Widmer Gasthaus

Widmer Gasthaus Restaurant Review:

Kurt and Rob Widmer launched their brewpub in 1979 in what was then an unprepossessing industrial stretch of North Portland. That street is now the center of a thriving neighborhood of condos, boutiques and restaurants. The hoppy scent of brewing will guide you to the refurbished warehouse space, a striking expanse of gleaming copper, wood and glass. Not surprisingly, beer is the major reason to visit this pub, most notably for the signature Hefeweizen. If you're indecisive or simply want to try everything, order the six-beer sampler tray that arrives with mini-mugs of choice brews. Non-alcoholic-beer drinkers will want to try the creamy house-brewed root beer. Families are welcome, and kids of all ages will enjoy the German pub menu of fondue, hot soft pretzels and schnitzels. Sausages are crafted by the local charcuterie Olympia Provisions, and the menu also features Northwest specialties such as elk stew and steelhead trout. The gluten-free menu offers decent choices, including grilled meats, bratwurst and salads that may be washed down with the cleverly named Omission Beer.