Friday 17th of February 2017 01:52:24 PM

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On a dreary, wet and windy day, wife Persimmon and I pulled into Astoria as part of our travels across America.

We had left the Pacific NW years ago and wanted to search out another place to put down roots. Astoria was on the list.

We had certain requirements; a walkable city, near the water and a brewpub...or two.

Buoy was our first stop.

The place commands a magnificent view of the Columbia River where you can watch football field-sized freighters navigate the waters along with the seals, otters and gulls. In fact, if you listen carefully you could you can almost hear the seals barking at each other right next to your table...and you wouldn't be wrong.

The entrance to the brewery provides a glass-topped floor where a gargantuan sea lion and her pup find solace and solitude among the wooden supports wondering "what the hell are you looking at?"

This a relatively new brewery, built in 2014 and already has a Sasquatch-like footprint. Many brewpubs with guest taps, liquor stores and restaurants offer Buoy to its customers.

Good for them.

Wish I could be as praise-worthy but there's nothing spectacular here.

There are several IPA's and lagers...a brown and an oatmeal stour but all have little taste.

The menu however is different with Habanero Deviled Eggs, Cheese Curds and Spiced Pistachios for munchies. The rest of the menu is heavy on seafood and basic brew fare and all a bit on the spendy side.

Buoy should be on your list when in Astoria, but if you're looking for good, really good beer with taste...don't expect much.