Thursday, July 9, 2015

Quick Hit: Buoy Brewing in Astoria

180 degree panorama from Buoy Brewing - Astoria, Oregon
Astoria has been a popular destination for sweltering Portlanders looking for a respite from the unrelenting heat of the last few weeks.  So popular that when I visited Buoy Brewing on Monday in my own attempt to escape the Portland heat, they were out of about half their beers. Our server said the weekend had been 'nuts.'  Fortunately, she said, they have recently doubled the capacity of their brewery and soon such shortages should be a thing of the past. Nevertheless there was still lots of wonderful beer to be had: their exceptional Pilsner and IPA were on tap as were a nice session IRA and a lavender saison among others.

The space on a quay on the river is second to none, the interior is lovely and includes an amusing glass floor through which to see seals and sea lions (who were not in residence when we were there but we spotted at least six sea lions in the water just out front).  The atmosphere is wonderful in the art of the pub that faces the water and they can open a big sliding door when it is warm enough (as it was for us).  

The beer, the space and the location are all exceptional, but the food is just as good.  From the hot and freshly made pitas that came with their delicious homemade hummus to the salad, to the entrĂ©s that were excellent across the span of burgers, fish, and steak.  It was the nicest dining experience we have had in Astoria and anywhere else for a long time for that matter.  

Astoria is now blessed with an extraordinary beer scene and has a great partner to the wonderful Ft. George Brewing, whose outdoor patio on a sunny day cannot be beat, and the good old Wet Dog/Astoria Brewing which is always a great stop as well.   

Consider Buoy Brewing a must if you find yourself in Astoria.