The 15 Best Breweries In Portland, Oregon

One brewery that comes highly recommended by locals is Great Notion Brewing. This spot quickly made a name for itself as a unique and authentic brewery experience with an impressive collection of over 40 hazy, fruit-forward IPAs on the menu. It takes pride in using only the best local fruit, such as pinot noir grapes, blueberries, strawberries, and cherries, to create truly authentic brews for guests.

Not only is the beer at Great Notion Brewing top-notch, but the brewery itself is also a sight to behold, with quirky murals on the wall that depict Pacific Northwest charm, which of course, includes Sasquatch. Guests love the industrial chic aesthetic that feels both contemporary and welcoming. The open floor plan allows visitors to watch the brewing process in action, adding to the overall experience. With 4.5 stars on Google, guests love the vibe, drinks, and company.

This brewery's success can be marked by its various locations and the Gold and Silver medals that it's been awarded. They have also been recognized by the Best of Craft Beer Awards and Oregon Beer Awards, and they won the 2018 #1 IPA in America by Paste Magazine.

If you love a crisp, fresh lager, then you must check out Wayfinder Beer. This brewery boasts one of the very best collections of Czech and German lagers in the city. The brand's dedication to quality and innovation has made it a favorite among beer enthusiasts. A repertoire of awards, such as being named Best Brewery, Oregon Beer of the Year, Best Oregon Brewpub, and Best Brewer, proves the quality of their drinks and the atmosphere alike, but you'll have to visit yourself to truly understand the vibe. Casual picnic tables encourage large groups and casual sipping, while the natural wood and brick decor prompts a comfortable but authentic feel.

This menu is stocked with complex lagers, such as a Maerzen Amber lager, which has notes of spice and toffee. Although ales and IPAs are all the rage, this brewery focuses on the drinks that take longer to ferment. The process overall is more complicated and requires skill to master the art of the lager. In the end, drinkers can relish darker beers that have more nuanced flavors. If you're a fan of a delicate hoppy taste, try the Hell Freezes Over, which is a refreshing Lagerbier Helles that's mixed with a house-made frozen lemonade.

Zoiglhaus offers another collection of German lagers to love, made by a brewer that actually trained in Germany for years to learn and hone the craft. The team of experienced brewers has brought their traditional training back to the Pacific Northwest, where they now boast a wide selection of brews, including pilsners, dunkels, helles, and bocks. Add this brewery to your bucket list if you prefer a less intense hop flavor that still leaves you feeling refreshed.

It's no surprise that this spot looks and feels like it was plucked straight from Germany. A true testament to traditional, authentic brewing, even the name Zoiglhaus refers to the Zoigl brewing method that can be traced back to several small towns in Germany during the Middle Ages. The ancient practice involved townsfolk using a shared brewhouse. They would then take turns serving their brew to their neighbors from the comfort of their homes. Passed down throughout the generations, the practice encouraged community and friendship, which can be felt throughout this brewery. Over 600 reviewers have rated the locations as 4.4 stars, raving about the friendly staff and atmosphere as well as the lagers.

Powell Mothership ranks on our list of the best due to its efforts to be sustainable and satisfy various beer cravings. This lively and ever-expanding brewery is striving to minimize its environmental impact while producing high-quality craft beers. Not only does this company source its ingredients from local organic farms and malting companies, reducing transportation emissions and supporting the local community, but they also utilize energy-efficient equipment and technology, such as solar panels, to power its operations.

Beyond its production process, Powell Mothership is dedicated to reducing waste. It uses compostable packaging for its beer and food products, and it has a robust recycling program in place. Finally, the company donates the spent grains from making its hazy IPA, organic honey porter, winter ale with caramel malts, and many more to local farmers for livestock feed. Stop in to see for yourself why over 1,000 reviewers are raving about this location on Yelp. The bar, beer, and food are worth adding to your itinerary.

Threshold Brewing & Blending has excellent ratings on both Yelp and Google, as it consistently offers great-tasting drinks in a fun, low-key environment. The indoor and outdoor seating areas are relaxed and comfortable. The ambiance exudes a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with communal tables and rustic decor that transport visitors to a different time. To encourage mingling and community, the brewery hosts several events as well. Trivia, burger brawls, and craft nights are all on the schedule and can really liven up your average after-work drink.

Although this location is small, it gives off a very intimate, friendly vibe. And the same thing can be said about the variety of drinks. Quality over quantity has proven to bring patrons back time and time again at this location. With 11 house beers on draft, you can still choose from a range of hoppy IPAs to sours to dark barrel-aged beers. The options cover your bases but don't overwhelm you, making this a great place to find a favorite and stick with it. But the good times don't stop at beer. They also offer a variety of wine options, including red, white, rose house wines, and prosecco. Local cider is also available on tap.

Ecliptic Brewing has two locations in Portland that reach for the stars in terms of atmosphere and drink options. However, the Moon Room, which recently opened in 2021, is one of the best breweries for private events. The look and feel are modern and chic but, overall, comfortable. This is the perfect setting to celebrate a birthday with a small group, host an office party, or simply settle in for some good conversation. The space can accommodate up to 45 people and features a stunning city scene on clear days and comes with a dedicated bartender who will pass along their knowledge about beers and wines to you and your guests. 

At the Moon Room location, patrons can choose from a collection of top-notch barley wine, such as the much-loved Ecliptic Brewing Orange Giant. This wine is made from three types of malt and various kinds of hops to achieve a slightly bitter yet refreshing flavor. With over twenty beers on the menu, tasty small bites, and an awesome atmosphere, the Moon Room hits all the right notes.

Irish pubs go way beyond St. Patrick's Day and can be the perfect destination for date night, comfort food, and consistently great beer. The Kells Brewery is a top Irish Brewery to try while exploring Portland. It was named the No. 1 Must-Visit Brewpub for Beer and Food by EATER, which is no surprise since over 300 reviews on Google have rated it a solid 4.3 stars. Prepare yourself for an authentic Irish experience with drinks and food that are the quintessential essence of the Emerald Isle.

Nestled in the heart of Portland, this Irish brewpub has been serving up authentically-crafted pints of beer for over three decades. On the menu, you'll find traditional Irish drinks, such as Irish stouts, Irish red ales, Belfast lagers, hand-crafted Vienna-style lagers, and more to tingle your taste buds. At Kells Brewery, patrons can experience a true taste of Ireland with every sip of beer by using only the finest ingredients and traditional techniques. Whether you prefer a light and refreshing beer or a rich and complex brew, it has something for every pallet, not to mention the wall of whiskey and the hearty Irish food to go with your drinks.

Add this hotspot to your list if you love meaningful sips and creative vibes. Upright Brewing is a casual brewery ideal for those who appreciate the complex flavors in hoppy IPAs, and carefully curated brews made with unique ingredients. The location boasts thoughtfully created decors, such as barrel table tops, exposed brick, and floor-to-ceiling windows, which provide the perfect drinking atmosphere. You'll also find jaw-dropping labels that are meant to resemble album cover art, which are excellent conversation starters.

Upright Brewing has been crafting artisanal beers for years and prides itself on its commitment to creating unique and complex flavors, and the draft list reflects this dedication. For example, the barrel-aged Matsutake Gose that uses mushrooms or the Two Tone that includes nectaron hops will offer something new and exciting to even the most experienced beer drinkers. Another favorite factor that also helps cut down on costs and keeps the place casual is their allowance for outside food.