There’s no denying that Portland has become the epicenter of a booming craft brew community. Home to nearly 70 breweries, one thing is certain – there’s no shortage of great breweries in Portland to choose from.
I’m a life-long Portlander and spend my fair share of weekends catching up with coworkers and friends at various Portland breweries and thought it might be fun to share my personal list of the best breweries in Portland.
These are breweries I have visited (and enjoyed) firsthand. I would re-visit any of them in a heartbeat and often recommend these exact spots to my own family and friends.
While crafting this specific article I enlisted the help of my husband because our preferences are different. Are either of us professional beer connoisseurs? I’d be lying if I said yes. We’re just average locals on the hunt for the best beers in Portland.
Without further ado, let’s cover the best breweries in Portland, Oregon. Hope you enjoy!
The Best Breweries in Portland Oregon
Click here for a handy Table of Contents
Table of Contents: Best Beer in Portland
- The Best Breweries in Portland Oregon
- Gigantic Brewing
- Ruse Brewing
- Baerlic Brewing
- Wayfinder Beer
- Breakside Brewery
- Cascade Brewing
- Deschutes Brewery
- Oakshire Brewing
- Culmination Brewing
- 10 Barrel Brewing
- Von Ebert Brewing
- Little Beast Brewing Co.
- Crux Fermentation
- Migration Brewing
- Upright Brewing Company
- Great Notion
- StormBreaker Brewing
- The Best Beer in Portland, Oregon (Post Summary)
- Map of the best breweries in Portland
- How many breweries does Portland, Oregon have?
- List of ALL Portland, Oregon Breweries
Gigantic Brewing
I would drive one hour out of the way for the IPAs at this epic Portland brewery. Consistently serving up great beer in a casual atmosphere, Gigantic Brewing is one of the best places to catch up with old friends over a cold one.
They have an impressive list of brews on tap and I make sure to sample as many IPAs as I can. Get the tasting flight of six and ask the friendly staff for their recommendations.
They always customize to my taste buds and I’ve never been disappointed by a single beer. In fact, during my first visit to Gigantic Brewing it quickly rose to the top on my list of the best breweries in Portland.
Nothing fussy, just a relaxed venue with stellar brews. What more could you ask for?
Address: 5224 SE 26th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
Ruse Brewing
Ruse Brewing started the way that all good Portland breweries start — two passionate friends on a wild mission to produce the best beer in Portland using the help of creativity and science.
The founders met while working at Culmination Brewing in Northeast Portland before branching off with a goal of brewing 20 barrels a month. They initially focused on sours and farmhouse style ales before slowly mastering the craft of every style of beer under the sun.
In no time, Ruse was making some of the best beer in Portland and locals noticed. So the owners decided to open an inviting brewery in Portland’s Brooklyn neighborhood. They don’t serve food but allow visitors to bring their own to enjoy alongside the brews.
Local’s Tip: Try the Florescent Farms series, considered some of the brews in Portland!
Address: 4784 SE 17th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
Baerlic Brewing
First things first, where does the name of this Oregon brewery come from? Baerlic (bear-lick) is an old-english adjective meaning “of barley.”
Strictly devoted to using local ingredients, Baerlic was born from an unapologetic passion for perfecting the art of beer making by two friends, Ben Parsons and Richard Hall. The end result? One of the best breweries in Oregon.
They started brewing in a basement (isn’t that how all great stories start?) and it didn’t take long for their small operation to begin winning awards in amateur competitions. With victory at their backs, the duo decided to take a risk by opening a brewery in Portland.
Serving some of the best beer in Portland, Baerlic now has three locations in the City of Roses and finding a table at any of them during the weekends feels like an impossible task. Locals can’t get enough of these brews, made evident by the long lines and happy chatter at the brewpubs.
Wayfinder Beer
Wayfinder Beer is but another massive success for the masterminds behind Sizzle Pie, Podnah’s Pit BBQ and Double Mountain Brewery. I normally order a hazy IPA, smoked porter, Baltic porter or a Czech pilsner and I’d be damned if you made me choose a favorite.
Wayfinder Beer opened in 2016, so it’s considered one of the new kids on the block but, honestly, it’s hard to remember what we did before they opened.
Address: 304 SE 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Breakside Brewery
Why do I consider Breakside Brewery one of the best breweries in Portland? It’s all about the numbers.
Breakside has been nationally recognized for their mad skill in creating some of the best craft brews in the country.
