Tag Archives: The Club 21 Bar in Portland

Turn to The Vern!

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The Vern in Southeast Portland (in the area sometimes referred to as ‘The Barmuda Triangle” because of the prevalence of bars and taverns in the area) epitomizes the debate Willamette Week aptly labeled, “(Portland’s) endless war between condos and character.”

You will see below that while a number of people in their social media reviews bemoan the fact that their beloved Hannigan’s Bar – the Vern’s predecessor which opened in 1986 – and the old Vern are now history – the bar was remodeled, the interior refurbished and the menu revamped, into what is now a cozy neighborhood watering hole that still has many aspects of dive bar ambiance.

Remodeled and refurbished

Now some take issue with what WW calls the transition from “haute-scumbag chic to fresh new spaces” of the rebooted Vern. I would suggest, however, that Portland is fortunate to have entrepreneurs, Warren Boothby and Marcus Archambeault to save these establishments from development into structures such as urban storage units or commercial office space.

In the good old days…..

Alternatively, some old bars with great character have permanently disappeared and supposedly suave cocktail and beer bars – many in strip malls – have sprung up.

The Club 21 was one owned by this duo which didn’t survive and what was a wonderful bar in an iconic building that at one time served as a Greek Orthodox Church is now gone.  Fortunately, as you will see below, some of the old signs and memorabilia from the Club 21 have a new home in The Vern.

What happens when a fine establishment like the Club 21 closes…..

An example of the urbane-type establishment  is the Yard House in downtown Portland – a bar although boasting “the world’s largest selection of draft beers featuring over 100 imported and local beers bars on tap,” has all the ambiance of an Olive Garden.

That’s quite possibly because the chain of Yard House bars across the US is owned by the same corporation as the above-mentioned pseudo Italian eatery which those who love boffo buffet flock to for “Never Ending Stuffed Pastas – Pick your pasta sauce and topping plus all the soup or salad and breadsticks you want – over and over….”

Urbane or sterile??

When I reviewed the Yard House on this blog in 2016, I asked rhetorically if it “measured up.”  (It didn’t…!)

Indeed, we can thank this duo for their commitment to save and invest in such great bars as the Sandy Hut, the Double Barrel, Gold Dust Meridian and the Elvis Room, which are still thriving.

(To see Thebeerchaser’s reviews, click on the links above.)

To further the case on why The Vern’s transition in late 2018, potentially saved it, take this excerpt from WW’s 4/9/19 review after it reopened, “(The Vern) weathered multiple waves of change with one foot planted firmly in the grave. It’s teetered on the precipice of extinction for decades.”

The Vern garnered its moniker purportedly by what the Portland Mercury described in its 12/19/18 review as “a long-neglected neon sign that once flashed ‘Vern’ after a decades-old auto accident 86’d the ‘TA’ in ‘TAVERN.’”

In fact, the story reminded me of another great east-side bar that had a similar signage story – Mad Son’s Pub – which changed its name from “Madison’s” after the “i” in the neon sign burned out.   To further my assertion regarding the precarious nature of old bars, Mad Son’s, which I reviewed in 2016 and had great ambiance, permanently closed in 2017.

The Vern was suggested by my friend, Hillary Barbour, who hit a home run when she previously recommended Mad Hanna’s as a dive bar that should be visited by Thebeerchaser. (Click on the link to see the review).

National Power List!

Hillary, a Reed College grad, is now the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Burgerville and was recently honored by The Nation’s Restaurant News on their 2020 Power List in an article captioned Burgerville’s Hillary Barbour Develops a Burger that is Better for the Planet.”

It should be noted that inclusion on any kind of establishment Power List may be viewed with reproach by her fellow Reed alums.

Hillary Barbour at The Vern

The space is expansive with two large rooms and features which make The Vern a good place to raise a mug or just hang out.  These include a great backbar with cool barstools, large booths with red felt cushions, several old-fashioned pinball machines as well as Big Buck Hunter (and a big buck head taxidermy mounted on the wall), a great fire-pit and a number of typical dive bar signs – many from the Club 21 – including my favorite Schlitz globe.

Don’t forget the iconic “STEAKS” sign from the aforementioned Club 21 as well as some posters from live music events at the former bar.

Maureen and Jelly Bean

There is also a great patio where we had a nice chat with Maureen, a Vern regular who lives nearby and was out on the patio with her friendly Newfoundland breed dog, “Jelly Bean.”

The Vern could improve a few minor things such as creating a website and improving its Facebook page which leaves a lot to be desired.  However, the history of the “institution” and the stories, which go back over thirty years, remain intact notwithstanding the spruced up interior fixings.

