Regardless of the weather outside, the beer-drinking conditions at Tugboat Brewing Co. are always perfect. It’s the oldest microbrewery in downtown Portland and a family-owned enterprise that evolved first from a watch-repair shop to a coffeehouse, and then, finally, to your new favorite bar. Whatever prompted the switch to brewing English-style strong ales, it’s working.
Regardless of the weather outside, the beer-drinking conditions at Tugboat Brewing Co. are always perfect. It’s the oldest microbrewery in downtown Portland and a family-owned enterprise that evolved first from a watch-repair shop to a coffeehouse, and then, finally, to your new favorite bar. Whatever prompted the switch to brewing English-style strong ales, it’s working.
Let’s be honest: You go to Tugboat for the beer. Their Chernobyl Stout, at 13 percent alcohol and only offered in a half pint, is syrupy, smooth and delicious. But make sure you get in soon if this excites your taste buds because Tugboat only brews in small batches (usually three at a time), and the selection changes depending on how fast people imbibe.
In other words, the turnaround isn’t that long. The liquor-drinker’s one criticism of Tugboat would be that they only serve beer and wine. But their tap and bottled selection is extensive enough for the microbrew crowd (PBR drinkers may want to try Mary’s around the corner).
Happy hour ends at 7 p.m., but prices aren’t outrageous for the punch the drinks pack. Food options are limited and disappointingly average for the $6–7 price range, although a huge plate of nachos will cost you only $3.50. All in all, the standard, hefty bar menu falters, but the funny quirks of the place redeem that trivial detail.
Tugboat’s side street entrance off of Southwest Burnside Street and Broadway leads into a deceptively large, cozy space. Old books line the walls and twinkle lights and houseplants adorn every window. Large booths and tables accommodate the multitude of board games available if you’re up for some friendly competition—I recommend Clue—or if you’d rather slouch back and enjoy some live jazz, numerous local artists debut original material six nights a week.
Most nights it’s more of a quiet bar, but the regular patrons come out of the woodwork on Mondays. A grumpy looking bulldog can typically be found roving from table to table on these nights, while people wander in to hearty cheers led by the bartender. The tradition of cheering upon entry and booing upon departure makes for a real live drinking game, and this, in combination with a Discovery Channel display of Northwest nature scenes, is strangely consoling.
The boating paraphernalia hanging haphazardly around the piano in the corner, as well as all the other nautical touches and ingrained oddities, make Tugboat a supremely pleasant place for an outing. And a beer.
TUGBOAT BREWING CO.
711 SW Ankeny St.
503-226-2508
WWW.D2M.COM/TUGWEBSITE
