16 TOP Breweries in Portland, Oregon to Sip & Explore

Portland is one of the top beer cities in the country—and for good reason.

With inventive brewers, cozy neighborhood taprooms, and beers that span every style from farmhouse ales to hazy IPAs to historical Polish lagers (yes, really), there’s no shortage of unique sips in this town.

Whether you’re in it for the hops, the vibes, or the food trucks, here’s my list of the best breweries in Portland as someone born and raised in the area and obsessed with craft beer!

1. Level Beer

Level Beer brings together great brews, nostalgic arcade games, and a chill hangout vibe. With both indoor and outdoor seating (don’t miss the greenhouse), this spot is a community favorite.

It’s first-come, first-serve and you order everything at the bar. We tried the Pixelated Pale and a Tropical IPA—both super tasty.

There were at least three food trucks parked when we visited, with a fourth one pulling in as we left.

We went with a seafood truck and grabbed fish and chips plus a poke bowl—both delicious. Great beers, chill vibe, and rotating eats? Yes, please.

Their location near the airport is perfect after a day of exploring the waterfalls along the Columbia River Gorge!

2. Migration Brewing

Spacious and lively, Migration Brewing is a great stop for solid craft beer and tasty bites.

We ended up at the Gresham one but there are a few more sprinkled around downtown. Inside is roomy and inviting, and there’s plenty of outdoor seating with picnic tables shaded by a canopy.

We had two beers: the V Formation IPA and the Ginger Mango Sour—both refreshing in their own way.

The food menu features pizza, calzones, wraps, and sandwiches, making it a nice place to kick back and fill up.

This spot has a classic Portland brewery feel and is easy to recommend for groups or anyone looking for a laid-back afternoon.

3. Zoiglhaus Brewing Company

Zoiglhaus is rooted in German tradition but now blends that vibe with modern variety.

Originally a German restaurant and brewery, the space now hosts a handful of food vendors, including Thai and Venezuelan options. The brewery is large with a beautiful U-shaped bar and plenty of room to spread out.

Their award-winning Pilsners are the real draw—we were especially excited about the Italian Pilsner they created in collaboration with their New Mexico location.

The German-American fusion carries into the beers too, where you’ll find both classic and experimental brews worth exploring.

4. Threshold Brewing & Blending

Tucked away in a residential neighborhood, Threshold feels like your best friend’s backyard brew party—if your friend also won awards for their stouts.

The community vibe is strong here, and the outdoor seating area with artificial grass and plaza-style tables adds to the charm.

We tried their Neptune Rising stout (and its coffee-infused variant) and both were insanely good.

They also had a Grisette called Jens Bailed, which was a fun and refreshing surprise. Keep an eye out for events—this place feels like a community hub.

5. StormBreaker Brewing

StormBreaker feels like the soul of Portland brewing: creative, cozy, and full of personality.

The patio is long and inviting with a fire pit, and inside, you’ll find chandeliers, hop-shaped lamps, and warm wood decor. The bar smells like beer is literally brewing in the back—and it is.

We were greeted quickly and walked through some of their unique brews. Their beers are science-forward and experimental, making this place a haven for curious drinkers.

Shared plates, bao buns, wings, and burgers round out the menu nicely.

6. Breakside Brewery

Breakside is one of Portland’s best-known breweries for a reason. The Dekum location has semi-outdoor garage-style doors, tons of seating, and great food.

We had a spicy chicken sandwich, Beyond burger, and waffle fries with house-made sauces.

The beer was solid as expected—nothing showy, just really well-done staples. This is a go-to for tried-and-true Portland beer lovers and newcomers alike.

7. Brewery 26

Brewery 26 has a super chill vibe, open garage doors, and a welcoming lounge area.

You’ll find games in one corner, the brewmaster in another, and couches scattered throughout the space. We loved the rye pale ale and the laid-back setup.

Street parking is free for a couple hours, but the lot is paid.

The outdoor space includes a few picnic tables and a food truck (subject to rotation). The whole place feels like an extended living room in the best way.

8. Wayfinder Beer

This place is part brewery, part bierhall, and all-around awesome. It’s got a sprawling patio with community seating, big indoor rooms, and a large bar that’s great for solo visitors.

We had a delicious Helles lager served in a Czech-style mug and a cauliflower bánh mì that blew our minds.

The cheeseburger was also excellent—Wayfinder nails both the food and the drink.

A partner at Breakside recommended the lager, and we’re glad we listened. This place is a must for lager fans and those seeking elevated pub fare.

9. Steeplejack Brewing Company

Steeplejack is located inside a former church, and it’s just as dramatic and beautiful as it sounds.

