My brother is I Portland for the weekend. What should he look for to bring back? And where should he go for good beer on tap? He's staying Staying at the Double Tree downtown. Thanks guys.
If he likes to walk, one mile to Upright Brewing. One of my must do stops when in PDX if they're open. Limited hours.
'The Lloyd Center area doesn't seem to have a lot of really great tap houses or breweries nearby (Burnside brewing seems to be the closest, and I'm not sure it qualifies as a great spot to head out for a beer). If your brother has a car, then there are all kinds of great places that are within a couple miles of the hotel (Growlers Guys, Cascade, Hair of the Dog, County Cork, Tin Bucket, Upright... just to name a few). In terms of what to bring back, that's a pretty difficult recommendation to make (as it depends on what you like, what's available here that you can't get back home, etc.). What I always recommend is that your brother go to one of the better bottle shops nearby (Beermongers, Belmont Station), and either walk through the store with his phone, telling you what's available (this will go a lot more quickly if you narrow the search down to a couple of different styles), or have him go over to a place like Belmont Station (excellent customer service at BS), and ask for assistance from the staff (have him mention that you're from the Illinois area and you're looking for especially outstanding and/or limited local IPA's, BA stout, sours, saisons, etc.). Good luck.
I don't know where I'd put Burnside in a ranking of Portland's "best," but I'd still say they're a great spot for a beer especially if it's walking distance. I'm of the opinion that everyone should try Sweet Heat once, and they do a good job with more traditional styles too.
Culmination/Ruse is just a few blocks from where you are staying. They should have a bottle or two worthy of taking home.
Thanks guys, he had a great stay and even got to see the Flaming Lips last minute. He came back with a crowler of Java the Hop form Fort George Brewery. looking forward to checking out out
lol wut? this is the most random thing ever. after all the recs, he brought you a crowler of Java the Hop???? I mean, its kind of an interesting beer but of all the things to bring back I would have never guessed it would be that
