Best 11 Breweries in Eugene OR: A Comprehensive Guide
Eugene, Oregon is known for its thriving craft beer scene, and for good reason. With a plethora of breweries to choose from, both locals and visitors alike have plenty of options to satisfy their thirst for a cold, refreshing pint. From traditional IPAs to experimental sours, Eugene’s breweries offer something for every taste bud.
Top Breweries in Eugene
Eugene, OR is a haven for beer lovers, with a variety of craft breweries offering unique and delicious brews. Here are some of the top breweries in Eugene:
Ninkasi Brewing
Ninkasi Brewing is one of the fastest-growing craft breweries in the United States, and for good reason. They offer award-winning craft brews, a top-selling IPA in Oregon, and a welcoming taproom with ample indoor and outdoor seating, known as the “Better Living Room.” Some of their popular beers include Total Domination IPA, Dawn of the Red IPA, and Prismatic Juicy IPA.
Website: https://ninkasibrewing.com/eugene-beer/
Address: 155 Blair Blvd, Eugene, OR 97402, United States
Coldfire Brewing
Coldfire Brewing is known for its unique and experimental brews, including its popular Sour Blonde Ale and Nitro Stout. Their taproom has a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, with board games and a rotating food truck schedule.
Website: https://www.coldfirebrewing.com/
Address: 263 Mill St, Eugene, OR 97401, United States
Oakshire Brewing
Oakshire Brewing offers a wide variety of beers, from classic styles like IPAs and stouts to more experimental brews like their Raspberry Sour Ale. Their taproom has a laid-back atmosphere, with outdoor seating and food trucks on weekends.
Website: https://oakbrew.com/
Address: 1055 Madera Street, 1055 Madera St, Eugene, OR 97402, United States
Alesong Brewing and Blending
Alesong Brewing and Blending specializes in barrel-aged beers, with a focus on blending different flavors and styles. Their taproom offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with a rotating selection of beers on tap.
Website: https://www.alesongbrewing.com/
Address: 80848 Territorial Hwy, Eugene, OR 97405, United States
Hop Valley Brewing
Hop Valley Brewing is known for its hop-forward beers, including their popular Alpha Centauri Imperial IPA. Their taproom has a lively atmosphere, with outdoor seating and a full menu of pub fare.
Website: https://www.hopvalleybrewing.com/
Address: 990 W 1st Ave, Eugene, OR 97402, United States
Claim 52 Brewing
Claim 52 Brewing offers a variety of beers, from classic styles like Pilsners and IPAs to more experimental brews like their Hazy IPA and Sour Ale. Their taproom has a laid-back atmosphere, with outdoor seating and a rotating food truck schedule.
Website: https://www.claim52brewing.com/
Address: 1203 Willamette St #140, Eugene, OR 97401, United States
Gratitude Brewing
Gratitude Brewing offers a variety of brews, from classic styles like IPAs and stouts to more unique flavors like their Cucumber Kolsch. Their taproom has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with outdoor seating and a rotating selection of food trucks.
Website: https://gratitudebrewing.com/
Address: 540 E 8th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401, United States
McKenzie Brewing
McKenzie Brewing offers classic beer styles like IPAs and stouts, as well as seasonal and experimental brews like their popular Hazy IPA. Their taproom has a relaxed atmosphere, with outdoor seating and a rotating food truck schedule.
Website: https://mckenziebrewing.com/
Address: 199 East 5th AvenueEugene, OR 97401
Viking Braggot Brewing
Viking Braggot Brewing specializes in braggots, a type of beer made with honey and malt. Their taproom has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with outdoor seating and a rotating selection of braggots and other beers.
Website: https://www.drinkviking.com/
Address: 520 Commercial St unit f, Eugene, OR 97402, United States
McMenamins High Street
McMenamins High Street offers a variety of beers, from classic styles like IPAs and stouts to more unique flavors like their Blackberry Cider. Their taproom has a lively atmosphere, with outdoor seating and a full menu of pub fare.
Website: https://www.mcmenamins.com/
Address: 1243 High St, Eugene, OR 97401, United States
Plank Town Brewing
Plank Town Brewing offers a variety of beers, from classic styles like IPAs and stouts to more unique flavors like their Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter. Their taproom has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with outdoor seating and a rotating selection of food trucks.
