Thursday 11th of July 2013 01:38:23 PM

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Our first stop in the small town of Hood River was Pfriem Family Brewers, a family owned place that has only been open for a year or so. I had tasted two of their beers in Portland and been intrigued enough to make this one of our stops. The brewery is right on the river, with a park currently being built in between the brewery and the water's edge. The building is one of several new large industrial spaces being built along this small access road, and all look like they should house an REI store complete with climbing wall. Made of glass, steel and reclaimed wood the brewery itself has a very industrial feel, but very open and comfortable. Chairs and tables are solid and almost immovable.

The beer sampler came in a cool branded wooden carrier and all were tasty. My favorite were the Dark Belgian Strong and the Schwarzbier. Any place that can put out great IPA's, Belgians and Lagers is a success in my book. The stand-out for this brewery was the food. Sj and I split a moules frites (mussels and fries) that was as good as any I had in Belgium, with the double fried frites that I haven't seen since that trip. House made pickled vegetables and deviled eggs rounded out our terrific eating experience. This was a random visit that ended up being one of my favorite stops in Oregon. You should go there.