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Brewery Review: The Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery Portland



Portland is known for a great many things. From bikes to bridges, music to markets, donuts to dogs.  Here though, it's Portlands brews that get us excited. This week we got to look another great one. 

Flagship: Puddle Hopper IPA
Dogs: service animals only
Kids: yes
Do they brew there: yes
Food: Full menu
Has guest taps: yes
Events: yes
Outside seating: no
Wifi: yes

Located in downtown near a shopping mall and one of the East serving bridges. This brewery is the Portland branch of the Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery chain but you wouldn't guess it when you go in. 

Going in your greeted by lots of metal and glass. It's one of the common styles of both new breweries and restaurants alike for sure, but that doesn't mean it's not effective. Natural light gets in and the place feels inviting. The typical bar is joined by several other types of seating. 

Booths, circular high tops, long tables. All the popular forms of seating have a place here in a layout that feels natural while making the most effective use of the space.  Neither cramped nor too open, but more like a restaurant  than most places we've been. 

Speaking of space, the place was busy. I was there on a Saturday but there were no big games going at that time. More than many breweries I've been to I notice that just about everyone there is there to eat. I realize somewhere between my second and third beers that the second part of the title, restaurant, is just important here as the beer.

I didn't talk to as many people here as I have at other breweries. I also saw more people here in groups than alone. Rock Bottom's focus seems to be more restaurant than brewery, but that's fine. A big part of many modern breweries is food. It may not be for me drinking alone today, but it seems perfect for the people I see enjoying themselves here. 


More than the few other breweries I've visited in downtown, this place captures the feel and vibe of downtown Portland perfectly.  From the asphalt to the people and even the weather. This place just 'feels' more Portland than a chain should allow it to. I hope that none of you out there ever hit rock bottom, but I do hope you all check out this brewery if your in Portland. 

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