Massive stained-glass windows, high ceilings, and a central U-shaped bar make this place feel unique and reverent in a beer-worshipping kind of way.

We tried the Rainbow Pale Ale and a rare beer called Tepache, and both were excellent.

There’s tons of seating, a friendly staff, and a welcoming vibe. No outdoor seating when we visited, but the interior makes up for it.

10. Ruse Brewing

Set in an industrial area, Ruse feels like a hidden gem with roots in the local beer scene.

They got their start brewing out of Culmination and now have their own cozy, wood-accented space. A projector plays sports, and a pizza oven churns out tasty pies.

We tried The Translator (a bright, classic IPA) and their witbier, which was soft, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.

No happy hour, but the welcoming vibe and great beer made it feel like a good deal.

11. Gigantic Brewing

Gigantic is quirky, fun, and full of character. There’s a huge outdoor space, funky art everywhere, and even a barrel room that hosts events like drag shows.

We tried a golden ale and an experimental IPA called Catch 23—both were awesome.

Each beer comes with its own artwork, which you can see throughout the space. Great beer and a ton of personality.

12. Baerlic Brewing & Taproom

Baerlic combines great beer with excellent pizza in a laid-back setting. The large indoor space features a cozy fireplace-style heater, and there’s outdoor seating on the sidewalk too.

The inside pizza joint, Ranch, served us a deep-dish Hawaiian and veggie pizza that was out of this world.

The beer was stellar. Punk Rock Time IPA and Nice & Easy Sour hit all the right notes. It’s self-serve and super low-key, and everything from the food to the beer felt thoughtfully crafted.

13. Little Beast Brewing Beer Garden

Little Beast is set in a converted house with a massive garden-style patio and a quaint stained-glass bar inside.

They specialize in sours and farmhouse ales made with Brett yeast, and the flavor complexity is next level. We tried several brews and were seriously impressed.

Barbecue was the food truck on-site when we visited, and it smelled amazing. Lots of takeout orders were flying out the door.

It’s self-serve via app, and happy hour runs Monday–Friday from 2 to 5.

14. Upright Brewing

Upright Brewing is a hidden treasure tucked inside an old historic building turned creative workspace. Jazz played softly in the background, and the whole place had a calm, mellow vibe perfect for winding down after work.

We had a Vert saison and a pale ale called Nice & Easy—both impeccably balanced and smooth. It’s not a flashy place, but the beer is top-tier. They serve small snacks, no full food menu, so come for the pints and the ambiance.

15. Backwoods Brewing Company

Backwoods’ Portland outpost (original in Carson, WA) is a big, bright taproom with lots of seating and an impressive beer and food menu. We tried the Chuggernaut IPA, a Raspberry Sour, and a S’mores Golden Ale that was dessert in a glass.

For food, the smoked salmon nachos and chicken avocado bacon sandwich hit the spot. Parking can be tricky, but it’s worth the effort—especially if you’re with a group. You’ll find it in the Pearl District, making it easy to pair with other downtown adventures.

16. Great Notion Brewing

We didn’t expect to be this obsessed with Great Notion, but here we are. Known for pushing boundaries with hazy IPAs and next-level sours, this spot goes hard on flavor.

Nina ordered a Blueberry Muffin sour that somehow nailed every part of the real thing—bready, fruity, and totally wild. I tried the Feniks, a Polish-style smoked lager that snagged a GABF medal back in 2022. Both were unreal.

The place has a playful energy, with offbeat character art on the walls and a bonus room stocked with merch and take-home cans. Their rotating sour lineup is borderline ridiculous (yes, they have Key Lime Pie and Strawberry Shortcake versions), and the staff clearly knows what they’re doing.

More Breweries in Oregon

Read more about our fav breweries around Oregon:

• 14 EPIC Breweries in Oregon: Our Favorite Spots Across the State
• 12 BEST Breweries on the Oregon Coast: Tried and Tested!
• 16 TOP Breweries in Portland, Oregon to Sip & Explore
• 13 TOP Breweries in Bend, Oregon for Beer Lovers

More Around Portland:

• 43 EPIC Things To Do in Portland, Oregon!
• 21+ Awesome Hikes Near Portland to Escape The Bustle
• 25 Day Trips from Portland, Oregon + Road Trip Ideas
• 20 Parks in Portland for The Adventurous!
• 13 Portland Tours for The Adventurous!
• 17 Best Beaches in Portland, Oregon!
• 17 Waterfalls Near Portland (#10 and #14 Are INSANE!)
• 23 of The Best Places for Camping Near Portland

I hope you enjoyed my list of the best breweries in Portland, Oregon!

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