Review: Lucky Labrador Brew Pub

Lucky Labrador Brew Pub
915 Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard
Portland, OR 97214

Beers Sampled:

  • Organic Rose City Red: An excellent, full flavored red ale with subtle bitterness and a satisfying amber color.
  • No Pity Organic Pale Ale: Nice organic pale, with a slightly amber color and very subtle bitterness. The hopiness of the pale ads a subtle bite that makes each sip seem very refreshing.
  • Super Dog: Double IPA with good flavor and body and while the hops are strong, they do not overpower the beer. Very refreshing and satisfying.
  • Steam lager – slightly hoppy rich lager with strong flavor.
  • Hellasaurus Rex – smooth pilsner-like German beer with a rich malty flavor balanced by a slight hop crispness. Interesting and very unique beer. Limited availability. The Lucky Lab is a friendly unassuming bar and pub located on Hawthorne, close in on the East side of Portland. The atmosphere is easy going with no pretension. Folks are content to chat, read, or bring a laptop. The Lab also serves pub food and has a nice patio area where dogs are welcome. The Lucky Lab epitomizes Portland’s dog friendly atmosphere and low key style. No problem visiting the pub alone, as there is no pressure.

Pros: Good beer, friendly atmosphere, pet friendly

Cons: Unable to get a solid WiFi signal here despite the fact that there are several available.

It should also be pointed out that Lucky Lab has 2 other locations in the city.

Review: Amnesia Brewing

AmnesiaBrewing

A great local brewery in the Mississippi area of North Portland.

Amnesia Brewery
832 N Beech St.
Portland, OR 97227

Beers Sampled:

  • Spring Seasonal: Great blended seasonal; great taste
  • The ESB: Great ESB with a nice amber color and subtle bitterness. Very satisfying and refreshing
  • Sour Power: Fall seasonal – interesting cherry beer with a sour taste.  Interesting combination and worth a try for something different.  Served in a 12oz glass.

Amnesia is a small brewery on Mississippi in North Portland.  It is nestled amongst the great local businesses there.  Amnesia has a good range of beer, but they are perhaps best known for their IPA.  The scene is rustic with the aluminum shed building and big open patio.  Great sausages and a friendly, low key atmosphere.  The wooden tables and the open BBQ give this a real neighborhood feel.  This is a classic example of a neighborhood brewery.

Pros: Good beer and food, real neighborhood feel, and free WiFi

Cons: The patio can get a bit chilly on cold days and their beer selection is a bit limited