North Coast day-trippin' and sippin'

By Lisa Morrison

It’s easy to “go coastal” with beaches just a gorgeous 90-minute drive from downtown Portland. And it’s easier to get motivated to make the trip when you think of the great beer experiences that are in store for you once you reach the beach.
This trip could be done in one day, but the North Coast offers so much, you might want to make a weekend of it.
Our first stop takes us to the southern end of Cannon Beach. Quietly nestled near Tolovana Park, Warren House Pub is an outpost for Bill’s Tavern, the always-bustling brew pub in the heart of town. Both establishments offer Bill’s Tavern brews and a full menu, but that’s where the similarities end.
Warren House is situated in a quaint, historic house with a pretty beer garden out back, a nice patio with a peek of the ocean and lots of elbowroom. A chalkboard announces the changing variety of Bill’s Tavern’s award-winning brews (Duck Dive IPA won the gold at the Great American Beer Festival a couple of years ago). Pair a pint with some stellar menu selections, including sandwiches, burgers, salads and soups. Try the Manhattan-style clam chowder — the red kind that’s a tasty alternative to the ubiquitous creamy clam chowders available along the coast.
If you’re looking for a scene that’s more bustling than quiet, Bill’s Tavern, located smack-dab in the middle of Cannon Beach, is a small U-shaped place that’s always packed. This is where the beers are brewed — through the upstairs windows you can see the equipment and, sometimes, catch a glimpse of a brewer.
The menu differs slightly from that of Warren House and sometimes there are brews available at Bill’s Tavern that don’t make it to the other location. But the biggest difference between the two is the energy level. Warren House is relaxed and friendly; Bill’s Tavern is a humming hive of tourists and locals. Pick your venue and enjoy!
Heading north on U.S. Highway 101 to Seaside, a trip to the Seaside Factory Outlet Center is a must — but not for new Big Dog T-shirts or low-priced kitchen gadgets (although you can find those, too).
You’ll want to stop for beer souvenirs. In the unlikely location in the far northeast corner of the outlet mall you’ll find the Beer & Wine Haus, with possibly the best selection of imported and craft beers on the coast. Owner Jeff Kilday and his friendly crew are knowledgeable in both beer and wine and are happy to guide you through the coolers full of more than 300 different beers, which you can buy to take home or enjoy on-site.
The northernmost point on the tour is Astoria, home to Astoria Brewing Co.’s Wet Dog Cafe and the newest outpost for Rogue Ales out of Newport. Both establishments offer the one thing that makes sipping by the sea so special: terrific views.
At Wet Dog, enjoy brewery-fresh beers either on the small deck or by a big window inside while watching big ships move along the mighty Columbia River. You can also enjoy Thundermuck Porter exclusively at Baked Alaska restaurant — where actor-director Sean Penn allegedly recently dined. Astoria Brewing makes Thundermuck exclusively for the restaurant, which is located on one of Astoria’s old piers and provides astounding views.
On the eastern end of town, Rogue Ales Public House offers a staggering number of Rogue’s ales, plus a few guest taps (about 30 in all). The menu features many Rogue favorites — Kobe beef burgers, soups, big burritos, salads and great appetizers. Situated at the end of Pier 39, Rogue took over a former cannery. You can still see some of the vestiges of the cannery while catching river views — either from the large windows or on the deck. Diners often are accompanied by a choir of seal lions — a fitting end to an ambitious journey on the Oregon Beer Trail.