In Eugene, Oregon, breweries are gaining the attention of beer enthusiasts who appreciate the award-winning craft brews, unique microbreweries, burgeoning gastropubs, all while respecting the industry’s sustainable craft methods and engagement with farm-to-kitchen/distillery practices.
Breweries in Eugene do beer right, and the city is in the vanguard of the sustainable brewing movement. For, as the Oregon Brewshed Alliance notes, a fantastic beer begins with pure water. Many of the area’s craft breweries include sustainability practices, such as sourcing local ingredients, utilizing renewable energy, recycling, crafting organic beers, and partnering with environmental organizations.
The variety of downtown breweries in Eugene unites classic and international traditions that meet innovative and small-batch brewing techniques. Raise a glass to Eugene’s breweries, distilleries, cider houses, pubs, taphouses, beer gardens, and growler stations.
The Better Living Room by Ninkasi Brewing
155 Blair Blvd, Eugene; 541-735-9500
Brewery, restaurant, and gathering space, The Better Living Room is devoted to artisanal brewed beer, including lagers, ales, and the legendary Total Domination IPA. Unite your brew with Ninkasi cuisine created from locally sourced ingredients inspired by the region’s flavors, and be sure to savor the small-batch brewed beers crafted on their 5-barrel Pilot Brewery. In addition, they practice sustainability via using solar power, water-conservation systems, and carbon offsets: guided tours, tasting areas, and outdoor patio. @ninkasibrewing
ColdFire Brewing Company
263 Mill St, Eugene; 541-636-3889
Discover the on-site food truck and sample delights such as The Western’s ⅓ lb grass-fed patty, thick-cut bacon, cheddar cheese, BBQ-Mayo, onion strings, and BBQ sauce. Then, team it with a beer the Hughes brothers of ColdFire Brewing created based on European brewing traditions and the inspiration of the Northwest. Ultimately, savor beer crafted in small batches, such as the Munich Helles Lager, where pilsner malts join floral yet hearty notes of Hallertauer and Tettnang hops. @coldfirebrewing
Hop Valley Brewing Co.
990 W 1st Ave, Eugene; 541-485-2337
Do you want to tap it? Then hit the Hop Valley Brewing Co. tasting room, serving over 20 craft on-tap beers, such as the VIP Vanilla Infused Porter or Citrus Mistress IPA, plus their popular IPA styles beers with cryo hops, fruit, and lower ABV. Then, relax in the outdoor patio and treat yourself to signature burgers, pizza, beer-battered fries, or the signature Northeast favorite, Crispy Tots. For to-go brews, consider the Blonde Ale, combining wheat malt and Northwest hops for an easy-going blonde finish. @hopvalleybrewing
Falling Sky Brewing
Brewpub: 1334 Oak Alley, Eugene; 541-505-7096 / Delicatessen: 790 Blair Blvd; 541-653-9167
As one of the downtown breweries in Eugene closest to UO campus, Falling Sky is like a conversation between food makers, brewers, bartenders, and culinary enthusiasts. Beer styles range from traditional to new brews. First, try treats like Mango Passion Fruit, Lychee Fruited Berliner Weisse or the Urban Agriculture Farmhouse Ale. Of note: with a brewpub, deli, and pizzeria, dine from a full cafe and pub menu, plus you can enjoy 42 taps of house-brewed beer!
Manifest Beer Company
39 W. Broadway, Eugene; 541-632-3967
Cocktail-inspired sour beers, delightfully balanced hop brews, and the renowned Manifest Best Lager are a manifest cause for celebration. Try pairing a brew with avocado toast, a bowl of Beer Cheese Soup, or their delectable biscuits and house-made “slather” gravy, including either vegetarian or house-smoked pork sausage. Or, the Pork Belly Banh Mi sandwich with a Pirate’s Kiss cocktail: champagne, St. Germaine, pineapple juice, and Portland’s Aria Gin. @manifestbeer
Gratitude Brewing
540 E 8th Ave, Eugene; 541-654-5009
Gratitude provides an array of brews to satisfy your thirst. Now, you, too, can take home some Daddy Said I Could Have Unicorns! This award-winning cranberry tangerine sour is a true treat. In the mood for something rich? Sample the Hummingbird Chocolate Porter. And West Coast IPA fans, this is your place. Can’t decide? Try a “flight” to explore, taste, and enjoy craft beer. Service options include the dine-in experience and easy takeaway. @gratitudebeer
Elk Horn Brewery
686 E. Broadway St., Eugene; 541-505-8356
Offering an array of Southern dishes influence by local Northwest culinary traditions, this family-owned gastropub, brewery, and cider house have a tap list starring 24 beers. Brews, ciders, and sodas are created from fresh, local ingredients. Partake of the award-winning pear cider. Sample the Hangover Tonic, infused with horseradish vodka, spicy tomato mix, and a pickled-vegetable garnish. Want a kick? Go for the Mule, house ginger beer, vodka, and muddled lime. @elkhornbrewery
McKenzie Brewing
199 East 5th Avenue, Eugene; 541-686-2739
Pay a pilgrimage to the restaurant housing the original brewery and production facility. McKenzie Brewing has been brewing beers since 1991, earning 40 medals. First, savor their beer or famous root beer. Then, enjoy hand-crafted dishes like the Beer-Braised Reuben sandwich or Halibut Tacos, which go wonderfully with flagship beers Hopasaurus Rex Imperial IPA or Raging Rhino Red Ale. Or give in to a Twisted Meniscus, an unfiltered Northwest IPA, possessing notes of floral, citrus, and stone fruit. @mckenziebrewing
Claim 52: The Kitchen
1203 Willamette Street, Eugene; 541-844-0152
You love your traditional Northwest-style IPAs, porters, and other classic brews, and Claim 52 feels you. Still, they’re getting a name for brewing unique, tropical-inspired, craft, small-batch, fruit-infused beers, which are gaining attention, admiration, and a fan base. So pick up their Chicken and Waffle Sandwich, a panko-crusted chicken thigh, roasted Anaheim peppers, bacon, chili-maple aioli, nestled between Belgian-style waffles. Pair with a Nature of Reality Westcoast, Hazy IPA, or a Golden Boiz, Four Grain Saison. @claim52brew
Community Fermentation Union
1313 Pearl Street, Eugene; 541-686-1313
Experience the joy of fermentation with a brewery that describes itself as a “fermented food & beverage company” by sampling a draft from the rotating beer menu—or try a kombucha, cider, or mead. Or imbibe the Joe Pinot Noir, a medium-bodied classic Oregon wine. Pair libations with wood-fired pizzas, flatbreads, pita, and more. For example, the Genovese pizza positions artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, locally-foraged wild mushrooms, house-made mozzarella, and Parmesan on a bed of fresh, small-batched pesto. @eatdrinkcfu
More about Oregon craft breweries:
Add a Tour of Oregon Coast Breweries and Wineries To Your Summer Travels
4 Reasons Why Drinking Craft Beer is Good for the Environment
Off the Beaten Path To Oregon’s Farmhouse Breweries
