Highland Pub & Brewery (McMenamins)

Store front brewpub located in a small shopping plaza just off the highway. Small straight bar perpendicular to the entrance seats about 8 with plenty of booths about the remainder of the room. 16 beers on tap. Friendly bartenders.

 

 

Da Boss and I stopped here on Saturday the 7th between PDX and the resort we are staying at in Welches.
Atmosphere gave me the impression that this was once an old diner or cafe. Bar area was OK with ample seating to serve the locals. The brewing area has several fermentors. We sat outside enjoying the view of the taco bell at a fairly busy intersection in Gresham.
Quality was OK, it was a decent brewpub which was pretty good all the way around.
Service was good, Mike was doubling as the bartender and server, was very attentive and timely.
Selection of beer was good, Da Boss had the pale and i enjoyed the terminator stout.
Food was pretty good, we both enjoyed our burgers and fries, not overly memorable.
Overall value was good, it was pretty average price wise. We got out of there for $30+tip for 2 burgers and 3 pints.

First night in Portland, and headed right to the pub down the street from our hotel. Didn't get a pic because it was too dark, but I tried--the neon lit front didn't hold up to Vegas but easily cast a shadow over the Taco Bell in the same strip mall. Not exactly a classic pub, though when you walked in the decor was ok. Dark wood bark, high back booths surround the outside wall of what was probably some big square dry cleaner or something at one time. Very different feel from the Six Arms in Seattle the day before--this is more like a local fancy dive in my small home time in Iowa rather than a chain--which is a compliment. Though the place has the same industrial chic--painted ceiling and exposed duct work--which is supposed to be classy, but I assume is just a cheap way to decorate a restaurant.

We had the PJ's Famous Pizza Bread, which I'm guessing is a local thing because I didn't see it on any other McMenamins menu. It was alright, but I can see why it isn't so famous that I would have heard of it in Minnesota. Just cheese bread basically, though above average. Tater tots were much better. Wait staff was trying hard and acted busy, but the place wasn't very full.

Standard McMenamins on tap and a couple of others, which I'll review separately. Not bad, but still the basic above macro not too exciting micro chain standard. Though I can see why there are in business--great branding, with coasters and flyers for several other McMenamins on the table (which happened at every one we did).

This one is definately not one to go out of the way for, but was better than Taco Bell or a standard restaurant since we were there anyway and didn't feel like heading into the heart of Portland for a pint.

I don't know how many times I've had dinner here. This pub is on the back route between Gresham and Milwaukie. When my son was in roller hockey it was a weekly event to make the drive for practices and games.

If parents have to serve the kids needs, then McMenamins are generally located to serve the parents needs. This is a shopping mall McM's but every bit as fun as their other sites. Always a good selection fo brews and teh typical pub grub that McM's. puts out so well.

Here the service is quick enough for family dining and the beer makes the meal even better.