Craft Beer and City Walking Tour of Portland West Side

If you’re heading to Portland, Oregon, and love good beer paired with a dash of city history, this Craft Beer and City Walking Tour offers a practical and lively way to experience both. For just $59 per person, you’ll spend around three hours wandering through Portland’s Pearl, Old Town, and West End districts—sampling at least three local breweries, learning about Portland’s unique architecture, and soaking in the city’s vibrant street life.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it balances fun beer tastings with cultural insights. One standout feature is that you get to explore the historic Deschutes Brewery Public House, housed in a beautifully preserved 1919 building, giving you a taste of both craftsmanship and history. The underground Al’s Den offers a quirky, intimate spot that’s steeped in local lore, making the experience feel authentic and offbeat.

A potential consideration is that, since the tour is only three hours and focuses on walking, it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate physical activity and no mobility issues. Also, it’s designed for adults 21 and older—so no family-friendly options here.

This tour fits best for beer enthusiasts, history buffs, and travelers who want a guided introduction to Portland’s neighborhoods without the hassle of planning each stop. If you’re looking for a lively, culturally rich way to spend an afternoon, this tour hits many marks.

Key Points

• Balanced experience of beer tasting and city exploration
• Includes historic and architectural insights
• Visits three notable breweries, each with unique stories
• Accessible for those comfortable with walking and moderate activity
• Suitable for adults 21+, with an emphasis on authentic local culture
• Free cancellation allows flexible planning

An In-Depth Look at the Portland West Side Craft Beer Tour

Starting Point at Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub

This tour kicks off at Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub, a Portland institution since 1990, located in the historic Glisan Building built in 1889. It’s a lively, welcoming spot to meet your guide, who will likely set the tone with some local stories and a succinct overview of what’s to come. From here, the group will set out on foot, exploring the city’s vibrant districts.

The location is ideal—near public transportation and in a central area—making it easy to find and convenient to access. Since the tour is about a mile long between stops, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

First Stop: Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House

Our first tasting experience takes us into Deschutes Brewery’s Portland Public House, housed in a beautifully preserved 1919 G.G. Gerber Building in the Pearl District. This location, opened in 2008, marks Deschutes’ first outside Bend, Oregon, and embodies Portland’s love of craft beer and historic preservation.

Here, we loved the vibrant local atmosphere and the chance to sample a range of beers in a space that’s both historic and lively. The brewery’s story is woven into Portland’s fabric, and the guide might share tidbits about how Deschutes has grown from a regional favorite to a national icon. The admission ticket included makes it easy—no extra fees—allowing us to focus on tasting.

Second Stop: Al’s Den

Next, we descend into Al’s Den, an underground bar located beneath a tiny flatiron building dating back to 1900. Originally a tire store and, for a period, a bathhouse, Al’s Den offers an intimate, quirky vibe that perfectly complements Portland’s reputation for offbeat culture.

Here, the focus is on relaxed drinking, local music, and a sense of hidden Portland. The 30-minute stop is enough to soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed, and the experience of visiting such a storied underground locale is memorable.

Exploring Portland’s Historic and Cultural Landmarks

The tour doesn’t just focus on beer—your guide will point out numerous historic sites and quirky landmarks along the route, including:

• The world’s largest independent bookstore—a haven for book lovers
• The Romanesque Revival armory annex built in 1891, which speaks to the city’s architectural diversity
• The floating dance floors and the legacy of Portland’s psychedelic and LGBTQ+ communities, including the city’s oldest drag queen’s history
• The only dual independent lift bridge in the world, a feat of engineering, and
• The White Stag sign, an iconic Portland symbol

These stops enrich your understanding of Portland’s diverse neighborhoods and their stories, making the walk as educational as it is enjoyable.

Third Stop: Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub

The tour concludes at Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub, where you can savor classic Irish beers, whiskeys, and pub fare. Opened in 1990, Kells is known for its authentic atmosphere and local character. It’s a fitting place to reflect on the tour’s highlights and enjoy your last tastes of Portland’s brewing scene.