For example, many Portlanders will remember an August 2019 Oregonian story entitled “Man in MAGA hat clashed with crowd before his alleged assault at different bar, witnesses say.”

The Vern was where this saga began when at about 10:30 on a Saturday night, a guy and his wife, who told police that she “….wanted to see how people would treat her husband if he wore a Make America Great Again hat into some bars.”

(Not related to the Oregon Live story)

The female bartender at the Vern – she asked the man to leave – not because of his headgear, but based on his demeanor and actions.

And patrons said he began “Scanning the room and staring down anyone who would happen to look at him…..(and) began to accuse people inside the bar as being cowards and draft dodgers.” This in spite of the fact that he had no military service and the US discontinued the draft in 1973.

Usually a pretty staid environment..

Really??  Only one head where these belong!

Now the hat guy, who was subsequently assaulted by another woman and man outside the Growler Taproom – about ten blocks down Belmont Street -alleged that somebody at the Vern “placed a toilet seat cover on his head and that another patron threw something at him.”  That claim was questionable, but the two were later arrested by Portland Police for third degree assault.

The entire incident is somewhat humorous since nobody was seriously hurt, but the statement of a guy who filmed the debacle at The Vern before the couple left has to be one of the most misguided and ridiculous statements I’ve seen since starting this blog:

“I would equate wearing a MAGA hat while in hyper-liberal Portland to wearing Klan robes in a black community.”

Now while I may personally question the hat person’s  policy leanings, God help us when the expression of political preference – be it in speech or on apparel – is perceived in accordance with this intellectually challenged observer’s judgement.

How about pinball rather than politics……!

So what about the beer and the food at the Vern.   They have Rainier and two ciders on tap in addition to four micro-brews for which pints are a reasonable $6.

The food offerings are pretty typical of the other establishments of these two bar owners and the menu has a lot of options.  Take this WW review:

“…..customary spread of fried food snacks served with salty dipping sauces including honey-coated sweet potato jojos and cream fraiche ($7) and a plate of ‘golden nuggets’ which meld cheese curds and chicken into a singular deep-fried, bite size chunks ($8).”

While Hillary and I did not eat at The Vern, I had the above referenced golden nuggets when I visited the Double Barrel a few years ago and they were scrumptious.   (Given that Hillary is responsible for Burgerville’s locally-sourced and organic menu featuring regenerative agriculture, I wisely decided not to suggest anything on the Vern menu as she would have gotten up and left…..)

That said, the weekend brunch is one that might well motivate me to return even if it required a trip in from the burbs.

And this Yelp review from 8/13/19 certainly liked the burger.  That’s a tradition at the bars owned by this pair.  (8/13/19 Yelp)

“Everything about the burger was awesome, from the bun to the patty to the ingredients. However, my favorite topping was the crispy onion- it really pushed it up to the ‘wow- I love it, delicious’ burger list.”

Side Note – Different Bar(s) at Another Portland Vern(e)

I often convey related stories when writing this blog.   The latest occurred when I tried to call to check on the number of beers on tap.  I googled “The Vern” and hit the “Call” button on my i-Phone whereupon a very formal male voice answered “Control Room.”

Realizing no bar that I’ve ever been to had a control room, I quickly hung up and rechecked the link and the phone number and then realized that I had called The Vern(e) – but this one was a male prison in England. “The Verne is a men’s prison, located within the historic Verne Citadel on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, England….operated by Her Majesty’s Prison Service.”  (Well at least it was in Portland……)

The Other Portland Vern(e)

And to end this review by again pointing out the dichotomy in views on bars that receive the Boothby/Archambeault treatment, I present a quote from Warren Boothby on their intent in their resurrection of the Vern:

“We used to hang out there a lot 20 years ago, and we want it to feel like home again for those who remember it as a place where you could be super comfortable and that wasn’t pretentious.” (Portland Mercury 12/19/18)

Comfortable and non-pretentious….

Reinforcing this sentiment is the realistic statement of this August 2019 Yelp reviewer who stated:

“What kind of bars serve $3.75 wells in 2019? Bars that close.

Granted I never went to the old Vern, but from the sound of it, not many other people went there, either. Checking out the remodel, I’m happy that somebody stepped in and saved this space, even if it’s not really what it used to be.

Again as a reminder, what it used to be was a bar that was going to close. At least this place was taken over by people who have genuine care for the space and the history and for operating great spaces. I’ll be back, and I’ll bring my crew in tow.”

