Occidental Brewing Co.

Located just NW of central Portland, this location sits almost on the river, in the shadow of the St.
George bridge. There's a train yard just down the street and some steep streets. The taproom has been carved out of the brewhouse and offers a comfy, no frills vibe. The tap offerings have grown a bit from their core German styles. I'm the only one in here on this damp Sunday morning. The service is great and they're playing the soundtrack to my college years. Life is good.

They also own a restaurant across the parking lot.

 

Near the foot of the St. John's Bridge on the Willamette River. This small, plain and spartan brewery taproom, shares a courtyard with the Urban German Wursthaus. This is a proper proximity because Occidental brews only German style beers. This focus and the quality of their beers, make this truly worth a visit, despite the lack of "ambiance".

Vibe - In the shadows of the St John’s Bridge. Small indoor seating area and small outdoor area roped off. Nightlight was the shuffleboard.

Quality - I do appreciate a brewery specializing in something other than IPAs and stouts. Must say a bit disappointing. My buddy said it best, well, it’s beer. A few of them tasted off to me. I did find their Hefe to be quite good, the rest, not so much.

Service - wasn’t very busy and it took awhile to get someone behind the counter. Once behind the counter, the lady wasn’t in the helpful mood. Meaning no real info on the beers or helpful recommendations. Just wanted move us along so she could get back to whatever she was doing previously. Another strike mark? The only had 3 taster trays that could be out at one time.

Selection - 12 beers on listed on tap, but only 11 were pouring. No Altbier on my visit.

Recommendation - walk across the parking lot and head up the stairs to Urban German. If my understand is correct at one time these two were connected, but are now separate. Actual German beers on tap, a fun and helpful guy from Texas (nah, that’s his joke. From Berlin), a much better view of the bridge, and a tasty pretzel with beer cheese.

 

 

In the northern most part of Portland, nearly right under the St. John's Bridge is this fantastic brewery and wurst haus specializing in fantastic German goodies. The selection might be limited to the modern day drinker and foodie, but rest assured that if you are looking for classic old world fare this is the place to be. Outstanding traditional and even vegan offerings along with world class American made German beers, Occidental is second to none. I love this place, and would recommend it to any local resident, or world traveling friend out there. Prost!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This happens to be the local brewery just down the street from my new home in the Saint Johns neighborhood. I wondered in to the taproom on a Saturday afternoon and tried the sampler $1.00 for each brew on tap, well worth the $7.00!
I walked out with a goblet of the Dunkelweizen! While sitting at the bar, several locals locals came in asking for growlers of the Lucubrator, which was only available in 22 oz bombers, as they were out of that brew on tap. All went away with growlers of their favorite. If you stop by definitely try the Rauchbier, a smoked lager well worth the trying!
Brewvana tour stopped in and filled the tap room. It was fun!