Pubs abound in areas near Portland vacation rentals, and pub crawling is a popular pastime. Whet your whistle and raise a glass, or two, at great pubs while enjoying your stay. From microbreweries like McMenamins that serve only their own brews to The Dublin Pub that sells kegs to go, such establishments are everywhere. Watch your favorite sport, kick up your heels with lively music, or sample some of the best pub fare in Portland. Here are our recommendations for the top five local establishments.
1. McMenamins
With 16 breweries throughout Oregon producing 1,500 to almost 11,000 kegs yearly, it's no wonder they only serve their own brews. They operate more than 20 pubs in Portland alone. The Barley Mill is an eclectically decorated pub in Southeast Portland where you can sample hoppy ales and rich porters. Fulton Pub, in Portland's Macadam area, is a renovated pub dating back to prohibition. Legend has it this is where the recipe for their Hammerhead Ale was perfected. Check them out on-line for a list of locations.
2. BridgePort Brewing Company
This micro-brew pub is situated in the heart of Pearl District in a historic landmark building that used to house the Portland Cordage Company. Sample their award winning India Pale Ale or Black Strap Stout. In all, they brew nine varieties of fine ales for your drinking pleasure from two locations. Call or check them out on-line for hours.
3. The Dublin Pub
This pub has been serving up delicious quaffs of ale to happy customers since 1983. They boast 59 on-tap beers and 30 selections by the bottle. Get a feel of Ireland with a friendly game of darts or rack the balls and shoot some pool and the breeze with friends. They offer live music six days out of seven and have two floors to dance the night away. For hours and location, visit their website.
4. Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub
While sipping on a fine selection of beer and ale, tempt your palate with Guinness simmered Kells Shepherd's Pie or house-made soup served with authentic Irish soda bread. If you're in the mood for a jig, Kells has live Irish music every night and food critic, Tom Horan, has ranked them number one in Portland since 1985. Check out their website for location and hours.
5. Concordia Ale House
This pub is a beer connoisseur's dream-come-true, offering 22 rotating beers on tap from almost as many Pacific Northwest Breweries, including Oakshire's Espresso Stout, Hopwork's Rise Up Red ale, and Mac-N-Jack's African Amber. Their selection of bottled beer is almost as impressive, with Norway's Nogne O Russian Imperial Stout, Belgium's Val-Dieu Grand Cru, or French Thiriez Farmhouse Amber. Check them out on-line for hours and specials.
To start planning your trip, visit Vamoose.com where you can find Portland vacation rentals by searching for options such as price, size, amenities, and location closest to the pubs.