They are also trying to create a community at The Vern with 50-cent wings during Blazer games, an interesting “daily six-shooter” featuring a shot of whiskey and a pint of Rainier  for $6, trivia nights, occasional DJ’s and their excellent brunches to encourage neighbors and groups to patronize.

The Daily Six-Shooter

Thebeerchaser will definitely return to The Vern.

And a tip of the hat (with no logo or slogan) to Warren Boothby and Marcus Achambeault for their continuing stewardship in preserving Portland’s watering hole tradition, notwithstanding a contrary view.

I regard the guy below as one who perhaps should make an effort to allow pragmatism to transcend his naive nostalgia when he wrote on Yelp on 4/23/19:

“Not a dive bar anymore. Sadly the Vern lost its charm in the remodel and we are left with yet another basic-yuppie bar. Well drinks went for $3.75 and now it’s $6. No more pool tables, no more bathtub in the smoking area, and ultimately no more personality.

This place that once felt like a quirky safe space feels awkward and uncomfortable. Trying way too hard to be something else, and it’ll never be the same.  I’m going to be switching my favorite dive bar to Bare Bones just up the street.”

The Charm still remains – it’s just different.

I guess I’ll have to visit and review the Bare Bones Cafe and Bar, but it appears to me to be more of a café than a bar. The Vern will continue the tradition of its predecessors. Go there and don’t be reluctant to wear your t-shirts or hats with slogans regardless of whether they are political or show a college sports theme such as “Go Beavs!!” 

The Vern         2622 SE Belmont Street   Portland

Hey! Have you Seen Thebeerchaser During the Last Seven Years?

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Overlooking the Lauterbrunnen Valley in 2013

Those of you who are followers of Thebeerchaser.com may know from the 2018 Annual Report that the total number of watering holes – bars, pubs, breweries, taverns, saloons, etc. visited since I commenced this hobby in August, 2011, stood at 287 at the end of 2018. 

Laura and Ryan Keene and Kenzie Dettman outside Stammtisch in 2014

111 of these establishments were in the Portland metro area with the remaining 176 scattered over a large geographical expanse including several cities in Europe, bars and breweries in Alaska, Hawaii, many regions throughout the continental US and all across Oregon.

The Oxford Saloon on our 2016 trip to Missoula, Montana

These ranged from Idaho and Montana to Wisconsin to Maine, New York City and Boston, to the Southeast in cities including Asheville, NC; Savannah and Charleston, South Carolina.  Then there was Beerchasing in the desert – Phoenix and Scottsdale.  Then back to the west coast in northern California. 

Janet with Barb and John Senger at the Sink in Boulder, Colorado

And, of course, some of my absolute favorites are scattered throughout Oregon – from Baker City and Joseph to Burns, Prineville and Madras and down the entire stretch of the Oregon coast from Astoria to Bandon. 

The Embers Brew House in Joseph, Oregon

Wait!  Don’t forget the Benedictine Brewery and Taproom in Mt. Angel, Oregon where those raising a mug of Father Martin Grassel’s flagship brew – Black Habit –  toast the Brewery’s slogan – “Taste and Believe.”

I thought it was important to develop an accurate and comprehensive list of these establishments for those who might want to use this blog as a resource.  Okay, it was also just for my own memories…..

While it took quite a few hours to go back and compile the specific dates, the type of bar (for those in Portland) and location, the result is set forth below – categorized by year and whether it was in Portland or in a venue outside the Rose City .

If you want to find out about a specific watering hole visited (almost always at least twice for those in Portland) or if you are planning to hit Stanley, Idaho and want to find out about the history of Casanova Jack’s Stanley Rod and Gun Whitewater Saloon, you have a couple of options.  An asterisk indicates the establishment is now no longer in operation.

Thebeerchaser outside the Stanley Rod and Gun Whitewater Saloon

You can look in the data base below this chart and in the far right column, the month of the post will be identified.   On the right side of the screen when you are in Thebeerchaser.com you will see a field to select the month and year from Thebeerchaser.com archives.  

Alternatively, you can enter the name of the bar or brewery in the search field in the upper right of your screen and you will usually see the appropriate post although sometimes I reference a bar in more than one.  In the latter case, there is usually a link to the main reference.

