Gluten-Free Beer: Portland's Best Bars And Breweries

Portland, Oregon is a haven for gluten-free beer lovers. There are three dedicated gluten-free breweries within the city limits: Ground Breaker Brewing, Moonshrimp Brewing, and Mutantis Brewing. Ground Breaker Brewing, which opened in 2011, was the first dedicated gluten-free brewery in the United States. Their beers are crafted from naturally gluten-free ingredients and have won several awards. Mutantis Brewing, founded by a woman with Celiac Disease, is both a gluten-free brewery and a bottle shop that features other gluten-free beers from Oregon. Outside of the city, in McMinnville, there are two more dedicated gluten-free breweries: Bierly Brewing and Evasion Brewing.

Ground Breaker Brewing and Gastropub

The brewery has a taproom in southeast Portland, just across the Willamette River from downtown Portland. They offer a range of gluten-free beers, including ales, lagers, and sours, which have won several awards. Their year-round beers include a Pale Ale, a Dark Ale brewed with chestnuts and lentils, an IPA, and an Olallie Ale made with blackberries and rosehips. They also offer experimental beers, such as a fresh hop IPA, a German Lager, and a stone fruit IPA.

The Ground Breaker Brewing and Gastropub restaurant serves 100% gluten-free food, with options like fried chicken, fries, sourdough cornbread, and a charcuterie plate. The restaurant has received positive reviews for its food and beer, with some reviewers specifically mentioning the gluten-free options and the kid-friendly environment.

Mutantis Brewery & Bottle Shop

Their Story

Mutantis was founded by a team of passionate brewers with a deep understanding of the gluten-free brewing process. Their mission is to create delicious craft beers that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions. The team is dedicated to using only the finest gluten-free ingredients, ensuring that their customers can indulge in their favorite beers without worry.

The Beers

Mutantis offers a diverse selection of gluten-free beers that rival any traditional craft brewery. From crisp lagers to robust stouts, their beers are crafted to perfection. They use a variety of gluten-free grains, such as sorghum, millet, and rice, to create unique and complex flavors that will satisfy even the most discerning beer connoisseurs. Their flagship brew, a gluten-free IPA, is a local favorite, known for its balanced blend of citrusy hops and a smooth finish. They also experiment with seasonal offerings, such as a gluten-free pumpkin ale in the fall and a refreshing gluten-free wheat beer in the summer.

The Bottle Shop

The Mutantis Bottle Shop offers a carefully curated selection of gluten-free beers from local and international breweries. It's a one-stop shop for those seeking a wide variety of gluten-free options. You'll find everything from gluten-free ciders to beers made with ancient grains. Their knowledgeable staff is always on hand to guide you through their ever-changing inventory, ensuring you find the perfect beer to suit your tastes. Whether you're a gluten-free veteran or new to the scene, the Bottle Shop has something for everyone.

The Taproom

The Mutantis Taproom is a vibrant and welcoming space, inviting beer lovers from all walks of life. It's the perfect spot to unwind after a long day, offering a cozy atmosphere and a rotating selection of their freshest beers on tap. The taproom often hosts events, from live music to beer education workshops, creating a community hub for gluten-free enthusiasts. It's a place where like-minded individuals can connect, share their stories, and indulge in their shared love of great-tasting, safe beer.

Location and Contact

Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House

If you're looking for gluten-free beer in Portland, Oregon, then Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House is a great option. Located at 210 NW 11th Ave in Portland, this restaurant and brewery offer a range of gluten-free options, including beer, bread, burgers, fries, and even dessert.

The pub offers 26 taps of classic brews, seasonal beers, and experimental beers developed and brewed on-site exclusively for the Portland pub. Their culinary team takes classic pub dishes to the next level by using the best local ingredients. The menu includes options such as pub burgers, elk burgers, fries, and even gluten-free cheesecake for dessert.

The atmosphere at Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House is described as having "chill vibes" and a "true PNW experience" in the heart of Portland. They offer a PUB CLUB membership that provides exclusive brews, pub discounts, and other perks. The pub is open daily from 11:30 am to 9 pm, with happy hour on Sundays through Thursdays from 2 pm to 4 pm (excluding holidays).

Deschutes Brewery also has other locations in Portland, including a tasting room and beer garden on SW Simpson Ave and a presence at the Portland International Airport, making it easy for travellers to enjoy their gluten-free options.

Evasion Brewing Portland Tasting Room

Evasion Brewing has a tasting room in SE Portland, located at 1030 SE Belmont St Suite 9, Portland, OR 97214. The tasting room offers a dedicated gluten-free menu, including beer and cider.

Evasion Brewing is known for its innovative and experimental approach to brewing, using gluten-free grains such as millet, rice, buckwheat, and certified gluten-free oats. Their beers are naturally gluten-free, and they take pride in their unique and carefully crafted recipes.

The SE Portland Tasting Room offers a variety of beers, including their Hophoria IPA, a well-balanced IPA with a blend of Citra and Mosaic hops. This beer provides a range of flavours and aromas, from oranges and blueberries to stone fruit, and it has a short-lived, assertive, hoppy finish. For those who prefer a lighter option, the Blonde Ale is a classic, refreshing beer made with Saaz hops to balance the subtle malt sweetness. It's the perfect choice after a long day of work. If you're a fan of darker beers, the Tantamount Stout is a full-bodied stout with complex flavours of dark chocolate and coffee, complemented by a smooth molasses-like sweetness.

In addition to their regular offerings, Evasion Brewing also has a Mill & Barrel Series, featuring unique beers aged in barrels. One such creation is the Yamhill Punch, a wild ale aged in Pinot Noir barrels for two years. This beer is inspired by the French style of Bière de Garde and full-bodied orange wines. The result is a blend of aromas and flavours, including candied watermelon, sour cherry, currants, and sourdough bread.

Moonshrimp Brewing

In addition to their commitment to gluten-free beer, Moonshrimp Brewing also prioritises sustainability and social responsibility. They have initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint and have launched a T-shirt line where 100% of the profits go towards urgent humanitarian aid in Ukraine.

Frequently asked questions