Best 4 Breweries in Oregon: A Guide to the Top Craft Beer Destinations in the State

ByAnthony Smith Last Updated:

Oregon is a state known for its beautiful landscapes, outdoor activities, and delicious craft beer. With approximately 185 breweries located throughout the state, Oregon has become a mecca for beer enthusiasts. From traditional brewing methods to experimental styles, there is something for every beer lover in Oregon.

When it comes to beer, Oregonians take their craft seriously. Many of the state’s breweries have won numerous awards and accolades for their exceptional brews. Whether you’re looking for a hoppy IPA, a smooth porter, or a refreshing sour, you’re sure to find a beer that satisfies your taste buds in Oregon. With so many great breweries to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best breweries in Oregon to help guide you on your beer journey.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring Oregon’s breweries is a must-do activity. With a rich history of craft beer and a passion for innovation, Oregon’s breweries are some of the best in the country. So grab a pint, sit back, and enjoy all that this great state has to offer.

The Craft Beer Scene in Oregon

Oregon is known for its thriving craft beer scene, with approximately 185 craft breweries located throughout the state. The state ranks second in the United States for hop production and is a major producer of barley, making it a prime location for brewing beer. The craft beer industry in Oregon has a rich history and has been thriving for decades, with both traditional and experimental brewing methods being used.

Portland, the largest city in Oregon, is home to some of the best breweries in the state. The city has a diverse range of breweries, from small microbreweries to large production breweries. Some of the most popular breweries in Portland include Occidental Brewing, Gigantic Brewing Company, and Rogue Ales.

Bend, a city located in central Oregon, is also a hot spot for craft beer lovers. The city is home to over 20 breweries and has been dubbed the “Beer Town USA” by many. Some of the most popular breweries in Bend include Deschutes Brewery, Boneyard Beer Company, and Crux Fermentation Project.

Hood River, located in the Columbia River Gorge, is another popular destination for craft beer enthusiasts. The city is home to several breweries, including Full Sail Brewing Company and Double Mountain Brewery.

Tillamook, a coastal city in Oregon, is also known for its craft beer scene. The city is home to the popular brewery, de Garde Brewing, which specializes in wild and sour ales.

Oregon’s craft beer scene is not just limited to Portland, Bend, Hood River, and Tillamook. There are many other cities and towns throughout the state that have their own unique breweries and craft beer culture.

Top Breweries in Portland

Deschutes Brewery

Deschutes Brewery is a well-known brewery in Portland that has been around since 1988. They are known for their award-winning IPAs, which are brewed with a variety of hops to create a unique flavor profile. The brewery also has a great outdoor patio area where customers can enjoy their beers in the sun.

Website: https://www.deschutesbrewery.com/

Address: 210 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209, United States

Cascade Brewing Barrel House

Cascade Brewing Barrel House is a popular brewpub in Portland that specializes in sour beers. They have won numerous awards for their sour beers, which are brewed using a variety of fruits and spices. The brewpub also has a great food menu to pair with their beers.

Website: https://cascadebrewingbarrelhouse.com/

Address: 939 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214, United States

Rogue Ales

Rogue Ales is a well-known brewery in Oregon that has a location in Portland. They are known for their creative and unique brews, such as their Voodoo Doughnut Bacon Maple Ale. The brewery also has a great outdoor patio area where customers can enjoy their beers in the sun.

Website: https://www.rogue.com/

Address: 2320 SE Marine Science Dr, Newport, OR 97365, United States

Ninkasi Brewing Company

Ninkasi Brewing Company is a brewery based in Eugene, Oregon that has a location in Portland. They are known for their award-winning IPAs, which are brewed with a variety of hops to create a unique flavor profile. The brewery also has a great food menu to pair with their beers.

Website: https://ninkasibrewing.com/eugene-beer/

Address: 155 Blair Blvd, Eugene, OR 97402, United States

Overall, Portland has a great selection of breweries to choose from. Whether you are looking for award-winning IPAs or creative and unique brews, there is something for everyone. And with many breweries having outdoor patio areas, you can enjoy your beer in the sun while taking in the vibrant Portland atmosphere.

Unique Beer Styles and Flavors

Oregon is renowned for its unique beer styles and flavors that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you are a fan of sour beer, chocolate stout, or lime-flavored beer, there is always something for everyone. Here are some of the unique beer styles and flavors that you can find in Oregon.

