Portland, Oregon stands as a true craft beer capital, known for its vibrant brewing culture and an incredible variety of local breweries that constantly push the boundaries of flavor and creativity. In 2025, the city’s beer scene continues to thrive, offering visitors and locals an unforgettable experience with handcrafted brews that reflect both innovation and tradition. From small batch nano breweries tucked away in cozy neighborhoods to large scale operations that have become iconic within the craft beer world, Portland’s breweries are more than just places to drink they are destinations in themselves.
This article highlights the top ten must-visit craft beer breweries in Portland, Oregon for 2025. Each spot has earned its reputation through quality, consistency and a deep passion for brewing. Whether you are a fan of hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, refreshing lagers or experimental seasonal blends, this guide covers a diverse range of styles to suit every palate.
Perfect for beer enthusiasts planning a brewery tour or travelers looking to explore the local scene, this curated list brings attention to the best breweries Portland has to offer. Discover where to taste the most talked about craft beer in Portland and enjoy a full sensory journey through one of the top beer cities in the United States.
Top Ten Must-Visit Craft Beer Breweries In Portland, Oregon (2025)
10. Culmination Brewing Company
Culmination stands out for its inventive hazy IPA lineup including Obscured By Clouds, an irresistibly juicy standout, and creative experimental beers like a coffee‑infused black IPA or Belgian IPA with a malty twist. The Northeast Portland taproom offers a leafy patio and industrial vibe, often hosting vegan food pop‑ups or dessert beer pairings. Known among locals for consistently pushing flavor boundaries and embracing small batch innovation, Culmination earned recognition as Oregon’s top mid‑sized brewery in 2020 and continues to supply cans throughout the region.
9. Ecliptic Brewing
On North Mississippi Avenue, Ecliptic is helmed by veteran brewer John Harris. Expect beers named after celestial themes Orbiter IPA offers citrus hop aromas, Capella Porter roasts with chocolate and caramel, and Carina Peach Sour balances tart fruit with crisp finish. The spacious patio and rotating elevated pub menu make Ecliptic ideal for beer lovers exploring flavor and dinner pairings. From approachable IPAs to tart fruited ales, Ecliptic delivers polished brewing and memorable brewery ambiance.
8. Baerlic Brewing Co.
Baerlic focuses on beer crafted for everyday drinkability. Their Dad Beer Lager is crisp and clean while Chill Helles showcases traditional German lager finesse. Taprooms in Southeast and Northeast offer bright warm ambience, and rotating IPAs and experimental small‑batch brews keep the list fresh. With approachable beer styles and a welcoming neighborhood feel, Baerlic remains a favorite for both beginner drinkers and seasoned fans of clean balanced ales.
7. Grand Fir Brewing
Opened in 2022 in downtown Portland by award‑winning brewmaster Whitney Burnside, Grand Fir has quickly risen through local rankings. Signature beers include Honky Tonk Nighthawk pilsner and Widowmaker triple IPA. The brewery picked up multiple medals at the Oregon Beer Awards and World Beer Cup in rapid succession, underlining quality and consistency. The clean, polished taproom serves as an urban destination for lovers of crisp lagers and hop‑forward ales alike.
6. Ex Novo Brewing Co.
Ex Novo operates with a mission that blends beer and charity. Located in Northeast Portland and Beaverton, it supports community causes with every tap. The Eliot IPA is a neighborhood classic with balanced bitterness and clean finish; Perle Haggard Pilsner and The Most Interesting Lager in the World round out a solid portfolio. Beer lovers appreciate Ex Novo for both flavor and purpose, experimentation within approachable styles and a taproom committed to giving back.
5. Upright Brewing
Tucked into the basement of a historic building in NE Portland, Upright focuses on farmhouse ales and European styles. Open fermentation and barrel ageing underlie complex beers such as Four Play saison, Engelberg pilsner and Fantasia sour. The speakeasy‑like taproom offers intimate character and nuanced beer experiences. For fans of rustic saison, refined Belgian‑style ales, and heritage brewing methods, Upright is essential.
4. Steeplejack Brewing Co.
Steeplejack occupies a beautifully converted 111‑year old church on NE Broadway. Vaulted ceilings and stained glass create a dramatic setting for beers like Northwest IPA, Belgian‑style pale, and Roaming Nobles pilsner. Named Best New Brewery in 2022, this taproom blends classic European styles with modern Northwest innovation. The ambiance and award‑winning brewing make it a memorable stop on any brewery tour.
3. Wayfinder Beer
Wayfinder is revered for its precision lagers and hop‑forward ales. Helltown Lager and Czech Pilsner are pristine examples while Relapse IPA and Flower In The Kettle hazy IPA show experimental edge. The expansive industrial beer hall, large communal tables, and German‑inspired food bring serious brewery hall vibes. Wayfinder has won design awards and strong acclaim for consistency and variety, especially among lager fans.
2. Breakside Brewery
With locations in Slabtown, Milwaukie and elsewhere, Breakside mixes innovation and reliability across IPAs, barrel‑aged beers and sours. Wanderlust IPA remains a flagship favorite. Recent wins at the 2025 World Beer Cup include gold for Breakside Spring Day and silver for Breakside All Yellow. Known for bold collaborations and rotating barrel‑aged releases, Breakside delivers variety and quality in every visit.
1. Great Notion Brewing
Great Notion leads as Portland’s most sought‑after craft beer destination. Specializing in fruit‑forward sours, hazy IPAs like Juice Jr and durable stouts such as Double Stack Imperial Breakfast Stout brewed with coffee, chocolate and maple syrup, it pushes flavor innovation. Taprooms on Alberta and NW Portland feature quirky murals, open brewery viewing areas, and an imaginative food menu that complements the beer. With numerous awards and a passionate following, Great Notion remains a must‑visit for anyone serious about Portland craft beer.
