[OR] roadtrip!

On your way to Eugene stop in Corvallis to go to Block 15 and Les Caves. While in Eugene make sure to stop in at The Bier Stein.

 

Totally agree about Block 15. I actually make the trip down from Portland to Corvallis when I'm down there just for Block 15. Here is a tip though...Block 15's Super Nebula is absolutely amazing but gone from the brewery now...BUT next store at Les Caves they have bottles (750s) that you can purchase and drink there. They are $17 so only $2 more than they were going for at the brewery initially. This is one of my favorite beers and definitely worth it.

They also have bottles of Block 15s Pappy's Dark (or did a month or so ago) which I would say is also worth trying, though not nearly as good as the Super Nebula if you have to prioritize (and assuming both are still around).

Also, Les Caves has ridiculous prices on some bottles. All of the 50/50 Eclipse bottles are $22 (again, you have to drink them there) but were going for $29 at the Portland bottleshops. I'd definitely check out the bottle list...there are some good deals if you don't mind consuming on site.

You may also want to swing by the Market of Choice in Corvallis. They have a really nice bottle selection and oddly stock some stuff from Troegs and RJ Rockers, which I've never seen anywhere else in OR. You can ask for Andi(y?)...she's the beer and wine buyer and took us in back to show us everything that had come in.

 

Try to time if for brunch at Les Caves. I haven't been for it, but I hear it's out of this world.

 

While you're in Eugene, you'll probably want to hit 16 Tons for this:
http://www.newschoolbeer.com/2012/04/16-tons-week-of-wild-and-el-coloquio-de.html

 

There's not a lot going on in Salem, but there are a couple of good places. Venti's taphouse is probably your best bet... 24 taps and a strong bottle list. Their other location downtown is good as well, but "only" 10 taps there. There is also the Gilgamesh Brewing taproom downtown. The only other viable beer geek option in Salem is f/stop Fitzgerald's, which is a tiny "public house" that has something like 10 taps. It's a cool spot with a decent patio if it's nice. The tap list usually caters to a more entry-level beer crowd, but you'll probably find something you'll enjoy.

As for Eugene, definitely check out 16 Tons & The Bier Stein. I prefer 16 tons because their prices are better, but the Bier Stein has food. I've heard good things about Sam Bond's Garage, but I have yet to check it out since it always seems to be closed when I'm in Eugene.

Feel free to message me if you have any questions about Salem.

 

Also, when you're in Portland, Breakside may be worth a stop. I've really been loving their stuff and they do a lot of interesting "experimental" beer...and most of it, even those I don't care for, are well executed.

 

Thanks for all the kind words about Les Caves. FYI: Eclipses are all $25 except the Grand Cru which is $30, and we still have Super Nebula and Pappy's. We'll have an Upright heavy taplist this week because we're doing a dinner with Alex on Tuesday, and if you're lucky we will have left over bottles of the last two Four Play releases as well as the just released Blend Love. Keep in mind that Caves doesn't open until 4pm on Friday, but 10am Sat-Sun. If you email Nick at Block 15, and/or Dave at Flat Tail, both would probably give you private tours. The Corvallis Market of Choice definitely has a great beer selection (the beer buyer is Marni), and Joel at Corvallis Brewing Supply has a great bottle selection and a lot of jewels hidden away, like vintage Cascade and Upright beers.
As for Eugene, 16 Tons and Bier Stein are a must, and I've heard a lot of great things about Falling Sky. The Market of Choice on 28th and Willamette has a great beer selection, too. Oakshire also has a tasting room that would be worth checking out.
Cheers!

 

A couple more Salem spots you might want to research:

1. La Capitale. It's a French/New American restaurant with a good selection of taps. They have either 6 or 8, can't recall exactly. Last time I was there a couple weeks ago, I had a Boneyard Diablo Rojo and a Laurelwood Mother Lode. It's not a mind-blowing selection, but it's more than acceptable and rotates frequently. And the food is probably some of the best you'll find in Salem. They also have very good cocktails.

2. Broken Bread. It's a New American style restaurant which focuses strictly on local, seasonal fare. A couple of craft options on tap. I don't recall if they had any bottled offerings. Again, this place is more about the food, but you'll find acceptable beer selections there as well.