Monday 2nd of May 2011 04:31:31 PM

link
Wild River Brewing started in tiny Cave Junction, OR - a place that most would travel through 'cept for the Wild Animal Park. It also happens to be one of the prime locations for growing Oregon's cash crop.

Imagine what THAT could be - and you'd be right.

Venture into the hills outside this town if you dare.

But, back to Wild River -- there are several in Southern Oregon and now in this coastal town of Brookings.

A long day's drive had us stopping here o'night an ready, nay anxious for a beer. The hotel gal said, "Wild River and Pancho's for incredible Mexican food."

She was right on both counts.

Wild River is now a brewpub - not a tap room - not even what I would call a beer bar but a family pizza restaurant which just happens to also brew some fine beer.

Not a great selection - Almost all lagers (Pilsner, Kolsch, Pale Ale, IPA) however...

Since I LOVE my dark ales, tried the Imperial Stout and must say it was one of the very best I've ever had. Would compare it favorably with Old Rasputin from North Coast. Rich, malty and with just the right amount of hoppy bitterness and full mouth feel...we both enjoyed a pint - took our time over Pancho's Pollo en Mole - then returned for a pitcher (Yes! I said a pitcher) for a whopping $6. (Yes! I said, $6!!!) That pitcher was more than enough to satisfy.

Food here is all pizza and fried with a large "salad" bar although not the kind I would saddle up to; pasta, potato, macaroni, jello "salads" but not a green leaf or tomato in the place. A lot of take-out (of course) - we saw several folks walk out w/an armful of pizza, friend chicken, jo-jo's that must have amounted to $75 or more. A large pizza goes for $18.

Still, a stop in Brookings deserves a stop at Wild River.

Monday 11th of January 2010 08:18:14 PM

link
This is really a local casual pizza place for families rather than a pub, but you can still come just for a beer, and the beer is good and there’s always a friendly vibe. There are six craft beers (brewed at one of their other locations): Kolsch, Wheat, Nut Brown, IPA, Pilsner, Double Eagle, and Imperial Stout. There are also three “major” beers. The IPA is quite good.

The food is pizza (duh) and sandwiches. We’ve had a few different pizzas here and they’ve each been good and represent quite a range of varieties.

The place is a fairly large blue building up the hill from Hwy 101 on the non-ocean side. Most of the space is filled with long rustic wooden tables with worn laminated tops and oak captains chairs. On the far left is a lower area with three pool tables and game machines (to keep the kids occupied). On the right is an equivalent lower section with tables that can be reserved. The walls are un-stained wood (redwood?) and the peaked ceilings are nice polished planks of pine with rafter beams. The floors are generic carpet.