Review: pFriem Family Brewers

Set the scene for us.
Away from Hood River’s busy main streets, down by Waterfront Park, is this popular brewpub in a mixed-use village by the river. The acclaimed brewery doesn’t shy away from the usual industrial-chic thing, with lots of reclaimed wood, gray walls, and giant steel tanks of beer to match the metal seats. But a long communal table, artistically unusual chandeliers, and a welcoming patio with a gas fire pit keep it from feeling too cold.

Is it crowded?
The place is always packed, mostly with young, outdoorsy beer lovers and their small kids.

So what's on tap?
The brewery makes some of the most delicious, interesting, and well-balanced Belgian-style beers in the Northwest, making it a huge draw for beer aficionados as well as casual drinkers. Many of pFriem’s beers are available by the bottle and on tap elsewhere around the Northwest, but only at the brewpub will you get to try the experimental and seasonal options, like Maple Barrel Aged Smoked Porter.

Worth ordering something to eat, too?
Finally, a brewpub with legitimately good food. You can actually have a beer and a meal here and not hate yourself afterward for consuming a week's worth of grease. Yes, there are burgers and fries, but there’s also steak with Belgian stoemp (a side dish of creamed leeks and potatoes), lentil croquettes, and seasonal house-made pickles. The food is familiar enough to please the usual pub-goer, but the twists and the attention to detail make it worth the stop even if beer’s not your thing.

How was the service?
Staff is always friendly and accommodating, no matter how busy it gets, and they're happy to offer tastes if you're undecided about which beer to order.

Wrap it up: what are we coming here for?
With fantastic beer, great food, and a prime spot for watching the kite-boarders and windsurfers on the river, this the perfect place to refuel after an active day of hiking or biking around the Gorge.