McMenamin's turns 40: an interview with Brian McMenamin

Ha! We visited the Kennedy School on one trip, and in my mind, I thought the par 3 the brother-in-law and I played was a McMenamin property. Then I thought I was mixing stuff up until reading the first paragraph of the article (we played Edgefield).

 

I went to a few McMenamin's joints in the Portland area back in the 90s -- not bad beer as I recall, but it just seemed they were jumping on the bandwagon at the time -- and spreading wide and far.

I'd love to know how their beers taste today.

 

I'll admit I was almost certainly a bit more of an IPA chaser when I last recall trying their beer, but thought the same on the beer's quality, and haven't really tried any in recent visits. As an outsider, I felt beer is just one part of their "corporate vision" versus being a driver of it, at least somewhat in tune with your thoughts.

However, this thread has me curious about maybe checking out one of their spots on our next visit to update my opinion of their beer with new data.

 

In the 90s my mother lived on Portland's suburban east side. When I visited, I liked to drop in at the nearby McMenamins in the suburban mall. It was a place within walking distance, the beer was pretty good, and the atmosphere was a step up from the typical local tavern. My old college friend once looked me up (after 30 years!) and we met at his favorite McMenamins where he knew everybody, we played pool and had a few of his regular beer, Hammerhead.

 

Given the opportunity, we always stop at a McMenamins establishment. We’ve been going to the Spar in Olympia (a local institution) since long before they took it over; there’s a lovely spot right on the river down in Kalama on the way to Portland; and up in Bothell they’ve redone an old school and turned it into a complex of restaurants, pubs, and an inn. We also stayed at an inn down in Troutdale many years ago. Always good food, good service, decent beer, and a feeling that we are supporting the local economy in a somewhat unique way.

 

They basically started ( the McMen brothers) the craft beer revolution in Oregon..even before opening their first official McMens back in 1983

 

Loveliest corporate vision o ever saw though

 

There is a local spot here with the same name. Not been since pre covid. We used to go a few times a month. It was good food and the tap list was good to great. I do t think there is any relation.

Enjoy

 

I've stayed at the Old Saint Francis School Hotel in Bend twice and it's an all-around great destination.

Regarding their liquid offerings, it's been some years now but I can remember enjoying a raspberry light ale (Ruby Ale) and Hammerhead IPA. Both great offerings (Ruby in the summer heat is great). Of course in Bend you can find better beer, but it's the experience at Old Saint Francis with the unique architecture, gardens and chill vibe which is great fun.

 

I will add that the quality of the beers on offer at McMenamins depends on the brewer at each location ( with a brewery of course), most are adequate some are pretty damned talented.
If you visit a McMens with a brewery ignore the chain wide beers and try something from that particular brewer