There’s no denying that Portland has clearly 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

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

Ecliptic Brewing

Started by brewing icon John Harris in 2013, (the creative brewer behind the most well-known beers in the state, including Mirror Pond Pale Ale), success was all but guaranteed at this highly anticipated Portland brewery.

Harris churns out creative inventions at Ecliptic Brewing without reservation. The name of the brewery is a combination of the owners two passions — astronomy and brewing.

The menu highlights local and seasonal ingredients and is re-made from scratch every six weeks. You can expect to find everything from traditional beloved brews (Starburst IPA, Capella Porter and Carina Peach Sour Ale) to creative experimental brews.

The seasonal brews change five times per year and are a must-order for anyone serious about craft brews.

Address: 825 N Cook St, Portland, OR 97227

---

Ex Novo Brewing Co.

Ex Novo entered the Portland brewery scene in 2014, choosing to open a rustic brewery in the Eliot neighborhood. What set them apart from the competition was their noble cause, using the business as a platform to benefit the community. As such, they donate 100% of net profits to organizations that strive to make the world a better place.

Since opening their first brewery in Portland, they’ve expanded to a second location in Beaverton and have donated almost $100,000 back to the community. It’s a rare day when you find yourself drinking some of the best beers in Portland while making the world a better place — so have at it!

Also worth mention, the deep dish pies churning out of the oven at Ex Novo are some of the best in Portland. Give them a try and you’ll quickly understand why the Beaverton location is pizza-forward.

Address: 2326 N Flint Ave, Portland, OR 97227

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

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.

---

Stormbreaker

Stormbreaker is a crowd-favorite amongst Portlanders. Founded in 2013, this beloved Portland brewery has two locations — North Mississippi Avenue and downtown St. Johns (opened 2018).

Offering great outdoor seating, Stormbreaker has become a safe haven for many during COVID. Enjoy a cold glass of cider or an IPA over pub fare (I can’t get enough of their nachos).

Two locations: 8409 N Lombard St. (St. Johns) & 832 N. Beech St. (Mississippi Ave)

---

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 I’ve had in Portland!

Address: 6635 N Baltimore Ave #102, Portland, OR 97203

---

The Best Beer in Portland, Oregon (Post Summary)

In sum, these are the best breweries in Portland, based on firsthand experience.

1. Breakside Brewery
2. Ecliptic Brewing
3. StormBreaker Brewing
4. Migration Brewing
5. Great Notion
6. Cascade Brewing
7. Baerlic Brewing
8. Wayfinder Beer
9. Culmination Brewing
10. Little Beast Brewing
11. Von Ebert Brewing
12. Ruse Brewery
13. Ex Novo Brewing Co.
14. Gigantic Brewing
15. Occidental
16. Upright Brewing Company

---

Map of the best breweries in Portland

---

Great Portland breweries we lost this year (RIP)

Modern Times

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Modern Times hailed from San Diego, but damn — they had some of the best brews in Portland and we were lucky to have them until they closed. They opened an outpost in SE Portland and it instantly became a smashing success, to nobody’s surprise.

The interior was lively and colorful with massive floor-to-ceiling windows and communal tables but the star of the show is, obviously, the beer — especially the IPAs and sours. The tasting flight was a great way to get introduced with velvety brews and were worth leaving a comfort zone.

---

Hair of the Dog

Founded in 1993 by Alan Sprints, Hair of the Dog was one of the original craft breweries in Portland. They specialized in unique methods for brewing beer, like aging them in oak barrels and concrete tanks, and the creativity paid off. After serving some of the best beer in Portland for 30 years, Hair of the Dog made the decision to close its doors permanently in 2022. It was definitely a hit to the brew scene in Portland. the knowledgeable staff were great to chat with and their passion was evident.

---

---

How many breweries does Portland, Oregon have?

How many breweries are there in Portland, Oregon? There are approximately 50-60 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.

1. Alberta Brewing Company
2. Ascendant Beer Co (temporarily closed)
3. Assembly Brewing
4. Away Days Brewing
5. Back Pedal Brewing (temporarily closed)
6. Baerlic Brewing
7. Bethany Brewing
8. Black Water Brewing
9. Breakside Brewery
10. Brewed By Gnomes
11. Brewery 26
12. Buckman Botanical Brewery
13. Cascade Brewing Company
14. Concordia Brewery
15. Culmination Brewery
16. Deschutes Brewery
17. Double Mountain Taproom
18. Ecliptic Brewing
19. Ex Novo Brewing
20. Fire on the Mountain
21. Gateway Brewing
22. Gigantic Brewing Company
23. Grains of Wrath
24. Grateful Deaf Brewing
25. Great Notion Brewing
26. Ground Breaker Brewing
27. Hammer & Stitch Brewing
28. Harvester Brewing
29. Hopworks Urban Brewery
30. Humble Brewing
31. Kell’s Brewery
32. Labyrinth Forge Brewing
33. Laurelwood Brewing
34. Leikam Brewing
35. Level Beer
36. Look Long Brewing Co
37. Little Beast
38. Lucky Labrador Brewing
39. Max’s Fanno Creek Brew Pub
40. McMenamins
41. Migration Brewing
42. Montavilla Brew Works
43. Moonshrimp Brewing
44. Mt Tabor Brewing
45. Mutanis Brewery
46. Oakshire Beer Hall
47. Occidental Brewing
48. Old Market Pub and Brewery
49. Old Town Brewing
50. One Nation Brewing Company
51. Oregon Public House
52. Peninsula Beerworks
53. Pono Brewing Company
54. Rogue Ales Distillery and Public House
55. Rosenstadt Brewery
56. Ruse Brewing
57. Sasquatch Brewing Company
58. Steeplejack Brewing Co
59. StormBreaker Brewing
60. Threshold Brewing
61. Unicorn Brewing
62. Upright Brewing Company
63. Vagabond Brewing (temporarily closed)
64. VanPort Brewing
65. Von Ebert Brewing
66. Wayfinder Beer
67. Zoiglhaus Portland
68. 13 Virtues Brewing Co

---

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!

best beer portland oregon, best breweries Portland, Oregon, the best Portland breweries, Portland Oregon best breweries, best beer in Portland, best breweries Portland Oregon,

Cheers!

Antonina