Thebeerchaser’s Composite List of Bars, Taverns and Pubs

Year Portland Outside Portland Yearly Total Composite Total
2018 12 30 42 287
2017 15 27 42 244
2016 14 39 53 202
2015 11 36 47 149
2014 17 18 35 102
2013 13 21 34 68
2012 20 5 25 34
2011 9 0 9
Total 111 176 287

 2018  Portland Area Bars

  Name Location Type Date of Post
2018-1 The Salty Rhino West Linn Neighborhood December
2018-2 Palomar SE Cocktail December
2018-3 Bar 33 Sellwood Neighborhood September
2018-4 Benedictine Brewery Mount Angel Brewery and Taproom August
2018-5 Brew Barge Downtown (River) Miscellaneous August
2018-6 The Happy Fortune SW Miscellaneous August
2018-7 The Standard NE Dive June
2018-8 The Dockside North Neighborhood June
2018-9 Oaks Bottom Pub Sellwood Neighborhood April
2018-10 Wilders Bar and Café NE Neighborhood April
2018-11 Woodsman Tavern  * SE Neighborhood February
2018-12 John’s Market Place Multnomah Village Bottle Shop January

The Dockside – a classic in North Portland with the best hashbrowns in the City

2018 Bars Outside of Portland

  Name Location Type Date of Post
2018-1 North Mountain Brewing Phoenix Brewery and Pub April
2018-2 OHSO Brewing North Scottsdale Brewery and Pub April
2018-3 McFate Brewing Scottsdale Brewery and Pub April
2018-4 Wren House Brewing Scottsdale Brewery and Pub April
2018-5 Scottsdale Beer Company Scottsdale Brewery and Pub April
2018-6 Helton Brewing Phoenix Brewery and Pub April
2018-7 Mesquite River Brewing Scottsdale Brewery and Pub April
2018-8 Sun Up Brewing Scottsdale Brewery and Pub February
2018-9 OHSO Brewing Phoenix Airport Taphouse February
2018-10 Four Peaks Brewing Phoenix Brewery and Pub February
2018-11 Goldwater Brewing Phoenix Brewery and Pub February
2018-12 Two Brothers’ Brewing Scottsdale Brewery and Pub February
2018-13 Durty Nelly’s Bar North Boston Dive Bar October 30
2018-14 Shipyard Brewing Portland, Maine Brewery and Taproom October 30
2018-15 Sebago Brewing Portland, Maine Brewpub October 30
2018-16 Rising Tide Brewing Portland, Maine Brewery and Taproom October 30
2018-17 Marshall Wharf Brewing Belfast, Maine Brewery and Taproom October 30
2018-18 Sea Dog Brewing Camden, Maine Brewpub October 30
2018-19 Rock Harbor Brewing Rock Harbor, Maine Brewery and Taproom October 30
2018-20 Atlantic Brewing Bar Harbor, Maine Taproom October 18
2018-21 Cottage Street Pub Bar Harbor, Maine Dive Bar October 18
2018-22 Island Bar SW Harbor, Maine Dive Bar October 18
2018-23 Sips Southwest Harbor, Maine Cocktail Bar October 18
2018-24 Ebenezer’s Pub Lovell, Maine Neighborhood October 9
2018-25 Standard Gastropub Bridgton, Maine Gas Station Bar October 9
2018-26 Sea Dog Brewing South Portland, Maine Brewpub October 9
2018-27 Heartland Brewing New York City Brewery and Pub October 1
2018-28 District Tap House New York City Taphouse October 1
2018-29 Mariott Pulse Rooftop Bar New York City Hotel Bar October 1
2018-30 Mariott Pulse Patio Bar New York City Hotel Bar October 1

Historic dive bar, Durty Nelly’s in Boston’s North End

2017 Portland Area Bars

  Name of Venue Location Type Date of Post
2017-1 Multnomah Whiskey Library Downtown Whiskey Bar January
2017-2 Nineteen 33 Taproom West Linn Neighborhood February
2017-3 Buffalo Bill’s Saloon Beavercreek Neighborhood February
2017-4 Ancestry Brewing Tualatin Brewery February
2017-5 The Independent Downtown Sports Bar March
2017-6 NEPO 42 Northeast Neighborhood April
2017-7 Burnside Brewing East Brewery April
2017-8 Gil’s Speakeasy Southeast Dive Bar May
2017-9 Flyboy Brewing Tigard Brewery May
2017-10 Cascade Brewing Barrel House Southeast Brewpub June
2017-11 Labrewatory North Brewery June
2017-12 Renners Multnomah Village Dive Bar August
2017-13 Slow Bar Southeast Neighborhood October
2017-14 TC O’Leary’s Irish Pub Northeast Neighborhood October
2017-15 ZARZ Downtown Whiskey Bar December

