Top five europubs

Rose and Thistle

2314 NE Broadway

While it is well known around its neighborhood, this Scottish pub is by far the best-kept secret of Portland’s europubs. The “RAT,” as it is commonly referred to, boasts an excellent menu with Scottish fare and more. This is a laid-back bar—the kind of place where one can easily relax and converse with friends. The RAT also has—by far—one of the best patios in Portland to enjoy the warmer months.

Moon and Sixpence

2014 NE 42nd Ave.

Welcome to jolly old England as you walk into the Moon and Sixpence. Grab a pint and some darts and settle in for a piece of the pub life. Live music is not uncommon to find within this bar, as well as Portland’s own European transplants who come for a feel of the home they left behind.

Thirsty Lion

71 SW 2nd Ave.

Portland’s europub answer to the douche bag crowd—a couple of the sister bars associated with the Thirsty Lion are Barracuda and the Dixie Tavern, so go figure. Despite the cluster of body sprays and, in general, folks who think “The Jersey Shore” is a model of a good life, this bar does have its positive traits—it is on this list, after all. Pretty decent music is usually booked (though you may have to suffer a Jason Mraz cover from time to time), and it is one of the best pubs to find European sports, from soccer to rugby, on very large screens.

Horse Brass Pub

4534 SE Belmont St.

With over 50 beers on tap, there is a pint for every patron. While it’s a safe bet that the Horse Brass will be crowded on any occasion, it is still a great place to bring a large crowd—once you manage to get seating, that is. Beyond beer, it is also a great spot for whiskey, especially scotch, and food delivered in the original English style in which it is rooted. From plates of basic vegetables and fruits to scotch eggs, the range of food runs from healthy choices to deep-fried guilty pleasures.

Prost!

4237 N Mississippi Ave.

You know you are truly drinking Bavarian style when holding a mass—a German mug capable of transporting one entire liter of beer to a drinker’s mouth. You would be hard-pressed to find a better selection of imported German beers in town. This bierstube boasts German pride and will get you as close to feeling as if you are actually in the vaterland as one can in Portland. The food goes beyond the stereotypical fare one would expect to find at a German-themed establishment, giving insight to how familiar the pub’s creators are with the culture they emulate. But have no fear, there are still plenty of pretzels and mustard to go around.