This blog, which may never be read by another living being, will center around my two passions other than my family - craft beer and music. I live in Portland, OR so it will mostly involve the Pacific NW. On occasion, we like to travel outside the Northwest (not as much as pre-kids though) When we do, you might hear about the craft beer and music in that neck of the woods. So, let's get on with it.
It is New Year's Eve. You might want to head out and catch a show tonight. Here are my thoughts on a few Portland music venues and the beer they serve (if a band is playing tonight, I will list them at the end):
1. Crystal Ballroom - As this blog progresses, you will quickly learn that I am not a fan of McMenamin's beers. See, I already said so. To be fair though, they can make some decent seasonal releases. Good luck with that at the Crystal Ballroom. You will be lucky if they have anything besides Ruby and Hammerhead IPA. A little variety would be nice. I usually pass on drinking at shows here, which is a shame because a little buzz would help with the terrible acoustics and dealing with the awkward fence they put up at all ages shows. (Sugarfoot's Ohio Players playing tonight)
2. Wonder Ballroom - Good acoustics, check. Sensible approach to segregation at all ages shows, Check. Respectable beer list, check. Caldera IPA cans downstairs. Multiple taps upstairs, including Bridgport IPA and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale on the regular with occasional suprise local taps. One of my favorite venues in town. Now, if they could just get some ventilation in the summer...
3. Doug Fir - The best small venue in town. Even when it is sold out, it never feels over-crowded. It is so intimate, you might be handed an instrument halfway through the set. Taplist is standard for Portland - going on memory: Black Butte, Mirror Pond, Widmer Hefe, PBR, and maybe a couple of others. Not outstanding. But acceptable and the venue is king. (The Shaky Hands)
4. Roseland Theater - Grimey. I always feel like I need a shower ASAP after a show. Nothing special about the beer here. The upside? Perfect spot for pre/post beer at Bailey's Taproom. When I can sneak away from the family and manage to catch a show and grab a beer at Bailey's, that is a win win situation. (Murder City Devils)
5. Aladdin Theater - I don't catch a lot of shows here, simply because not a lot of the acts I like play here. The few times I have been here I remember being impressed by the small draft selection. Plus, having the option to sit down at a show is always a big plus -remember, I am a father. (Railroad Earth)
6. Ground Kontrol - I must confess that I have never gone here specifically for the music. It seems half the times I have been there has been a DJ or band playing. Again, typical Portland bottle lineup. But, drinking Black Butte while tapping my thumbs blue on "Track & Field" while listening to local music is always a pleasure.
Have fun tonight. Stay safe.
