SeeingGreen ™

Pinch me, I must be dreaming. Three of my favorite things - beer, pizza and green building - have come together in a perfect storm named “Hopworks Urban Brewery.”

HUB is located in a revamped concrete building that was a former fuel distributor’s headquarters. Although I’m usually a fan of the urban industrial design motif, HUB’s new space is a little heavy in this department, especially in the parking lot where permeable pavers lock together in a pattern that might produce a bit of vertigo for the uninitiated (or inebriated). However, the inside of the brewpub is a little kinder on the eyes. The bar features Portland’s most beloved icon (the bicycle) as its prominent decoration, while the bartender (Michael) warmed the environs up with a friendly smile.

Honey colored wood booths line the aisle as you head towards the elevated back patio where you are treated to some lovely views of the West Hills and downtown. Other touches like a corner blackboard and play area are a nod that parents are also welcome at this spot. Missing for me was more explanation of what green building measures were taken during the renovation and why people should care about the development team’s efforts. For example, I think it is appropriate to put a few lines on the menu about the number of tons of carbon they saved by reusing an old building or how much stormwater they are keeping out of the sewer system with the pavers. This is Portland afterall - people eat this stuff up. [You can check their website for more green details.]

Speaking of eating, the simple cheese pizza was tasty enough (it’s hard to beat Escape from New York for this former New Yorker), but not surprisingly the place really excelled in the beer department. I had a delicious imperial pint of Organic Crosstown Pale Ale (to honor my trek from North Portland) and would have tried others if it weren’t for the early hour. Our server was professional and friendly, and along with the good beer and efforts to green up the neighborhood, HUB is brewing up a success story.

Hopworks Urban Brewery
2944 SE Powell Blvd
Portland, OR 97202
Tel: 503 / 232-HOPS (4677)