The Multnomah Whiskey Library

 2017 Bars Outside Portland

  Name of Venue Location Type Date of Post
2017-1 Nauti Mermaid Beach Club Lincoln City, OR Neighborhood July
2017-2 Scooters Pub Milwaukee, Wisc. Neighborhood July
2017-3 Dukes on the Water Milwaukee, Wisc. Dive July
2017-4 Water Street Brewery Milwaukee, Wisc. Brewery July
2017-5 Badger State Brewery Green Bay, Wisc. Brewery July
2017-6 Hinterland Brewery Green Bay, Wisc. Brewery July
2017-7 Door County Brewing Bailey’s Harbor, Wisc. Brewery August
2017-8 AC Tap Sister Bay, Wisc Dive August
2017-9 Coyote Road House Bailey’s Harbor, Wisc. Neighborhood August
2017-10 Cornerstone Pub Bailey’s Harbor, Wisc. Neighborhood August
2017-11 Pourman’s Bar Milwaukee, Wisc. Neighborhood September
2017-12 Lake Front Brewing Milwaukee, Wisc. Brewery September
2017-13 McGillycuddy’s Bar Milwaukee, Wisc. Neighborhood September
2017-14 Bar None Milwaukee, Wisc. Neighborhood September
2017-15 The Ale Asylum Riverhouse Milwaukee, Wisc. Brewpub September
2017-16 Yachats Brewing Yachats, OR Brewery November
2017-17 Defeat River Brewing Reedsport, OR Brewery November
2017-18 Seven Devils Brewing Coos Bay, OR Brewery November
2017-19 Bandon Brewery Bandon, OR Brewery November
2017-20 Broken Anchor Bar and Grill Bandon, OR Neighborhood November
2017-21 The Beverage Barn Bandon, OR Bottle Shop November
2017-22 Arch Rock Brewing Gold Beach, OR Brewery November
2017-23 Chetco Brewing Brookings, OR Brewery November
2017-24 Six Rivers Brewing McKinleyville, CA Brewery December
2017-25 Humboldt Regeneration McKinleyville, CA Brewery December
2017-26 Lost Coast Brewery Eureka, CA Brewery December
2017-27 Mad River Brewery Blue Lake, CA Brewery December

AC Tap  outside Bailey’s Harbor, Wisconsin

2016 Portland Area Bars

2016-1 Lake Oswego The Hop’N Cork Neighborhood January
2016-2 NE Sloan’s Tavern Neighborhood February
2016-3 SE Hair of the Dog Brewery Brewery February
2016-4 SW Barlow Artisenal Bar Misc. March
2016-5 NW Life of Riley Tavern Dive March
2016-6 SW The Yardhouse Misc. April
2016-7 N The Rambler Neighborhood May
2016-8 SE The Ranger Station Neighborhood June
2016-9 SW MoMo Bar Maximo Dive July
2016-10 NE Billy Ray’s Neighborhood Dive Dive August
2016-11 SE Mad Sons Pub * Neighborhood September
2016-12 SW The Fulton Pub Brewery October
2016-13 NW Bridgeport Brewery Brewery November
2016-14 SW Mummy’s Bar and Restaurant Misc. December

Beerchaser regulars and trial lawyers, Brian King, Brian Flanagan and John Mansfield outside Billy Rays Neighborhood Dive Bar

2016 Bars Outside Portland

2016-1 Tamarack Brewing Missoula, MT February
2016-2 Stockman Bar Missoula, MT February
2016-3 Big Sky Brewing Missoula, MT February
2016-4 Flathead Lake Brewing Missoula, MT February
2016-5 Draught Works Brewery Missoula, MT February
2016-6 Charlie B’s Bar Missoula, MT February
2016-7 Oxford Bar Missoula, MT February
2016-8 Plonk Wine Bar Missoula, MT February
2016-9 Kauai Island Brewing Company Kauai May
2016-10 Kauai Beer Company Kauai May
2016-11 Duke’s Bar and Restaurant Kauai May
2016-12 Nawiliwili Tavern Kauai May
2016-13 Blackfoot River Brewing Helena, MT July
2016-14 Lewis and Clark Brewing Helena, MT July
2016-15 Grand Teton Park Lodge Grand Teton NP July
2016-16 Local Restaurant and Bar Jackson, WY July
2016-17 Gather Food and Drink Jackson, WY July
2016-18 Million Dollar Cowboy Bar Jackson, WY July
2016-19 Melvin Brewing Jackson, WY July
2016-20 Wild West Pizzeria and Saloon West Yellowstone July
2016-21 Couer d’aline Resort Bar Couer d’aline August
2016-22 The Moose Lounge Couer d’aline August
2016-23 The Corner Bar Couer d’aline August
2016-24 Chained-Up Brewpub Couer d’aline August
2016-25 Crafted Taphouse and Kitchen Kennewick, WA August
2016-26 Ice Harbor Brewery Kennewick, WA August
2016-27 McCall Brewing Company McCall, ID August
2016-28 Salmon River Brewery McCall, ID August
2016-29 Stanley Rod and Gun Whitewater Saloon Stanley, ID September
2016-30 The Kasino Club Stanley, ID September
2016-31 Redfish Lake Lodge Bar Stanley, ID September
2016-32 Caldera Brewing Ashland, OR October 24
2016-33 Blackbird Kitchen and Bar Sacramento October 31
2016-34 Hock Farm Craft Provisions Sacramento October 31
2016-35 Dive Bar Sacramento October 31
2016-36 Woody’s Brewing Redding, CA November
2016-37 The Pour House Murphys, CA November
2016-38 Murphys Hotel and Saloon Murphys, CA November
2016-39 Murphys Irish Pub Murphys, CA November