Sour Beer

Oregon is home to some of the best sour beer breweries in the country, producing some of the most refreshing and complex sour beers. The state is known for its sour ales, which are brewed using wild yeast and bacteria to give them their distinct tartness. Some of the popular sour beers in Oregon include Nectarine Premiere, a sour ale brewed with nectarines, and Cerveza Negra Caliente, a dark sour beer brewed with chili peppers.

Chocolate Stout

For those who love dark and rich beers, Oregon is the place to be. Chocolate stouts are a popular beer style in Oregon, and they are brewed with chocolate malt to give them a rich and creamy chocolate flavor. Some of the popular chocolate stouts in Oregon include Bullwheel IPA, a chocolate stout brewed with hops, and Triple IPA, a chocolate stout brewed with three times the amount of hops.

Lime-Flavored Beer

If you are looking for a refreshing and zesty beer, then lime-flavored beer is the way to go. Oregon breweries have taken the lime flavor to a whole new level, infusing it into different beer styles to create unique and flavorful beers. Some of the popular lime-flavored beers in Oregon include Sticky Hands, an IPA brewed with lime zest, and Sour Beers, a sour beer brewed with lime juice.

Oregon’s breweries are constantly experimenting with new and unique beer styles and flavors, making it a haven for beer lovers. Whether you prefer sour beer, chocolate stout, or lime-flavored beer, Oregon has something for everyone.

Breweries with Great Views

Oregon is known for its scenic beauty and stunning views. So, it’s no surprise that some of the best breweries in the state offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Here are a few breweries in Oregon that offer great views:

  • Pelican Brewing Company (Pacific City): Pelican Brewing Company is located in Pacific City, a small coastal town that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Cape Kiwanda. The brewery’s outdoor seating area overlooks the ocean and is the perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer and watch the sunset.
  • Rogue Ales & Spirits (Newport): Rogue Ales & Spirits is located in Newport, a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and stunning views. The brewery’s outdoor seating area offers panoramic views of Yaquina Bay and the surrounding landscape.
  • Salishan Coastal Lodge (Gleneden Beach): Salishan Coastal Lodge is a resort located in Gleneden Beach, a small coastal town known for its scenic beauty. The resort’s brewery, Salishan Coastal Brewery, offers stunning views of the surrounding forest and is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a cold beer.
  • Buoy Beer Company (Astoria): Buoy Beer Company is located in Astoria, a historic city located at the mouth of the Columbia River. The brewery’s outdoor seating area offers panoramic views of the river and is the perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer and watch the ships pass by.

Brewery Tours and Tastings

Oregon is home to some of the best breweries in the country, and what better way to experience them than through brewery tours and tastings. Many breweries offer tours of their facilities, allowing visitors to see how their favorite beers are made. Additionally, tastings provide an opportunity to try a variety of beers and discover new favorites.

Visitors can find brewery tours and tastings throughout the state, making it easy to plan a beer-focused trip. Many breweries offer guided tours that provide insight into the brewing process and the history of the brewery. Some even offer private tours for groups or special events.

Tastings typically involve trying a flight of beers, which is a selection of several beers in smaller portions. This allows visitors to sample a variety of beers and find their favorites. Some breweries also offer food pairings with their beer flights, enhancing the tasting experience.

For those traveling by RV or on a road trip, many breweries have parking available for larger vehicles. Some even have RV hookups, allowing visitors to stay overnight and continue their beer adventure the next day.

Breweries with Food Pairings

Oregon’s breweries are known for their excellent beer, but many also offer delicious food pairings. Here are some of the best breweries in Oregon that offer great food to go with their beer.

Deschutes Brewery

Deschutes Brewery is a well-known brewery in Oregon that offers a variety of food options to pair with its beer. They have a full menu that includes appetizers like nachos and fries, as well as entrees like burgers and sandwiches. They also offer vegetarian and gluten-free options. Deschutes Brewery recommends pairing their Mirror Pond Pale Ale with their nachos, and their Black Butte Porter with their fries.

Website: https://www.deschutesbrewery.com/

Address: 210 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209, United States

Ninkasi Brewing Company

Ninkasi Brewing Company is another popular brewery in Oregon that offers great food pairings. They have a full menu that includes appetizers like garlic fries and hummus, as well as entrees like burgers and salads. They also offer vegetarian and gluten-free options. Ninkasi Brewing Company recommends pairing their Total Domination IPA with their ranch dressing, and their Tricerahops Double IPA with their garlic fries.