In 2014, Breakside Brewery won the national top prize in the IPA category at the Great Beer Festival. Likewise, in 2019, they won in 10 different categories at the North American Beer Awards.
The list of awards is too long to list, but you can read more here if you’re interested.
The national success was surprising to outsiders — considering the brewery was founded in 2010 — but only solidified what Portlanders already knew — we won the brewery lottery by a landslide.
Address: 1570 NW 22nd Ave, Portland, OR 97210
Cascade Brewing
Opened in 1998, Cascade Brewing is one of the oldest breweries in Portland – a true original.
However, it wasn’t until 2006 that it started to set itself apart from the plethora of great Portland breweries by specializing in barrel-aged sours.
And man, what a blessing that turned out to be. With more than 20 beers on tap, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more extensive (and exciting) list of bright sours in one place.
Cascade Brewing has won numerous awards and is still considered one of the original masters of sour brews in the nation.
Address: 939 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214
Deschutes Brewery
Situated in the Pearl, Deschutes is one of the most popular breweries in Portland with a beautiful tap room and delicious beers. Started in Bend (not the only one on this list) Deschutes is one of the oldest and most commercially successful breweries in the state.
Despite its size, Deschutes is family owned and damn proud of it. In the ever-changing landscape of craft beer they have managed to hold onto their independence despite their rapid expansion.
Deschutes typically boasts one of the deepest and most impressive beer lineups of any brewery in Portland with just about every popular beer style on tap and then some.
Address: 210 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
Oakshire Brewing
Founded in 2006 in Eugene by Jeff Althouse Oakshire (pronounced “oak-shy-er”) is all about small batch and community vibes. The brewery is located in the Concordia neighborhood.
In terms of the quality and downright deliciousness, it’s tough to argue that there’s a better brewery in Portland. Order a flight, taste them all, and try to find one that isn’t excellent.
Oakshire has three beer “programs” – core, pilot, and vintage. The core is pre-planned each year and serves as their year-round and seasonal brews. Pilot beers are their experimentation ground where you get all sorts of fun and interesting creations. Vintage is for their spirits-barrel-aged, wild, and higher ABV beer styles.
Again, it’s basically impossible to go wrong here so if it’s your first time definitely get a flight.
Address: 5013 NE 42nd Ave, Portland, OR 97218
Culmination Brewing
Culmination Brewing is on everyone’s lips for a reason, this brewery churns out some of the most innovative and perfectly executed beer in Portland.
Opened in 2015, this local Portland brewery has been focusing on creating a relaxed and welcoming space for the community by way of great beers.
You’ll find a robust tap list of 20 beers, from traditional brews like IPAs to ambers and stouts to more innovative sours and barrel-aged beers.
I’ve yet to be disappointed by a single brew from here and return without loss of enthusiasm time after time.
Address: 2117 NE Oregon St, Portland, OR 97232
10 Barrel Brewing
Founded in 2006, 10 Barrel Brewing Co. probably needs no introduction. This is one of the most popular breweries in Oregon (as well as one of the most commercially successful).
10 Barrel is technically a Bend based brewery but they’re Portland location is killer with an amazing rooftop and all around good vibes. A lot of folks gripe about 10 Barrel being bought out by Anheuser but so long as their beer is still top notch it’s going to make the list.
Plus it’s since been sold again to a smaller cannabis company. 10 Barrel is always whipping up some new killer beers but my favorites are the sours.
Summer isn’t complete without a 10 Barrel cucumber sour on their rooftop.
Address: 1411 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209
Von Ebert Brewing
Von Ebert Brewing opened in 2018 but instantly became a go-to spot for beer enthusiasts. In fact, many of my friends consider this one of the top 5 best breweries in Portland!
When the brewery opened it took the place of the now-defunct Commons Brewery. The owner of Von Ebert Brewing, Tom Cook, hired Common Brewery’s top brewers, Sam Pecoraro and Sean Burke.
These two masterminds are credited with Von Ebert’s massive success. Pecoraro oversees the Glendoveer location and focuses on killer IPAs, pilsners, stouts and hazies while Burke is in charge of the Pearl location and specializes in sours and lagers.
All told, Von Ebert has four locations and you can’t go wrong at any of them because this Portland brewery is an award winner. The Volatile Substance IPA won the Oregonian’s Beer of the Year in 2019.
