Friday 17th of February 2017 06:37:02 PM

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Astoria, Oregon has a population of about 10,000 and, as most Oregon cities do, a deep well of breweries to visit.

There are 4, 3 of which offer spectacular views of the Columbia River and its "show" of ships and seals. Really, the scenery is hard for any other brewery nationwide to beat.

The beer? Well, that's another story.

But on the main road through town (Highway 30), there is small, very small non-descript building that is easily missed.

Don't!

This is Hondo's Brewpub, Taproom and Beer Supply Store...and it has, hands down, the best beer in town.

The Best!

R.J. the owner and main provocateur of this establishment has been brewing for many years, like most brewery owners but his are unique. For example, most folks believe IPA's should burn your palette. But that's just not so...and at Hondo's, you get to taste what an IPA is (and once was) supposed to be....a well-balanced, malty brew with a touch of just enough hop to give it a "zing." You can sample a good Imperial Mocha Stout -- again with just the right amount of malt and hop and perfect mocha personality.

R.J. will sit and talk your ear off about beer and anything else you care to bring up...and you can do it all from the comfortable sofas that line the room. And don't be surprised if he suddenly puts a halt to the conversation when a home brewer comes in and R.J. wants to know how his latest batch of Dunkel turned out.

Want something extra special not on tap? There's a beer cooler near the front that just might have what you're looking for. If not, R.J. can probably order one up for you.

There's food here as well; snacks and a small offering of basic pub food. Open mic night is Saturday or you can just sit and talk with bartender Ariel. She'll tell you all about her experiences flying helicopters and how she learned.

And you'll order another round...and maybe another...and wonder how you missed this perfect beer bar before.