Visiting Portland (Spring 2016 update)

On the contrary - Hollywood Beverage on Sandy is excellent for both liquor and beer. They do growlers too and usually have something interesting on, currently seeing Coconut Victory at Sea and Semper FiPA for example.

http://www.hollywoodbeverage.com/

 

That's good to know. My experience is much like guajolote's-- I'd never seen much beer at stores where you could buy liquor.

Or to put it another way: This thread is so good, it even helps people who already live here!

 

Until 2013, liquor stores in Oregon were not allowed to sell beer. It seems many store owners are still reluctant to give up floor space for refrigerated storage.

 

I believe it. Almost all of the Portland liquor stores I've visited have been tiny.

 

Yeah six people, Fat Heads was actually where I was planning on going until I read this thread and its reviews. One thing I loved about Portland last visit was the ambiance, Fat Heads sounds kind of like the brewery version of a Yardhouse. I didn't think about Sunday hours however.

I forgot how amazingly diverse the bars/breweries in Portland are, I'm used to either smokey slot houses or loud clubs being the basic options. I definitely should have given more info. Main concern is ambiance, a place where we can tie up a table for a couple hours just drinking pints casually. Nothing loud and I'd feel bad tying up a table for that long if a waitress depends upon selling food to make tips. A picnic or high top table where 6 to 8 people could comfortably sit would be the only other thing.

Also on the way to Hood River, are any of the breweries in the gorge worth stopping at?

 

There's plenty of recommendations for breweries in HR proper (including in this thread), but if you're looking for something in between Portland and HR I think Thunder Island is pretty much the only option. The beer is "good enough", but the location right on the Columbia River is what makes the place worth a stop. Having said that, if it's your first time out here I'd skip them and concentrate on the places in Hood River.

 

Exactly what I was asking, thanks. I saw there were a couple on the route, but didn't know if they were worth cutting into the time spent at Hood River.

 

Dont forget about Solera brewing. if its a nice day, well worth the time to get up there

 

FYI: Pearl Specialty has a great beer, liquor and wine selection.

 

What is everyone's opinions of the Labrewatory? Their beers look pretty creative but I can't find much in the way of reviews.

 

That list is crazy good thank you to all who have contributed!

 

Really cool taproom. Beers I've had have all been at least solid. I've had a few good ones too. If you're in the area I'd vote for it over against it, but I haven't had enough beers to say it's a must visit.

 

Agree with the above statement about Labrewatory. Stop by and if it's not your thing then head up the street to Ex Novo.

 

Do any breweries have a beer tote for sale? I had one from Alesmith that I really liked, but it's vanished so I need to replace it. If any breweries have one, I'll probably pick one up while I'm visiting.

Something like this:

 

Can't remember any specific breweries with them, but I haven't really sought one out. That being said, I use my Belmont Station one regularly. They're only a few bucks there.

 

Not breweries, but Whole Foods definitely has them and I think Bailey's might as well.