been super busy at work lately. Doesn’t mean I haven’t been drinking beer, just been taking in the waning summer too much lately to write about it. I haven’t even brewed in awhile. Go Timbers.

[12:42] m8ryx: ok, I had an amazing beer last night [12:42] m8ryx: avatar from Elysian [12:42] m8ryx: it’s a jasmine IPA [12:50] anners: where did you have the beer? [12:51] m8ryx: home…it was a random pickup at new seasons [12:51] anners: ah [12:51] m8ryx: look for it tho, it’s really pleasant [12:51] m8ryx: the jasmine is very subtle [12:52] m8ryx: not like in your face “I got Jasmine!” [12:52] anners: 🙂

Brown is the new black! I was quite surprised to see this brown ale lined up at New Seasons when I stopped by for ‘milk and bread’. I didn’t know that Lagunitas made a brown, even as a seasonal. Lucky me! This one is pretty clearly done in the Belgian style, which is proclaimed loudly on the label. The bouquet is fruity, the aroma luscious, lighter than a traditional Belgian, tempered by the mild sweetness of an English Brown.

I didn’t discover Por Que No. I read the review in the Mercury, and as it is my duty to check out all new taquerias, I made it down today. Located on burgeoning N Mississippi, it is across from the rebuilding center, a bit north of Fremont. Good spot. Well, good news first. They are friendly, they care about the food, the location rocks for rockers, and they cater to beer drinkers.

Ojingo has referred me to perhaps my ideal job. I don’t think I could handle the commute. Another solid opportunity has presented itself with Google.

I don’t think there’s an apostrophe in the name. Binks is a sweet little place, with abundant and loyal clientel. The bartenders are cool and nice, and smile. There’s a slick little garden out back that you can see but not get to, but fortunately there’s some seating out front and on the small patio. It fills up quick on nice days, so get there early or good luck. The layout of Binks is a bit different.

The Spare Room (NE 42nd and Alberta) used to be a bowling alley, so legend tells us. Far far removed from the kingpin now, this northeast dancehall mecca sports two bars (one active), a fireplace in the pool room, karaoke, and video poker. With its mirrors, and twinkling lights, the Larry and Terri lounge act, and older crowd, I believe that this would be David Lynch’s favorite spot. By no means is that meant to disparage The Spare Room, but instead to highlight just how different it is.

Don’t forget your ID if you’re planning to grab the Marathon’s cheap gyros after a Timber’s game, there’s no getting past the gatekeeper. This divey bar on W Burnside has provided many a good time to me, my friends, and complete strangers. The space is immense, providing room for a sports bar area focused on the big three–football, baseball, and basketball–and generally populated by a different cultural subsection than I tend to run in.

Pool tables, beer, vast, smokie. That’s the Rialto I’ve known for years. At the corner of 4th and Morrison in SW Portland, the Rialto has always been a favorite spot for the after work pint, as well as some late night grub and pool (and beer). Some year or so ago they closed the place to do some renovations, and I got to visit again for the first time in ages.