The 30-minute stop here gives plenty of time for more relaxed sampling or just soaking in the lively pub atmosphere.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Price-wise, the tour offers good value—all beer tastings at each brewery are included, as is the guide, who shares local stories and insights. However, you’ll want to eat beforehand since food isn’t part of the package, and you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the start/end points.

About the Experience

The moderate walking involved is manageable for most, but it’s worth noting that the tour is geared toward adults 21+. Maximum group size of 25 travelers helps ensure a friendly, engaging atmosphere, and the free cancellation policy means you can book with confidence.

Why This Tour Works for Portland Visitors

This tour is perfect if you want an easy, guided introduction to Portland’s craft beer culture combined with a walking tour of historic neighborhoods. It’s especially suitable for those who love local stories and want to taste authentic Portland brews without the hassle of planning multiple stops.

It’s a great choice for first-time visitors who want a mix of culinary and cultural experiences in a compact time frame, or for locals looking to get a new perspective on their city.

In-Depth Analysis: Why You’ll Love It

The combination of beer tastings with city exploration offers a well-rounded experience. The inclusion of three breweries—from the historic Deschutes to the underground Al’s Den—means you’ll sample a diverse range of Portland’s brewing scene. We loved how each stop had its own unique story and vibe.

The architectural and cultural landmarks sprinkled along the route deepen your understanding of Portland’s eccentric character and urban development. We appreciated how the guide—though not named—seemed well-versed and passionate about sharing stories that brought each site to life.

The price point reflects the value—covering all tastings and guided commentary—making it a practical choice for travelers who want a guided experience that’s both fun and educational. The fact that the tour is only three hours makes it manageable, especially if you’re combining it with other Portland explorations.

The Stops in Detail

Deschutes Brewery provides a crisp, refreshing first taste of Portland’s brewing prowess. The historic building adds a layer of charm, and many reviews mention the vibrant atmosphere and quality of the beers as highlights.

Al’s Den offers a hidden gem experience—an underground bar with a laid-back vibe. It’s a reminder that Portland’s underground culture often thrives beneath the surface, and being in this less-touristy spot is genuinely memorable.

Visiting landmarks like the White Stag sign and the floating dancefloors adds a layer of local pride and quirkiness. The guide’s commentary may include stories about Portland’s progressive culture, making the experience richer.

Kells Irish Pub rounds out the tour with a friendly, authentic pub environment. It’s an ideal place to unwind, reflect on the sights and tastes, and perhaps chat with fellow travelers.

Who Should Sign Up for This Tour?

If you’re someone who appreciates craft beer and wants a cultural walk through Portland’s historic districts, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for adults 21+, those comfortable with moderate walking, and travelers looking for a combination of food, drink, and city history in a manageable timeframe.

If you’re seeking a relaxed, engaging way to get to know Portland’s neighborhoods and its beer scene, this tour offers value, authenticity, and a dash of Portland’s quirky charm.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children or minors?
No, only adults 21 and over are permitted, as it involves beer tastings and alcohol consumption.

How long is the walking portion of the tour?
The route covers about 1 mile of walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended for this moderate activity.

Are food options available during the tour?
No, food isn’t included, so it’s best to eat beforehand or plan to grab a meal afterward.

What’s included in the price?
All beer tastings at the three breweries and a guided tour of Portland’s neighborhoods are included.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts, giving you flexibility.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Kells Irish Pub and concludes at McMenamins Al’s Den, both centrally located and accessible by public transit.

Is the tour accessible for all mobility levels?
It’s designed for those with moderate physical fitness; on foot and walking about a mile, so consider your comfort with walking.

Final Thoughts

This Craft Beer and City Walking Tour of Portland’s West Side offers a balanced, engaging way to learn about the city’s brew culture and historic neighborhoods. With knowledgeable guides, inclusive tastings, and authentic sites, it delivers solid value for beer lovers and curious explorers alike. Perfect for those who want a guided experience that combines fun, history, and local flavor—all in a compact, well-organized itinerary.

Whether you’re new to Portland or a local looking to rediscover your city, this tour provides plenty of reasons to raise a glass and enjoy the walk. It’s an authentic, memorable way to spend an afternoon soaking up Portland’s quirky charm and craft beer ingenuity.