Rogue Ales & Spirits

Rogue Ales & Spirits is a unique brewery in Oregon that offers a variety of food options to pair with their beer. They have a full menu that includes appetizers like pretzels and cheese plates, as well as entrees like burgers and pizzas. They also offer vegetarian and gluten-free options. Rogue Ales & Spirits recommends pairing their Dead Guy Ale with their mac and cheese, and their Hazelnut Brown Nectar with their pizza.

These are just a few of the many breweries in Oregon that offer great food pairings to go with their beer. Whether you’re in the mood for nachos, fries, or ranch dressing, there’s a brewery in Oregon that has you covered.

Dog-Friendly Breweries

Oregon is known for its craft beer scene, and what’s better than enjoying a cold beer with your furry friend? Luckily, there are plenty of dog-friendly breweries in Oregon that allow you to bring your pup along for the ride. Here are some of the best dog-friendly breweries in Oregon:

  • Vagabond Brewing – Located in Salem, Vagabond Brewing has a large outdoor pet-friendly patio where you can sit and sample their brews like the There She Gose and NW Passage Stout. Two taps of rotating ciders are also available.
  • NWIPA – Specializing in craft beers, NWIPA in Portland is a dog-friendly brewery that is sure to please. Bring your pup and enjoy a cold one in the outdoor seating area.
  • Laurelwood Public House and Brewery – Another Portland favorite, Laurelwood Public House and Brewery is a dog-friendly brewery that offers a variety of beers and ales. Dogs are allowed on the outdoor patio.
  • Orenco Taphouse – Located in Hillsboro, Orenco Taphouse is a dog-friendly brewery that offers a wide selection of craft beers. Bring your pooch and enjoy a cold one on the outdoor patio.
  • 10 Barrel Brewing Company – One of the best dog-friendly breweries in Bend, 10 Barrel Brewing Company offers a large outdoor seating area where you can enjoy their delicious brews with your furry friend by your side.

Overall, these dog-friendly breweries in Oregon offer a great atmosphere for beer lovers and their furry companions. Just remember to keep your dog on a leash and be respectful of other patrons.

Seasonal Beers in Oregon

Oregon is known for its love of craft beer, and seasonal beers are no exception. As the seasons change, so do the flavors of the beers. From rich and spicy winter ales to refreshing summer IPAs, there is a beer for every season in Oregon.

Many breweries in Oregon offer seasonal beers, which are often only available for a limited time. These beers can be brewed with seasonal ingredients, such as pumpkin or cranberries, or have a unique flavor profile that is perfect for the season.

One popular seasonal beer in Oregon is the kriek, a cherry-flavored beer that is traditionally brewed in Belgium. Several breweries in Oregon offer their own take on this classic beer, including Cascade Brewing and Upright Brewing.

In the fall and winter, many breweries in Oregon release their winter ales. These beers are often brewed with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, giving them a warm and comforting flavor that is perfect for cold weather. Deschutes Brewery’s Jubelale is a popular winter ale that has been brewed for 25 years.

In the spring and summer, breweries in Oregon offer a variety of refreshing beers, such as IPAs and wheat beers. Many breweries also release seasonal fruit beers, which are brewed with fresh fruits like strawberries and raspberries.

Breweries with Live Music

Several breweries in Oregon offer live music to accompany their delicious brews. Here are a few noteworthy options:

  • Barley Brown’s Brew Pub in Baker City frequently hosts live music events, making for a lively and entertaining atmosphere.
  • Pelican Brewing Company in Pacific City offers live music on its oceanfront deck during the summer months, allowing visitors to enjoy both the music and the stunning views.
  • Rogue Ales & Spirits in Newport has a stage in their tasting room, where they regularly feature local musicians.
  • 10 Barrel Brewing in Bend has an outdoor stage that hosts live music events during the summer, creating a fun and festive vibe.

These breweries offer a great opportunity to enjoy some of the best beer in Oregon while also experiencing the local music scene. Visitors can enjoy a pint, relax, and take in the sounds of talented musicians. Keep in mind that live music schedules may vary, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead of time to see who will be performing.

Overall, these breweries with live music offer a unique and enjoyable experience for beer and music lovers alike.