Grand Central Bowl

OK, Grand Central Bowl is, cosmetically speaking at least, a huge step up from the old establishment. When you first walk in you could swear you’re somewhere in the heart Read more

Walking Man Brewery

Walking Man is the best brewery in the Pacific Northwest. Period. Hands down. There, I’ve said it. What used to be a little-known gem to hikers, bikers and beer aficionados has become a microbrew institution. While still rare to find Walking Man on tap in Oregon (North 45 and Horse Brass are the only bars I can think of that usually have a handle) and, from what I hear, literally impossible to find in Washington due to a distribution policy from the brewery, Walking Man has nonetheless succeeded at the grass-roots, word of mouth kind of buzz most brewers only dream of. And believe me, the buzz is well-deserved. I know people who have made the 50 minute drive to Stevenson, WA (the small town on the gorge where Walking Man resides) just to down some pints or fill up a growler or two of this remarkable beer. Last weekend, some friends and I got out and hiked dog mountain. On the way home we filled up three growlers at Walking Man to take back to Portland: the rich chocolaty Dark Cherry Stout, the toasty and smooth Walking Stick Stout, and the hoppy Knuckle Dragger strong pale ale. Let me just say that There is really nothing like sitting around a table with three growlers of fantastic beer after a good hike. Here’s hoping that Walking Man continues to produce this quality of beer for decades to come!

Oregon Garden Craft Brewfest

Sample some of the best local and regional craft beers money can buy. The 4th annual Oregon Garden Craft Brewfest takes place at the beautiful Oregon Garden in Silverton, OR on April 25–26. The great beer will be complemented by great food and live music. Admission is $10 which includes entrance to the garden, a commemorative mug and four beer tickets.

The Oregon Garden - 879 W Main St (503) 874-8100

Happy Hour at Lompoc Fifth Quadrant

I’ve been going to the Lompoc Fifth Quadrant all winter. It always makes for a great meeting place. I know the brewer personally, Bryan Keilty–a great guy who makes Read more

Happy Hour at BaRa Sushi House!

Portland has a cozy new neighborhood sushi spot in the Southeast. BaRa Sushi House, on 21st and Clinton, operates from the first floor of an historic house in Portland’s Abernathy Read more

Happy Hour at Blue Dragonfly

One of the best, and lesser-known, happy hour spots in Portland, OR is Blue Dragonfly on 12th and SE Powell Blvd in the Abernathy neighborhood. One can chill out in the sleek, upscale barroom and a enjoy local microbrew (like Old Lompoc LSD) along with a gourmet meal–all for under $8! That’s right, from 3-6 pm Monday through Saturday, everything on the bar menu is $3.99. And these are not small portions either. Try the Lamb Skewers with Curried Crème Fraiche or the Washington Manila Clams with Chorizo and olive oil. Or venture into the burger menu, which includes some exotic patty options such as elk and deer. All burgers come with fries to boot. For whatever reason, this Portland happy hour spot remains relatively undiscovered. But I have a hunch this won’t last for long!

Bridgeport Ale House, SE Hawthorne

Do you have that spot in your workplace, that place where you can just chill, be yourself, even if it’s for 5 minutes? To kick back, put your feet up, do the silent scream? I always try to have at least one chill spot at work, even if it’s in the supply closet.

And when I really just want to relax and have a nice comforting meal and just chill and ponder the day’s happenings, I go to the Bridgeport Ale House on SE Hawthorne. That’s my restaurant chill spot.

Besides their comfort food menu of Macaroni and Cheese, Pizza, Pot Roast and Chicken Pot Pie (which is pretty much just like a big hug from a friend), the service is fast, attentive and not overbearing. The music is good sing along music, even if you are singing along in your head - and it’s loud enough that you can zone out and just forget that there are other people around you, but not so loud that you can’t hear yourself think. Read more

Portland Rose Quarter

The Rose Quarter is Portland, Oregon’s sports and entertainment district. It features two multi-purpose arenas, the Rose Garden (opened in 1995 and home to NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers) and the Memorial Coliseum (1960) and is located in Portland’s Lloyd District on the east bank of the Willamette River, just east of downtown. The Rose Quarter also offers a box office, four parking garages, a convention facility, several restaurants and bars, as well as a large public space called the Rose Quarter Commons.

box office:
One Center Court, suite 100
Portland, OR 97227
(877) 789-ROSE (7673) or
(503) 797-9619

Portland Rose Garden

The International Rose Test Garden is a world-renowned rose garden found in Portland Oregon. The garden, located in Portland’s Washington Park, is a major attraction for both locals and tourists. The roses bloom annually from April through October with the peak coming in June, weather depending. New rose “cultivars” (plants which have been selected and given a unique name based on their desirable characteristics) are constantly submitted to the garden from all over the world and then tested for color, fragrance, disease resistance, etc. Founded in 1917, and now with over 7,000 rose plants (of around 550 varieties), the Rose Garden is the oldest public rose test garden in the United States–adding to Portland’s nickname of the City of Roses.

Barleywine & Beer Fest This Weekend at Lucky Lab

Lucky Lab is putting on their annual beer and barley wine beer fest this weekend. The event starts at noon on March 7th & 8th starting at noon to 10 pm at Lucky Lab’s Northwest location on 19th and Quimby. See you there for what’s to be a spectacular beer drinking event.

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