Website: https://www.planktownbrewing.com/
Address: 346 Main St, Springfield, OR 97477, United States
These are just a few of the many great breweries in Eugene, each offering their own unique styles and flavors. Whether you’re a beer aficionado or just looking to try something new, Eugene’s craft breweries have something for everyone.
Beer Styles and Specialties
IPA Specialties
Eugene boasts a thriving craft beer scene, and IPAs are a particular specialty. The city’s breweries offer a range of IPA styles, including the citrusy and hoppy Citrus Mistress IPA, the refreshing and spicy Hoppy Saison, and the bold and complex Chinook IPA. For those who want to try something truly unique, the Megalodon IPA Legendary IPA is a must-try.
Sour Beers
Sour beers are becoming increasingly popular, and Eugene’s breweries are no exception. One standout example is the Rainbow Sherbet Puree Gose, a tart and fruity beer that’s perfect for summer sipping.
Craft Lagers
While IPAs and sours may steal the spotlight, Eugene’s breweries also excel in crafting delicious lagers. One standout is the Blonde Ale, a light and refreshing beer that’s perfect for a hot day. Another popular option is the Belgian Golden Ale, which features fruity and spicy notes.
Food Offerings
When it comes to brewery food offerings in Eugene, OR, there is no shortage of options. From pizza to burgers and sandwiches, nachos and tacos, and classic pub food, there is something for everyone.
Pizza at Breweries
For those who love pizza, Eugene Breweries has got you covered. The Wheel Apizza Pub is a popular spot that offers a variety of delicious pizzas, including classic Margherita and fun options like the “Bee Sting” with spicy honey and soppressata. Another great option is Claim 52 Kitchen, which has a wood-fired pizza oven and offers creative toppings like smoked salmon and arugula.
Burgers and Sandwiches
If you’re in the mood for a hearty burger or sandwich, Eugene breweries have plenty of options. Smokehouse BBQ Burger at the Elk Horn Brewery is a must-try, with its juicy beef patty topped with smoked brisket, bacon, and BBQ sauce. Falling Sky Brewing also offers a variety of sandwiches, including a classic Reuben and a vegetarian option with roasted vegetables and hummus.
Nachos and Tacos
For a more casual snack, nachos and tacos are always a crowd-pleaser. Gratitude Brewing offers nachos with house-made queso and a variety of toppings, while Hop Valley Brewing Company has a delicious taco platter with your choice of protein and fresh toppings.
Pub Food
Of course, you can’t go wrong with classic pub food like fish and chips or a hearty bowl of chili. Claim 52 Kitchen has a variety of pub favorites like loaded fries and a classic pub burger with all the fixings. For a unique twist, check out the food cart at Community Fermentation Union, which offers creative dishes like Korean BBQ tacos and loaded mac and cheese.
Brewery Atmosphere
Patio and Outdoor Seating
Eugene is known for its beautiful scenery and mild weather, making outdoor seating a popular choice for many breweries. Some breweries have spacious patios with a view, while others have cozy outdoor seating areas tucked away from the street. Many breweries also offer fire pits or heaters to keep patrons warm during cooler evenings.
Downtown Eugene
Downtown Eugene is home to several breweries, each with its own unique atmosphere. Some breweries are located in historic buildings, while others have a modern feel. Most breweries in downtown Eugene are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to hop from one brewery to another.
Tasting Rooms
Tasting rooms are a popular option for breweries in Eugene. These rooms typically offer a more intimate setting for patrons to sample beers and learn about the brewing process. Some tasting rooms are located within the brewery itself, while others are in separate buildings.
Taprooms
Taprooms are another popular option for breweries in Eugene. These rooms typically have a larger selection of beers on tap than tasting rooms and often have a more lively atmosphere. Taprooms are a great option for groups looking to socialize and try a variety of beers.
Beer Gardens
Beer gardens are a unique option for breweries in Eugene. These outdoor spaces often have a laid-back atmosphere and are a great option for patrons looking to enjoy a beer in the sunshine. Many beer gardens also have food options available, making them a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner.
Garage Door Storefronts
Garage door storefronts are a popular trend in Eugene breweries. These storefronts have large garage doors that can be opened during warmer months, creating an indoor-outdoor space. Garage door storefronts offer a unique atmosphere and are a great option for patrons looking for a casual, open-air experience.
Overall, Eugene has a diverse selection of breweries with a range of atmospheres to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a cozy tasting room or a lively beer garden, there’s a brewery in Eugene that will fit your needs.