Everyone knows Portland is the craft beer capital of the universe. However, making the rounds of the top brewpubs is only one highlight when visiting this dynamic city.
But what if you don’t like beer? Never fear: there’s much more to the city’s nightlife, with plenty of options for drinkers and abstainers alike.
Cider
The craft beer scene in Portland isn’t the only boozy trend making a statement. Craft cider makers in town are adding a uniquely Stumptown flavor to the world-wide fad, thanks to the nearby bounty of orchards in Hood River Valley. Try the Cider Riot taproom for an award-winning lineup of unique dry ciders made by scrappy local brewers who source all Cascadian-grown apples.
Interested in comparing various cider brands? Head to the gargantuan Schilling Cider House for its vast selection of hard ciders from several different companies.
For something a little more nostalgic, visit the Oregon Mead & Cider Company, where enthusiastic staff will help you sample a range of surprisingly nuanced, locally made meads and ciders at its charming tiny taproom.
Wine
Moreover, let’s not forget that Portland is next door to one of the best wine regions in the country. You could take a day trip through the Willamette Valley to visit the wineries, but if you have limited time or transport, the wine bars in town proudly serve many of the local vintages. We like the romantic Bar Avignon, which, in addition to its extensive wine list, embraces the farm-to-table trend with seed-to-plate offerings. The Broken Fence Farm just down the street grows most of the ingredients at the chef’s request.
Then there is urban winery Southeast Wine Collective. Designed as a space for local winemakers to experiment with creating commercial custom crushes, the winery also features Oui! Wine Bar + Restaurant, where oenophiles and casual visitors alike can sample artisanal blends and Oregon favorites. Try a wine flight to get a taste of what the wine club members are up to.
Sake & Spirits
For a truly unique experience, check out a guided tour of Oregon-based craft sake brewer, Saké One. One of only a handful of sake brewers in the US, Saké One has been adding Momokawa and a number of other internationally recognized brands to the market since 1998.
Prefer your libations distilled? Explore Distillery Row in the industrial southeast part of town, starting with New Deal, one of the first small-batch distillers in the country. True to the artisanal spirit, New Deal relies on locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
For a taste explosion, experience Portland’s take on the craft cocktail renaissance at stylish bars such as Angel Face, the time-capsule Driftwood Room at the Hotel deLuxe, over-the-top tiki-themed Hale Pele, and the exclusive Multnomah Whiskey Library.
Alcohol-free Fun in Portland
Eschewing spirits? There are still plenty of other evening entertainment options in Portland.
Coffee & Tea
First, the obvious: coffee! The Pacific Northwest does it better than most, and Portland boasts some charming coffee houses perfect for lingering over a latte and a picture-perfect dessert. Pix Patisserie is legendary for its gorgeous pastries and chocolates, alongside inventive drink pairings.
Old Portland favorite The Pied Cow Coffeehouse is in a beautiful Victorian with an outdoor garden for warm weather. Furthermore, tea houses provide another welcoming choice, especially given the typical Portland weather. On a rainy night, few things beat cozying up with a hot cup of tea at Townsend’s Tea House in the funky Montavilla neighborhood, featuring comfy reading nooks and various fair-trade loose-leaf teas.
Fun & Games
For a gentle indoor adrenaline rush, challenge a friend to a video game battle at Ground Kontrol. The downtown hangout has numerous classic games, from Galaga to pinball; it’s all ages until 5pm when the venue turns into a 21-and-over space with alcohol available.
Looking for something more physical? Check out Planet Granite, a massive indoor rock-climbing gym, open until 11pm on weekdays. In the evenings, DJs spin tunes while climbers ponder routes and techniques. The party atmosphere promotes mingling, making it easy to find belay partners.
Yoga enthusiasts will also appreciate how several gyms in town offer evening classes for drop-ins, including spinning, barre, and Pilates. You don’t have to pause your workout routine even while traveling.
For a refreshing outdoor experience, don’t miss the chance for stargazing on a clear night. If you have access to a vehicle, head to the Portland Women’s Forum scenic viewpoint for breathtaking views over the Columbia River Gorge. Closer to town, grab a park bench atop Mount Tabor to watch the sunset.
Storytime
Embrace your inner nerd with OMSI’s Science Pub, a series of regular talks on diverse science-related topics in various venues across town. Lectures are designed to entertain while informing, covering everything from the science of attraction to the cancer genome.
Similarly, the Oregon Historical Society runs a History Pub series where experts discuss topics such as genealogy record-keeping and the history of forest fires in Oregon.
An offshoot of the beloved radio show, the Moth StorySlam features regular events where contestants share five-minute stories on set themes. Venues vary, so check the online schedule for tickets. Back Fence PDX also offers a live storytelling series with a podcast component.
If you prefer stories in book form, drop into Powell’s City of Books for an author reading. There’s something scheduled nearly every night, and if nothing else, it’s a fantastic place to browse.
