A Cure for what Ale’s you

Residents of northeast Portland no longer need to rely on McMenamins Kennedy School’s so-so beer and glorified bar food. The new Concordia Ale House (3276 N.E. Killingsworth) will satisfy those thirsting for a new and unique drinking experience and pleasure the palette with its affordable high-class spin on traditional beer drinking food. Located along N.E. Killingsworth, just a nudge away from the bustle of 33rd Avenue, the Concordia Ale House is quickly becoming the gather point of choice among those living in the thriving neighborhood.

A crown jewel of the Concordia Ale House is its eye pleasing selection of bottled beers – more than 140. The variety of selection ranges from abbey ales and bocks, to Belgian pale ales and pilsners. A first time visitor looking for lighter beer would do well ordering a Troubadour – a Belgian pale ale. Its lighter taste and sweet aftertaste makes it easy to drink multiple bottles in one sitting. Mixed in with the bottled selection are a few cider and lambic choices, such as Manoir Du Parc pear cider and Lindemans Framboise. Whether your beer tastes lean towards the bitter, the sweet, or the malty, there is a bottle of something for you at the Ale House. However, you don’t have to be a beer snob to enjoy the Concordia Ale House, and that’s the way they like it. “This is a beer place for the novice, not the expert,” says owner Matt Hottenroth. Perhaps that’s why he likes to keep the beer palettes of his customers one edge when it comes to what is on tap.

Besides the bottled selection, the Concordia Ale House offers a healthy draft selection with over 20 frothy sources of goodness. The draft selection includes the mandatory Guinness, but strays far from the mainstream choices you might find at other bars. Chimay Triple, Roots Kolsh, Moose Drool and Nostradamus are just a sampling of the types of beer one will find on tap. However, don’t get attached with any one beer. After a keg blows you probably will not see that particular beer for a while as new adventurous flavors are brought in. “We like to take people out of their comfort zone without making them feel uncomfortable,” says Hottenroth.

Change is constant, but as a rule of thumb you can bet one-quarter of the draft selection is foreign, hailing from the brew-lands of Ireland, Germany and Belgium. Adding to the uniqueness of the drafts is usually a mead of some type. The mead on tap is usually sweet, potent, and will become an Ale House favorite for those who like to drink something more than beer. Those worried about having their spirits shouldn’t fret as all the available liquor is top shelf, and there is always a bottle of wine for every taste.

The food offerings at the Concordia Ale House are excellent. Fans of huge hamburgers will not be disappointed, as it is nearly impossible to wrap ones mouth around a single bite without having to use the knife that comes standard with the meal. Besides the burgers of all types, the Ale House offers a fine selection of salads, pastas and entrees such a steak and a very supple German bratwurst. The quality of the food really ups the ante for other beer drinking establishments. Dining is usually busy in the evening as the neighborhood crews convene to unwind, leaving the lunch as the perfect opportunity to experience the Concordia Ale House’s food without having to wait too long. Even if one does have to wait, free pool will make the time pass like beer into a pint glass.

According to Hottenroth, outdoor seating will soon be available, and a stage for live performances is in the works. Overall, the Concordia Ale House proves itself to be the place to chill in northeast Portland, especially if you live in the neighborhood. The establishment of such a great gathering place in the Concordia area is a testament to the new life that has been breathed into the formerly forgotten neighborhood. Cheers!