 

The Moose Lounge in the heart of Couer dalene, Idaho

2015 Portland Area Bars

2015-1 Suburb Brannon’s in Beaverton * Neighborhood March
2015-2 NE Oregon Public House Non-profit Pub March
2015-3 SE Double Barrel Tavern Dive April
2015-4 N Ecliptic Brewing Brewery and Pub May
2015-5 SW Yamhill Pub Grunge May
2015-6 NW Low Brow Lounge Dive June
2015-7 SW Pope Bourbon House Cocktail June
2015-8 SW Kelly’s Olympian Historic Dive August
2015-9 N St. John’s Pub Historic November
2015-10 NW The New Old Lompoc * Neighborhood November
2015-11 SE Produce Row Café Historic December

Historic Kellys Olympian in Downtown Portland

2015 Bars Outside Portland

2015-1 The Sink Boulder, Colorado February
2015-2 Post Brewing Boulder, Colorado February
2015-3 Crystal Springs Brewing Boulder, Colorado February
2015-4 Gravity Brewing Louisville, Colorado February
2015-6 Avery Brewing Boulder, Colorado February
2015-7 Post Brewing Boulder, Colorado February
2015-8 New Belgium Brewing Fort Collins, Colorado May 19
2015-9 Mayor of Old Town Fort Collins, Colorado May19
2015-10 The Town Pump Fort Collins, Colorado May 19
2015-11 Phantom Canyon Brewing Colorado Springs, Colorado May 19
2015-12 Ritz Bar and Grill Colorado Springs, Colorado May 19
2015-13 Breckinridge Brewery Breckenridge, Colorado May 29
2015-14 Ollie’s Pub and Grub Breckenridge, Colorado May 29
2015-15 Gold Pan Saloon Breckenridge, Colorado May 29
2015-16 Angel Hollow Bar Breckenridge, Colorado May 29
2015-17 Après Handcrafted Libations Breckenridge, Colorado May 29
2015-18 Broken Compass Brewery Breckenridge, Colorado May 29
2015-19 Dillon Dam Brewery Dillon, Colorado May 29
2015-20 Eleventh Street Pub & Bistro Atlanta, GA July
2015-21 The Nook on Piedmont Atlanta, GA July
2015-22 Max’ Wine Dive Atlanta, GA July
2015-23 Jack of the Woods Public House Asheville, SC July
2015-24 The Thirsty Monk Asheville, SC July
2015-25 Wicked Weed Brewery Asheville, SC July
2015-26 Lexington Avenue Brewery Asheville, SC July
2015-27 Blind Tiger Pub Charleston, SC July
2015-28 South End Brewery & Smokehouse Charleston, SC July
2015-29 Charleston Beer Exchange Charleston, SC July
2015-30 The Gin Joint Charleston, SC July
2015-31 The Boar’s Head Grill & Tavern Savannah, GA September
2015-32 JJ Bonerz Sports Bar Savannah, GA September
2015-33 Moon River Brew Brewery Savannah, GA September
2015-34 Churchill’s Pub Savannah, GA September
2015-35 Savannah Distillery Ale House Savannah, GA September
2015-36 Pinky Master’s  * Savannah, GA September

The Gold Pan Saloon in Breckenridge, Colorado

2014 Portland Area Bars

2014-1 The Nest SE Neighborhood January
2014-2 Skyline Tavern NW Historic January
2014-3 Sandy Hut NE Dive February
2014-4 The Cheerful Bullpen SW Sports February
2014-5 Saraveza N Neighborhood March
2014-6 Bazi Bier Brassiere SE Neighborhood April
2014-7 Bailey’s Tap Room/The Upper Lip NW Taproom April
2014-8 Crackerjacks Pub NW Neighborhood April
2014-9 Quimby’s NW Neighborhood April
2014-10 Sniff Café NW Miscellaneous April
2014-11 The Lost and Found N Neighborhood June
2014-12 The Beer Mongers SE Bottle Shop June
2014-13 Stammtisch NE Neighborhood July
2014-14 Portland Peda Lounge SE Miscellaneous August
2014-15 Club 21 * NE Dive September
2014-16 The Richmond Bar SE Cocktail November
2014-17 Marathon Taverna NW Sports December