Locations: 131 NW 13th Ave. Portland, OR & 14021 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97230
Little Beast Brewing Co.
The first time I visited Little Beast Brewing I mistakenly walked right past it. I mistook it for someone’s home.
The giveaway was the lively beer garden, full of chatter and laughter, which confirmed I was exactly where I needed to be. I’m confident that the married couple behind Little Beast Brewing is a match made in heaven.
The husband, Charles Porter, creates stimulating farmhouse-style ales with a unique twist — he harnesses the fermentation process in a way that enhances the robust flavors of the beer.
The beers are refreshing and tart in the most satisfying way, it’s hard to imagine a summer without one of these thirst-quenchers.
In addition to knockout brews, guests are treated to meals made from local, seasonal and farm-fresh produce.The harmony between these two passionate people makes for a great experience!
Address: 3412 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202
Occidental Brewing Co.
Founded in 2011 with a goal of crafting well-balanced continental-style brews in Portland, Occidental has garnered a loyal following and thus ensured its success in the craft brew capital of the world – Portland, Oregon.
The atmosphere is welcoming, the old-school music is great and the old beer can collection is worth mention as well. I met up with some coworkers at Occidental and we tried a handful of beers. Frankly, we were impressed by every one, but something about the Hefeweizen was truly special – it’s one of the best beers I’ve had in Portland!
The setting for this brewery could not be more epic, probably the most epic in all of Portland. Located in North Portland, Occidental has killer views of the most beautiful bridge in the city, the St. John Bridge.
Address: 6635 N Baltimore Ave #102, Portland, OR 97203
Crux Fermentation
What was once the domain of Bend alone has now become one of the best breweries in Portland.
The success of Crux Fermentation Project, one of the most awarded breweries in Oregon, is largely due to the numerous unique brewing techniques (open fermentation, barrel mashing) they’ve been perfecting since opening in 2012.
The belief behind this operation is simple: there’s a beer out there for everyone. The running joke is that if you can’t find a beer to love at Crux then you may not like beer, period.
The tasting room is jovial, but it’s the beer menu that catches the eye. With a plethora of tantalizing options, it’s hard to peel away. Boasting a boat load of ales, lagers and experimental beers, don’t rush the experience and give yourself some time to get acquainted with the menu.
If all else fails, ask the kind staff. They’re bound to have a recommendation up their sleeve. The location is industrial situated next to the DariGold Plant giving this spot a fun industrial vibe.
Between serving the best beer in Portland, offering relaxed outdoor patio seating, and playing host to a welcoming vibe, there’s no doubt that Crux Fermentation Project is one of the best breweries in Portland. But don’t just take my word for it, go see for yourself!
Address: 2715 SE 8th Ave #175, Portland, OR 97202
P.S. They’ve started distilling whiskey in the past few years and it is absolutely delicious. Be sure to enjoy a dram while you’re there!
Migration Brewing
Founded in 2018, Migration is an award-winning craft brewery in Portland that sprouted like wildfire and currently boasts four locations.
The passion project of four friends, Migration Brewing is a staple in the community and creates an inviting space for guests to linger over excellent brews and traditional pub fare.
You can find their brews all around town but nothing competes with the source, which is why I highly recommend visiting the actual brewery rather than picking up the cans in store.
The IPAs are a crowd-favorite, but I’m partial to the hearty pilsner. Just make sure you invite your friends and order some of the fare because it completes the experience.
Upright Brewing Company
Usually recommended by those “in the know” Upright Brewing is often considered one of the most underrated breweries in Portland. I’m sure the hate mail is getting stamped as I write this but I’m not one for keeping secrets. Great Portland beer should be enjoyed by everyone and the folks at Upright Brewing deserve the attention.
This Portland brewery specializes in farmhouse ales but is slowly starting to shift to traditional Old World styles. The inviting venue exudes an relaxed vibe and the easy-going staff are knowledgeable and attentive. As for the beers? Well, they’re velvety smooth.
If I had to describe Upright Brewing in four words they’d be: sours, ales and good vibes.
Address: 240 N Broadway, Portland, OR 97227
Great Notion
Great Notion was born when three neighbors, drawn together by a common passion of home brewing, decided to pursue their passion full time by opening what would become one of the best breweries in Portland.
Experimentation and creativity is the name of the game at this brewery and we are all better for it. Try the renowned fruit beers, sours and hazy IPAs to see what all the fuss is about.
This is a beloved brewery in the Alberta neighborhood and one of my all-time favorites!
