing is known for its chill, low key vibes.
Upright Brewery: 240 N Broadway, Portland, OR 97227
Is Portland known for breweries?
Portland is known for breweries. It is known as one of the central craft beer capitals of the United States, alongside other cities like Asheville, North Carolina. In particular, Portland is known for the hoppy IPA style beer. Many beers in Portland are crafted at so-called microbreweries, and can only be tasted in Portland.
How many breweries are in Portland?
There are around 70 breweries in Portland. This is among the highest number of breweries in a single city in the country. It’s easier to give an estimate rather than an exact number because new breweries open up frequently in Portland.
What is the most popular beer in Oregon?
The most popular craft beer in Oregon is the hoppy IPA, which tends to have a citrusy, bitter flavor. However, dark and intense beers like imperial stouts, as well as sour ales, are also popular in Portland.
Where to stay in Portland
Photo: Josemaria Toscano/Shutterstock
After exploring Portland’s exciting brewery scene – and maybe sipping on a flight or beer of two – you might need to head back to a comfortable spot for a nap before dinner. Portland Airbnbs offer beautiful city views, cozy living rooms, and quirky decor. There are spaces for couples and families. Here’s where to book your stay.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Luxury apartment in Pearl District
Photo: Airbnb
This luxury apartment features a huge bathroom and spacious living room, plus stunning views of Portland from huge windows that fill the space with natural light. It’s located in the Pearl District which is known for its proximity to shops and art galleries. Friends can share this space: There’s one bedroom and a pull out couch in the living room.
Loft in the Alberta Arts District
Photo: Airbnb
The open floor plan in this loft gives it a modern, stylish energy. The private garden is a peaceful place to enjoy your morning coffee. When you’re ready to venture out, this spot is located near Alberta street, which is well known for great restaurants and cute coffee shops.
Bungalow in Nob Hill
Photo: Airbnb
With its fun wallpaper, and the quirky mirrors and chandelier, this Nob Hill house has lots of character to match the atmosphere of Portland itself. Ideal for a solo traveler or a couple, the house has one comfortable bedroom and it’s near the Alphabet District, where you’ll find lots of restaurants and bars to explore. 