Owner of the Bazi Bierbrasserie, Hilda Stevens holds Thebeerchaser logo while part of our walking group finishes its food and bier

2014 Bars Outside Portland

2014-1 Glacier Brewhouse Anchorage, Alaska July 8 February
2014-2 Darwin’s Theory Anchorage, Alaska July 8
2014-3 Haines Brewery Haines, Alaska July 17 February
2014-4 Red Dog Saloon Juneau, Alaska July 17
2014-5 Shipboard Bars Statandem – Holland America July 17
2014-6 Lumpy’s Landing Dundee, OR September
2014-7 The Old Oregon Saloon Lincoln City, OR September
2014-8 The Nauti Mermaid Lincoln City, OR September
2014-9 Road House 101 Lincoln City, OR October
2014-10 Snug Harbor Bar & Grill Lincoln City, OR October
2014-11 Pelican Brewery Pacific City, OR October
2014-12 The Oar House Pacific City, OR October
2014-13 Sportsman Pub and Grub Pacific City, OR October
2014-14 Cruise Inn Lincoln City, OR November
2014-15 Bay Haven Inn Newport, OR November
2014-16 Mad Dog Country Tavern Newport, OR November
2014-17 Hoovers Bar and Grill Newport, OR November
2014-18 Tidepool Pub Depoe Bay, OR November

Lincoln City’s Cruise Inn

2013 Portland Area Bars

2013-1 The Grand Café SE Dive January
2013-2 Belmont Inn SE Neighborhood March
2013-3 Tugboat Brewery * SW Brewery and Pub March
2013-4 Belmont Station SE Bottle Shop April
2013-5 Tanker Bar SE Dive April
2013-6 Beer SE Neighborhood April
2013-7 Horse Brass Pub SE Historic Brew Pub May
2013-8 Sidecar 11 N Neighborhood June
2013-9 Sasquatch Brewery Cedar Hills Brewery and Pub July
2013-10 The Slammer SE Dive August
2013-11 Davis Street Tavern * NW Neighborhood October
2013-12 Slabtown * NW Dive October
2013-13 Church NE Neighborhood December

The Slammer in the Barmuda Triangle

2013 Bars Outside Portland

2013-1 Café Karpershoek Amsterdam, Netherland June
2013-2 Bier Brewery Anaheim, Austria July
2013-3 Hells Tavern Rothenberg, Germany July
2013-4 The Devil’s Forest Pub Venice, Italy July
2013-5 Bacaro Jazz Café Venice, Italy July
2013-6 Miscellana Café and Pub Rome, Italy August
2013-7 La Cantina Di Miky Vernazza, Italy September
2013-8 The Horner Pub Lauterbrunner, Switzerland September
2013-9 Schilthorn Taverne Lauterbrunner, Switzerland September
3013-10 The Publican Beaune, France October
2013-11 The Beer Station Paris, France October
2013-12 La Vin Couer Paris, France October
2013-13 Long Branch Bar La Grande, OR November 4
2013-14 Cascades Lake Brewery La Grande, OR November 4
2013-15 Horseshoe Tavern Prineville, OR November 4
2013-16 Solstice Brew Pub Prineville, OR November 4
2013-17 Hideout Saloon La Grande, OR November 4
2013-18 10 Depot Street La Grande, OR November 14
2013-19 Mt.  Emily Ale House Baker, OR November 14
2013-20 Bull Ridge Brewery Baker, OR November 14
2013-21 Central Pastime Tavern Burns, OR November 20

Café Karpershoek – the oldest bar in Amsterdam – founded in 1606

2012 Portland Area Bars

2012-1 Dixie Tavern NW Dive Club February
2012-2 Ash Street Saloon * SW Club February
2012-3 Migration Brewery NE Brewery and Pub February
2012-4 Laurelthirst Pub NE Neighborhood February
2012-5 Hawthorne Hideaway SE Neighborhood March
2012-6 Mock Crest Tavern N Historic May
2012-7 Interurban N Neighborhood May
2012-8 Muddy Ruder Pub SE Neighborhood June
2012-9 County Cork * NE Neighborhood June
2012-10 Sidecar 11 N Neighborhood June
2012-11 The Cheerful Tortoise SW Historic Sports June
2012-12 Bottles NE Bottles Shop July
2012-13 Goose Hollow Inn SW Historic Neighborhood July
2012-14 The Lutz Tavern SE Historic Neighborhood August
2012-15 Gold Dust Meridian SE Neighborhood October
2012-16 Bar of the Gods SE Dive October
2012-17 Claudias SE Historic Sports November
2012-18 White Eagle Saloon N Historic November
2012-19 1856 NE Bottle Shop November
2012-20 The Ship Tavern Multnomah Village Dive December

