Friday 20th of March 2009 02:57:23 PM

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I’m glad I had a GPS to find this place! I would describe the neighborhood as industrial. Located on the corner, this is a great use of an older space. There is good light from the large windows and that combined with the high ceilings give this place a very airy feeling.

As you enter, you will see the bar straight ahead. It is in a part of the space that is slightly elevated. The bar seats about a dozen and there are some tiny booths and larger tables in the bar area. Check out the kegs on display behind the glass wall.


The rest of the main room is dinning area and is a combo of large booths and tables. The semi-open kitchen is also in this area. There are more rooms behind the bar.

There is a large expanse of exposed brick walls, there are well worn hardwood floors and older German and Widmer beer decorations.
I arrived at 11:45 am on a Wednesday and the place was at least 3/4s full. It was an even mix of women and men and all ages were represented. The place had a friendly buzz going. It is great to see people really enjoying themselves.

There are a couple of TVs tuned to sports and they had classic rock on at low volume levels.

My food was very good and fresh. Try the chili! Note there are plenty of fresh and green options, but only a handful of German offerings.


The bar has three tap towers each offering 5 different beers (by my public school math that is 15 choices). The selection is a mix of regulars and specials. I had a nice Drifter APA and a unique black IPA.

The service was friendly & quick. They also gave unasked for samples, you got to like that. The bartender was talking beer with several folks and he did a great job of steering them to some new choices.


I was impressed by just about everything here and it is well worth a stop.

Sunday 28th of September 2008 02:42:28 PM

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Had to visit one of the big boys in Portland when I visited. This place was described as a gasthaus, so I was expecting an extensive german menu to go along with the hefeweizen. I was a little disappointed with the menu, a few german items, but overall pretty average menu. Although I will say the prices at this place are extremely reasonable.

Overall none of the beers I sampled were all that memorable, the well known beers were as expected. A few cask selections that were a good change of pace.

The bar is way outside of downtown Portland and not easy to find. We called a number of times and were given the wrong directions a few times. When you do find it though, there is no mistaking it, the huge copper kettles across the street from the restaurant are impressive. Heard a lot about the tour but unfortunately got there too late to go on one.

Tuesday 16th of September 2008 04:20:23 PM

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In the 12 years I lived in Portland Oregon I never stopped here. Wow what am I a fool? Guess I never thought I would move away. On a quick stop after the North American Brewers Festival. I got off MAX Yellow line and walked 1 block and there it was. Right next to the brewery of which I have been to many a time. Had the old brew pub feel the brick walls and the old and new art work it was just what you might expect. 12 taps going 6 regular beers and 6 off the wall beers that I wish I had time to drink them all. Had a great lunch and the Golden Belgian beer was very nice. This is a great place to stop and one of the quintessential places to hit in Portland. Hell it is as close to the start of Oregon Micro brewing and Portland Beer royalty you can get. To the brothers Kurt and Rob Thank You.

Friday 15th of August 2008 01:51:23 PM

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The pub is located in a great old historic three story brick building in an old North Portland area. The brewery itself is in a new, but still brick, building across the street. The restaurant section of the place is in the main room when you enter. It has wooden tables with padded bench seats. On one side is a brick wall that rises up quite high and in the back of the room is the open-format kitchen. Windows along the south side extend into the bar area which is several steps up from the restaurant. There there are a few large tables, some smaller tables, and a long bar with stools. On the bar are three classic dark blue ceramic German beer dispensing towers. The wooden floors are a nice old oak but otherwise it’s all dark wood with yellow and blue walls. Decorating the walls throughout are interesting historic German metal beer signs.

All the beers are from Widmer but the range is good - mostly German styles but also an Amber and IPAs. The original Alt beer they made when they first opened was on when we were there, and it is a great example of the true Dusseldorf style. Also quite good was the Full Nelson Imperial IPA.

The food is German-style with northwest touches. We’ve always enjoyed the sausages.