As said this place has its own weird vibe. Next to it is more upscale Bailey’s Taproom and then Santeria-Voodoo shop, some kind of sex shop and grocery shop with few local micros. Place was dark, service very good. No samplers. They have some other than own beers too.

Bartender, wearing a fedora, seemed insistent that they don’t sell a sampler platter of all their beers. Therefore, I was insistent that I was leaving. I’ve only ever seen one other bar that simply will not do samplers, and I didn’t patronize that bar, either. He also assumed that of all their beers, the one I would want was their double russian imperial stout. Don’t make assumptions about me if you don’t know me, dude.

Across from Bailey’s. A kind of cool eclectic decor, lots of books around. The service was great, and the place was not very busy. Had four beers of their own. Now, the only issue was the beer was bad. Oddly flawed in an obvious way that is surprising considering the Mecca that Portland is. The two hop forward beers I had were extremely bitter in the finish- I mean, big hops are in and all, but this was medicinal and unpleasant. I suggest getting some quality control. Find someone in Portland that understands these things. Pay someone. Find someone that cares and you will make much more money. The location should be great, Bailey’s will being people in.

My experience here was extremely quick and not pleasant. Went in, ordered a Chernobyl Stout, was annoyed by the loud gangsta rap playing, and sipped about 3-4 sips before being disgusted by the abomination of a beer. My friend and I left our beers at the bar and walked out. No idea how this place stays in business right next to Bailey’s if that beer is representative of their quality.

I think they actually have a menu here, but I would be scared to eat here. Its a really small whole in the wall pub, dark with a big bookshelf. They have about 6 of their own brews on tap as well as a few others. None of their beers are all that great, but a good place to play the Farkel dice game (joet is this how you spell that?)

Tucked away in an alley in downtown. 3 out of the 5 beers I tried here were infected and the bartender was kind of a pomous know it all jackass. I will probably not come back here.

Tugboat is a very unique place. Books and board games are included for your enjoyment. The beer selection consists of all Tugboat beers, about 6 at at time. The service is good. Not sure about the food as I have never had their food on either of my visits. The only think that really marred my most recent visit was a certain individual in my company that it seems turns into a bit of an obnoxious blow hard after consuming a bit too much alcohol. Oh well such is life.

I found this place without really seeking it out. Just saw it tucked away in an alley as I was strolling around the city. Very nice atmosphere, books and old games everywhere and some funky old pictures of Oregon landmarks, like Crater Lake. Bartender was a really nice guy and the crowd was relaxed. They only had three of their own beers one when I was there, but they had several guests. I was not blown away by the quality of the beers they made, but I did really like the bar. I could see myself being a regular there if I lived in Portland.

Cool little snug of a place. Quiet on the Tuesday afternoon I was there. Open space with booths and lots of books and subtle lighting. A place to spend some hours reading and relaxing.

I really enjoyed this place. It’s small and quaint. Live jazz, free popcorn, but the brews are defective or something, the imperial stout is all you should stick with. The bartender was super friendly, saying hello as soon as we walked in, talking to us about the beers without acting like we wouldn’t no anything about them, and always asking if we were doing ok and clearing our drinks. When we left, even though he was in mid-conversation, he stopped to say goodbye to us, I was pretty impressed with the service. It had had a nice aesthetic with all the books on the shelves. movie style popcorn machine off to the side, small stage for musicians with an upright piano and a PA, tacky lamps, and other little thing oddities like wood shingles, a giant neon clock, a tugboat lamp over the tap handles, and small, framed illustrations of boats, bridges and harbors. Unfortunately we missed the live jazz that night but they were playing Coltrane’s ’Giant Steps’ so I was able to deal.