Brews and Browse

Note: A shorter version of this article appeared in the Portland Tribune in December, 2005.

Portland is at the forefront of both craft brewing and the use of “Wi-Fi” (or “wireless fidelity”), a.k.a. wireless Internet connectivity. It makes sense, then, that Portland should marry the two and take the lead in yet another cool way: Wi-fi access in Portland pubs.

Wi-fi has already caught on big time in Portland. One website lists 72 different local “hotspots” (not including the plethora of Starbucks that offer wi-fi – for a fee). But the list focuses mostly on coffee houses and the like. What about those of us who like to sip a different brew while we browse? That is, what about wi-fi in pubs?

I recently surveyed Portland-area pubs and found twenty-two that currently offer some form of wi-fi access. (See sidebar.) Many pubs advertise it like Main Street Ale House in Gresham, Walking Man in Stevenson, WA and the ever-expanding McMenamin’s chain, which sports wi-fi in eleven of its Portland area pubs – and “more to come,” boasts the groovy brothers’ website.

The list of wi-fi friendly places to imbibe continues to grow as more pubs jump on the bandwidth wagon. The Lucky Lab promises wi-fi “within a few weeks,” according to owner Gary Geist. Ken Johnson of Fearless Brewing says he’ll do it once he “finds a secure way to do it.” (Did someone say fearless?) Bridgeport will have it in their Northwest pub when it re-opens (but not in the Hawthorne Ale House, sorry.)

Not everyone has caught the wave, and some just may not. “Computers kill, man,” joked one publican, who indicated no plans to implement the technology. “You never know,” said another. “It’s becoming pretty popular.” (Yeah, these computers. Let’s make sure it’s not just a fad.)

Others are riding the wave for free. You can “hijack” others’ signals at Alameda Brewhouse, the Hedge House, Oak Hills Brewpub, and the Hazel Dell in Vancouver. Amnesia benefits from free wi-fi on the entire Mississippi Street strip. Then there’s that plan of the City’s to implement wi-fi free City-wide; if that goes through, ALL of Portland’s pubs will be wi-fi friendly. Now there’s a vision!

Get out of town

In case you want to get away from it all – but not quite all – you can find Internet access here and there in resort areas. For the most part, coastal pubs haven’t found the need for this competitive edge; only McMenamin’s Lighthouse Tavern in Lincoln City shines the Internet beacon for seaward travelers. For skiers, the going is a little easier. Mt. Hood Brewing in Government Camp takes care of our local lift-riders. For those traveling a bit further for the magical pow, McMenamin’s Old St Francis School in Bend will get you connected.

Sidebar: Portland's Wi-Fi Friendly Pubs

Eastside

* Alameda Brewhouse – 4765 NE Fremont

Bar of the Gods – 4801 SE Hawthorne

* Hedge House – 3412 SE Division

Kennedy School – 5736 N.E. 33rd

Laurelwood Public House – 1728 N.E. 40th

Lucky Labrador – 915 SE Hawthorne (“any day now”)

Main Street Ale House – 333 Main St., Gresham

McMenamin’s Edgefield – 2126 SW Halsey, Troutdale

Roots Organic Brewing – 1520 SE 7th Avenue

North Portland/The Couv

* Amnesia Brewing – 832 N. Beech

* Hazel Dell – 8513 NE Hwy 99, Vancouver, WA

McMenamin’s on the Columbia – 1801 SE Columbia River Dr, Vancouver, WA

White Eagle Saloon – 836 N. Russell

West side

Blue Moon Tavern & Grill – 432 NW 21st

BridgePort Brewing Company – 1318 NW Marshall (Feb 06)

Cornelius Pass Roadhouse – 405 NW Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro

Daily Double Café & Pub – 2037 SW Morrison

John Barleycorns – 14610 SW Sequoia Pkwy, Tigard

McMenamin’s Greenway Pub – 12272 SW Scholls Ferry Rd, Tigard

* Oak Hills Brewpub – 14740 N.W. Cornell Rd

Rock Creek Tavern – 10000 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro

Rogue Ales Distillery and Public House – 1339 NW Flanders

Out of Town

Golden Valley – 980 4th St, McMinnville

McMenamin’s Grand Lodge – 3505 Pacific Ave, Forest Grove

McMenamin’s Lighthouse – 4157 Hwy 101, Lincoln City

Mt Angel – 201 Monroe St, Mt Angel

Mt Hood Brewing Co. – 87304 E. Government Camp Loop, Government Camp

Walking Man – 240 NW First, Stevenson, WA

* = Signal “borrowed” from nearby provider