Balzer's Pub and Grill

After we dumped off our bags at the hotel, we decided to visit the first brewpub on our list. Motor organized all the pubs on his laptop and kept the details in his head which worked most of the time unless you put to much beer in it.

The first bar was located about 8 or so blocks from the hotel near the waterfront where the light rail passes the waterfront park. It's at this park that the Portland Oregon Brewers festival is held every year on the last weekend of July. Listed originally in the Celebrator, we thought it was an operating brewpub but it had started brewing beer yet. Even though it didn't have any of it's own beer, it ended up being a lot of fun.

Over a couple of rounds of drinks, we got to know the owner, who’s name is "Ernie". Ernie used to be a contractor and specialized in building fuel system tanks in locales like Placerville and Romania but has worked on some local jobs as well. He got tired of the work and the hours and know enjoys his new career.

One of the best parts of his job, in his own words is the people he meets. He showed me a phone book stocked with women’s phone numbers to make his point. He told me some stories of some of the things that occurred the night before. If you're sensitive, I would not bother reading them but for those who aren't thin skinned… click here.

Appetizers: Chicken Deluxe appetizer- pretty good to munch on

16 beers and appetizers cost $50+$10 tip.

20 plus beers available on draught.

Ernie told me he is hoping to have brewery set up next door later this year but depends on getting the space. There was some kind of dispute going on with the tenant next door I guess that is delaying stuff.