Address: 2204 NE Alberta St #101, Portland, OR 97211
StormBreaker Brewing
Stormbreaker is a crowd-favorite among Portlanders. Founded in 2013, this beloved Portland brewery has two locations: North Mississippi Avenue and downtown St. Johns (opened 2018). Offering great outdoor seating, this brewery became a safe haven for many during COVID. Enjoy a cold glass of cider or an IPA over pub fare (don’t sleep on the nachos).
Two locations: 8409 N Lombard St. (St. Johns) & 832 N. Beech St. (Mississippi Ave)
The Best Beer in Portland, Oregon (Post Summary)
In sum, these are the best breweries in Portland, based on firsthand experience.
- Breakside Brewery
- StormBreaker Brewing
- Migration Brewing
- Great Notion
- Cascade Brewing
- Baerlic Brewing
- Wayfinder Beer
- Oakshire Brewing
- 10 Barrel Brewing
- Culmination Brewing
- Little Beast Brewing
- Von Ebert Brewing
- Ruse Brewery
- Gigantic Brewing
- Occidental
- Upright Brewing Company
- Crux Fermentation
- Deschutes Brewery
Map of the best breweries in Portland
How many breweries does Portland, Oregon have?
How many breweries are there in Portland, Oregon? There are approximately 70 breweries in Portland, Oregon with many closing due to the pandemic. The City of Roses often ranks in the top 10 cities with the most breweries per capita in the United States. To that end, it’s safe to say that if you love beer, you’ll love Portland.
List of ALL Portland, Oregon Breweries
A few folks have reached out and asked for a complete list of all the breweries in Portland, Oregon. Well, you know I aim to please, so without further ado here’s an alphabetized list of every Portland brewery.
- Alberta Brewing Company
- Ascendant Beer Co (temporarily closed)
- Assembly Brewing
- Away Days Brewing
- Back Pedal Brewing (temporarily closed)
- Baerlic Brewing
- Bethany Brewing
- Black Water Brewing
- Breakside Brewery
- Brewed By Gnomes
- Brewery 26
- Buckman Botanical Brewery
- Cascade Brewing Company
- Concordia Brewery
- Culmination Brewery
- Deschutes Brewery
- Double Mountain Taproom
- Ecliptic Brewing
- Fire on the Mountain
- Gateway Brewing
- Gigantic Brewing Company
- Grains of Wrath
- Grateful Deaf Brewing
- Great Notion Brewing
- Ground Breaker Brewing
- Hammer & Stitch Brewing
- Harvester Brewing
- Hopworks Urban Brewery
- Humble Brewing
- Kell’s Brewery
- Labyrinth Forge Brewing
- Laurelwood Brewing
- Leikam Brewing
- Level Beer
- Look Long Brewing Co
- Little Beast
- Lucky Labrador Brewing
- Max’s Fanno Creek Brew Pub
- McMenamins
- Migration Brewing
- Montavilla Brew Works
- Moonshrimp Brewing
- Mt Tabor Brewing
- Mutanis Brewery
- Oakshire Beer Hall
- Occidental Brewing
- Old Market Pub and Brewery
- Old Town Brewing
- One Nation Brewing Company
- Oregon Public House
- Peninsula Beerworks
- Pono Brewing Company
- Rogue Ales Distillery and Public House
- Rosenstadt Brewery
- Ruse Brewing
- Sasquatch Brewing Company
- Steeplejack Brewing Co
- StormBreaker Brewing
- Threshold Brewing
- Unicorn Brewing
- Upright Brewing Company
- Vagabond Brewing (temporarily closed)
- VanPort Brewing
- Von Ebert Brewing
- Wayfinder Beer
- Zoiglhaus Portland
- 13 Virtues Brewing Co
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And there you have it my friends, a quick roundup of the best breweries in Portland, Oregon. I hope you enjoyed the post, don’t hesitate to let me know if I missed anything!
Cheers!
Antonina
Bridgeport IPA best of all time
Breakside IPA number two
Hmm, big name missing here is Ruse…
Great list!… but you forgot Ruse! Best IPAs in town.
Modern times and Hair of the Dog are closing.
Threshold should have been on the list. Much more original than any of these, with maybe the exception of Gigantic
Thanks for the comment, Rich. The list has been updated. 🙂
Agree with most of the choices, but surprised that Ex Novo and Ruse didn’t make it.