Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Deschutes Brewery | Portland, Oregon

If you find yourself in Portland craving really good beer and pub food, then get yourself to Deschutes Brewery.

Deschutes Brewery in Portland, OR | The Economical Eater

Deschutes Brewery in Portland, OR | The Economical Eater

Deschutes is a large space with a big open bar area, as well as a separate dining room area. The large open kitchen lets you peek at what's being prepared "backstage," which is something I always appreciate. 

We stopped into Deschutes for lunch on our first full day in Portland and, since we were on vacation (and at a brewery), we started with a beer. The first beer we had was actually from their bottle list: a 22-ounce bottle of Planete Rouge ($22). (In addition to bottles, Deschutes also has 19 beers on tap featuring mainstays as well as a selection of seasonal and experimental beers developed and brewed right on-site).

To pair with their beer, Deschutes serves up an impressive offering of pub-style food. We wanted to have a lighter lunch, so we opted to split a few dishes. First up: a Brewery Pretzel ($7.75).

Pretzel from Deschutes Brewery in Portland, OR | The Economical Eater

The pretzel was served with a creamy white cheese and Black Butte Porter stone ground mustard. Although this was a delicious combination all on its own, we also found ourselves dunking our pretzels in the honey mustard-like sauce that was on every table.

Deschutes Brewery in Portland, OR | The Economical Eater

The backside of Deschute's beer menu also displays some affordable snacks that are meant to pair well with beer. We were intrigued by the Deviled Eggs ($1.50 for one egg), which were sprinkled with smoked black salt and had beer in the yolk mixture.

Deviled Eggs from Deschutes Brewery in Portland, OR | The Economical Eater

Z and I are both big fans of deviled eggs, and we absolutely loved these. The menu was right, too: they paired very well with beer, especially a 22-ounce bottle of Big Red ($15), which is only available at the brewery.

Deschutes Brewery in Portland, OR | The Economical Eater

One of the specials on the day we went was a Ruby Ale Salad ($11), which consisted of ruby greens, grilled corn, roasted red peppers, chile roasted cashews, and Raschera cheese, all coated with a fresh-squeezed ale and pink grapefruit vinaigrette. I didn't snap a photo, but the salad was OK - nothing too special, although I loved the addition of cashews and Raschera cheese.

Deschutes also does growler fills and sells kegs to-go, for anyone who's interested. And if you have the time to stay and have a beer - whether from one of their pub-only bottles or on draft - I highly recommend it.

Deschutes Brewery & Public House on Urbanspoon


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