Visiting Portland - Fall/Winter 2016-17 update

Thanks! Yeah the only reason I posted this on here was because I was debating whether or not to go to Bend. Everyone responded with "only if you're doing something outdoors. Because you can basically get everything in Bend in Portland as well"

 

Wish I'd known this, since I shipped a bunch of beer back from my trip to Portland.

I picked up 12 & 6 slot wine shippers from Uhaul, purchased online for in store pickup before my visit so I knew they'd have them for me.

I haven't ever checked a wine shipper box... but if I were flying southwest I'd probably do that if I could.

 

I agree. Im excited to see what they brew when they get their system up and running. that said, they have a more than solid taplist the 2-3 times I have been there. The decor/food/service have all been top notch IMO.

Summer time will be very cool with their outdoor area

 

I know I'm a little late to the party, but 100% agree with this. Avoided Widmer forever and then ate there one day because we were in the neighborhood and to check it off the list. It was worth stopping by for the one off beers and food. I've even been back.

 

Tangent/rant alert!

As something of a bunny-hugging tree-lover environmentalist, these drive me crazy. In an age of global warming, we are so cavalier as to burn natural resources just heat up a relatively small area of an outside space, for a few people? We are literally just pumping hot air into the atmosphere. We are in the PNW fer cryin' out loud, we all own fleece, Gore-tex, and waterproof shoes. If ya wanna drink outside in the chilly seasons, wear your gear.

The one that really gets me is Stone, in San Diego. They've got their entire garden hard plumbed with gas pipe to run their heaters, which they turn on anytime it gets below 70. FFS. Maybe it's just time for the oceans to rise and make New Mexico an oceanfront state.

 

We could also save all that CO2 and heat released in the beer brewing process and just drink water or make grain tea..., but we don't.

 

Wow, what a great thread. But as someone who doesn't know Portland, a bit overwhelming.

Any suggestions for places within walking radius of the Hilton Executive Tower on SW 6th? Will be staying there for work.

 

Get breakfast at Blue Star Donuts. Bailey's Taproom is pretty close and always has a good taplist. Deschutes is just a little farther than that. Fat Head's just past that. Don't eat at Fat Head's.

 

Baileys
The Upper Lip
Beer Belly
Deschutes
Fat Heads
Higgins (bit longer of a walk)
Tilt if you're feeling a beer with a massive burger and fries

 

If, as @Robomunky suggested, you go to Bailey's Taproom (and you should), you'll also be close to The Upper Lip (upstairs from Bailey's Taproom) and Brewed Oregon (bottles and Oregon brewery swag, one block from Bailey's). You could make a detour to Lardo (SW Washington & SW 12th) on your way from Bailey's to Fat Head's. They have fine sandwiches, a small taplist which always has something good, and you'll be right around the corner from Beer Belly.

If you really want to be overwhelmed, Portland-style, I recommend that you walk 2 blocks from your hotel to SW Salmon & SW 5th and catch the 15-Belmont bus on the SW corner of the intersection. A 7-minute ride across the river will get you to Growler Guys on SE 8th. From there, you are about a block away from Cascade Barrel House and The Commons Brewery. Loyal Legion and Baerlic Brewing are also within walking distance. If you head towards Baerlic, keep heading south to Division and you'll hit The BeerMongers and Apex. Pine State Biscuits is an excellent and convenient food option in that area.

It's true: Portland IS overwhelming when it comes to beer. Doesn't matter if you're visiting on business, or here for a beercation, or if you live here.

 

Does anyone have any favorite places to grab food in town before a trip out to Tillamook? Maybe something that travels well to eat later in the day?

 

Eat at Lardo before you leave town and you'll be set for the day. Order some dirty fries. I get all hot just thinking about them.

 

I love their Korean Pork sandwich. Don't know if it travels well, but it is delicious.

 

Thanks! Would that same bus also take me to HOTD?

 

Yup. Get off at the "Morrison Bridge" stop, walk down the stairs to street level, and it's basically across the street. You can also take that line a bit further up to 46th ave, which puts you in front of the Horse Brass and a couple blocks south of Belmont Station.

 

How's the food at HOTD, Cascade, and Commons? If I'm going for dinner, which is the best option?

 

Hair of the Dog is your best choice for dinner, with the best food and broadest variety of choices. The Commons and Cascade only offer limited, lighter fare.

 

HoTD has a simple, delicious menu. The brisket, duck wings, and roasted brussel sprouts are probably my favorite things on their menu. Cascade has a tiny kitchen, so their menu is mainly just sandwiches and salads, but it's worth checking their website for the daily specials. The Commons has the Cheese Annex located in their space and acting as their kitchen. It's owned by a world champion cheese monger (yes, that's actually a thing), so all of the cheese and meat boards are designed to pair with the beer. They do have some sandwiches and stuff, but the only thing I ever order there is meat & cheese boards.

Honestly, if I was in that area I'd head a half mile north and eat at Wayfinder instead. The space is amazing, and their menu destroys anything coming out of HoTD, Cascade, or The Commons.

 

I was editing my own reply to include a reference to Wayfinder when your post popped up. Terrific food and a really good-looking & comfortable space.