Visiting Portland (Fall 2015 update)

Just a quick caveat I would make about the Tavern.

The food at the Tavern is across the board terrific, and despite the name (and atmosphere), this is a fine dining destination with prices to match (the GF and I visited after reading a nice write-up about the place in the Wine Spectator). They do have a pretty decent tap list, but this is not really craft beer destination (not the way Higgins is, for example), and given the prices they charge for beer (not exorbitant, but definitely on the high side), it can take a while to blow through a keg. That's something I would just keep in mind, especially if one is tempted to order an IPA here.

 

Ain't that the truth. Wine selection is pretty good as well.

Fortunately, a little extra time in the bottle generally doesn't do either any harm (unlike a hoppy IPA/DIPA).

Of course given where I stay when I'm up in the PDX, there's only one place I ever even consider when it comes to settling in over a cozy dram of whiskey.

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/16362/

"whiskey... because the worlds problems can't be solved over a glass of chardonnay."

 

I'm a big fan of Bailey's, but I can't let this comment stand without a retort.

I've been going to the HB for roughly 20 years and have never encountered a problem with "dirty" taplines. I've heard the accusation though, and so it's something I'm always on the watch for. However, I've never had a problem there.

The HB typically has three or four beers on cask at any given time, and it would be my number one recommendation for anyone looking for cask beer in PDX. As for the selection otherwise, that's something elNopalero can decide for himself. The online taplist at Bailey's is in real time and so is always up to date. The online list at the HB is updated every couple of days now (sometimes it's less often than that, but that's generally what I see), so it's not as up to date as the online list at Bailey's. Still, it's always fairly current, and if nothing else, it will give you a good idea what you can expect to find if you go there.

If you have the time, I would recommend visiting both spots (both places are outstanding, IMHO).

Enjoy your visit.

 

Forgot all about them, but that's an excellent recommendation as well. It used to be that they always had Red Seal from N. Coast on cask, which for me, was reason enough to stop by there.

 

I understand. Different strokes and all that.

For me, the HB has always been the top beer bar destination in the city, but I can understand why it might not be appealing to everyone (limited menu, dark, cave-like atmosphere, unpredictable service, etc.). However, I like the vibe of the place (but then I dig a good dive beer, so the HB is right up my alley), the prices are generally reasonable, and I always get along just fine with the bartenders. I like the fact that they always have HOTD Fred on tap, they always have PtE or Blind Pig on tap, and they always have 3 or 4 cask options. Back in the day, I appreciated the fact that they always had HOTD Blue Dot on tap (though of course not any more), and I've always appreciated the way they support the local beer scene (with a sizeable PDX beer presence).

There are all kinds of great options in PDX, and I like to spread the love around. However, HB has always been part of my regular rotation and likely always will be.

 

For downtown, deschutes is hard to beat. I can get my beer hating gf to eat at deschutes, so that should give you some idea how good their food is. not mind blowing, but it it pretty good I think.