Former Mayor and owner of the Goose Hollow Inn, Bud Clark, with Jim Westwood, John Terry and Bud’s daughter when we Beerchased at the Goose

2012 Bars Outside Portland

2012-1 Astoria Brewery Wet Dog Café Astoria, OR September
2012-2 Desdemona Club Astoria, OR September
2012-3 The Pour House Port Townsend, WA September
2012-4 Embers Brew Pub Joseph OR October
2012-5 Terminal Gravity Brewery Enterprise, OR October

The Desdemona Club in Astoria, where Laura the bartender explains to Dave Booher, the origin of the nickname, “The Dirty D.”

 2011 Portland Area Bars

2011-1 Brooklyn Park Pub SE Dive August
2011-2 Yukon Tavern SE Dive August
2011-3 Gladstone Street Tavern SE Neighborhood September
2011-4 The Twilight Room N Historic September
2011-5 Joe’s Cellar NW Dive September
2011-6 Buffalo Gap Tavern SW Historic November
2011-7 Prost N Brew Pub November
2011-8 Amnesia Brewery * N Brewery and Pub November
2011-9 Coalition Brewery SE Brewery and Taproom November

Observing the tradition at Prost where you don’t let the 2-liter boot touch the table once it starts the rounds or………

I have often gotten requests to identify my favorite spots — also those to which I would not return.   Since I subscribe to the quote below, I have most notably avoided the latter. But after almost eight years it may be enlightening for some to view Thebeerchaser’s humble opinion on the all-stars and those few given the wealth of wonderful places to raise a mug, I would not return.

Samuel Johnson – 18th century writer, poet and playwright and drinker….

“There  is nothing which has yet been contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as a good tavern.”   Samuel Johnson 

I will therefore, in the next few months, publish some shorter posts on my favorites – by category i.e. dive bar, neighborhood pub, brewery, etc. – both in Portland and outside Portland.

These will be integrated with posts about new bars I am visiting and reviewing   Also, expect to see the short list of habitats that Thebeerchaser recommends that you avoid.

For example, expect to see the picture below and a short description of the Ship Tavern in Multnomah Village in the post about favorite Portland area dive bars.

I’ve also fielded inquiries about how with the number of bars visited, I have avoided gaining 100 pounds and/or a stint at the Betty Ford Clinic.  On the first question, while I haven’t attained my goal of getting back to my original weight – 9 pounds 9 ounces…(Sorry!), thanks to my wife who is an outstanding walker and hiker as well as regular trips to the gym, I have pretty much maintained my pre-retirement poundage

Mingling with the friendly regulars at the classic dive bar Club 21 in 2014 – gone but not forgotten!

It should also be noted that notwithstanding the title, this blog is primarily about bars – not the beer itself.

I spend most of my time in the watering holes, nursing a pint while talking to the bartender and the regulars about the history of the bar, the distinguishing characteristics and noting the signs, memorabilia and décor – which in most bars and a lot of brew pubs is distinct and worth talking about. (The picture from the Club 21 is a great example of the great people I’ve met.)

And, of course, on the majority of visits, I am with friends where the conversation and comradery are paramount and the beer secondary – notwithstanding this photo of former Beerchaser-of-the-Quarter Jim Westwood with members of the Jack Faust clan at the Yard House in Portland!  (Although the company was great, the Yard House is on Thebeerchaser’s “No Return” list of bars to be published in the future.

As an example, how can you be overly concerned with your brewski when you are listening to former Mayor Bud Clark, explain the amazing history of the “Expose Yourself to Art” poster while we  were at the Goose Hollow Inn (See the picture above)

Jim Westwood, Kevin Fischer, Amy Faust, Jack Faust and Thebeerchaser

The armchair philosopher who stated, “A bar is better than the newspaper for public discussion.” was correct and we should add the social media to that quote.  So I will plug on with Thebeerchaser’s Tour of Bars, Taverns and Pubs – only about 400 left to explore in Portland!

Cheers!

Cheers from Thebeerchaser