If there is one thing Portland knows how to do right, it’s a proper brewery stroll. You don’t need a ride share for every stop, just a solid pair of walking shoes and an appetite for good hops.
Whether you want to stick to the brick-lined streets of the Pearl or bounce around the fun Eastside, here are two ridiculously fun self-guided beer tours to take on a sunny afternoon.
The West Side Walk: Pearl District to Slabtown
This route starts right in the heart of downtown’s Pearl District and winds its way up to Slabtown. It’s super walkable, packed with good energy, and ends with some of the most ridiculous experimental beers in the Pacific Northwest.
1. Deschutes Brewery Public House
Start off strong at an absolute Oregon legend. Housed in an old auto shop with massive timber beams, it feels like a giant cozy lodge right in the middle of the city.
- What to Drink: Grab the classic Mirror Pond or a juicy Fresh Squeezed.
2. Backwoods Brewing Company
Just a few blocks away, Backwoods brings Columbia River Gorge cabin energy straight into the Pearl. It’s laid-back and super welcoming.
- What to Drink: Their Blueberry Wheat is my fave!
3. 10 Barrel Brewing
Time to get high above the street. Head over to 10 Barrel and head straight up to the roof.
- What to Drink: The cucumber sour is my favorite sour ever!! Try one of their classic IPAs.
- The rooftop fills up fast on warm days, so claim a table the second you see an opening.
4. Breakside Brewery (Slabtown)
Walk northwest into Slabtown for one of my favorite breweries on the list. Breakside is basically Portland beer royalty, and this multi-level industrial space is super fun.
- What to Drink: Breakside IPA or Wanderlust. You genuinely cannot go wrong with their West Coast IPAs.
- I love their gigantic bavarian pretzels. I go sometimes just for that haha!
5. Great Notion Brewing (NW 28th)
Finish off the West Side crawl at one of the most fun taprooms in town.
- What to Drink: Juice Box hazy IPA or one of their wild smoothie sours that tastes like liquid dessert.
- It is a bit of a walk from Breakside, so grab a quick rideshare to Great Notion.
The East Side Wandering: Buckman, Central Eastside, & Beyond
The East Side is where Portland’s brewing creativity really runs wild. This crawl takes you through industrial warehouses, plant-filled taprooms, and even an actual historic church.
1. Wayfinder Beer
Kick things off near the river at Wayfinder. They occupy a gorgeous historic brick warehouse with a massive, elevated wooden deck that feels like the ultimate backyard hangout.
- What to Drink: Wayfinder CZAF Lager or their Cold IPA. They are absolute masters of crisp lagers.
2. Grand Fir Brewing
A quick walk away is Grand Fir, run by a dream team chef and brewmaster duo. It feels like a neighborhood pub where the food just happens to be sooo good!!
- What to Drink: A pint of dark lager or their signature IPA paired with whatever is sizzling on the kitchen menu.
3. Living Häus Beer Company
Walk over into Buckman to hit Living Häus. It’s a brewer-owned space with an emphasis on super drinkable brews and an atmosphere that feels like an indoor garden.
- What to Drink: Any of their fresh pilsners or session pale ales.
4. Baerlic Brewery
Baerlic is a super large space. They have Ranch pizza to pair your beers with.
- What to Drink: Dad Beer or Dad Pants. Simple, crisp, and hits the spot every time.
5. Steeplejack Brewing Company
To wrap up the Eastside run, jump in a quick ride share north to Steeplejack on Broadway. You get to drink world-class beer inside a fully restored old cathedral. I’d go just for the architecture.
- What to Drink: Try a pour of their English cask ale for a smooth, traditional finish.
Bonus Brewery: Wolves and People
If you have an extra day and want to venture outside Portland, take the drive out to Newberg to visit Wolves & People Farmhouse Brewery.
It’s set on a historic hazelnut farm, and sipping wild-fermented farmhouse ales under the shade trees in their orchard feels very Pacific Northwest. It’s a bring your own food situation!