Cornelius Pass Roadhouse & Imbrie Hall (McMenamins)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go for the atmosphere, stay for the beer.

McMenamins is one of the great things about the area. While this one may not be the best in their holdings, it is still a very good establishment, particularly if you find yourself in the western suburbs of Portland. The atmosphere is mid 19th century barn, lots of 12 x 12 support posts, gambreled roof, and old wooden floors. Service is quick and friendly. There was a wide selection of house brews, 10 to 12, with both cask and nitro options. The two beers that I had were both fresh and well done. The biggest disappointment was the food. My Black & Blue salad was pedestrian and the appetizers I sampled were much the same. But with such a great atmosphere and decent beer to boot, I wouldn't let the food stop me from returning for repeat business.

The crazy thing about about the McMenamin's chain is that it's terribly terribly ubiquitous and yet at the same time each location feels individual with attempts made to retain the original charm of the location (if any)

The Cornelius Pass Roadhouse is the McMen's location that I've spent the most time at (a friend of mine lives nearby) and I think the best location I've seen. The whole place is a beer theme park built on the grounds of an old Victorian farmstead.

The fields are still sown, but now they've been coverted into little grove areas for picnics and open air bars during the beautiful days. The main house used to be the main facility here before Imbrie Hall was built in the back, but it retains its Victorian charm with many of the rooms having small tables and a small bar in the front parlor.

Imbrie Hall is probably the least charming building, oozing with the feel of a 1001 corporate eatries, but it eases the time and wait for food and beer that had grown too much for the main house and is now the main establishment on the grounds.

The distinctive octogonal barn is a giant dance hall and group meeting site with it's own bar and music.

The smaller barn is the granary that still feels original to the building date of the 1850's (private bar area)

Lastly is the "Little White Shed" which really is little. If you can fit more than 10 people in here, I'll be shocked. When I was last there the Shed was all white plaster and low ceilings with two taps and a raft of whiskey, mostly bourbon.

Overall I highly recommend the Roadhouse as it's just an amazing place to wander around with a beer and a smile on a good warm day.