Oregon has its fair share of iconic places, but few rival the charm and whimsical history embedded in McMenamins. This isn’t just a restaurant chain; McMenamins is a pilgrimage, a tribute to the quirky spirits of Oregon. What started as a small pub by two brothers has bloomed into a legendary collection of over 50 pubs, hotels, breweries, and concert venues scattered across the Pacific Northwest. Part mystery, part brew-pouring wonderland, McMenamins is a vibrant celebration of art, beer, and the unapologetically bizarre.
A Legacy of Whimsy and Beer in Oregon
McMenamins was born in the 1980s, right as Oregon’s craft beer scene was revving its engines. The McMenamin brothers, Mike and Brian, jumped into the action with a pub named after an old barley mill. It didn’t take long for them to establish a reputation—not just for their beer but for their creative renovation of historic buildings. Fast forward to today, and McMenamins has transformed everything from poor farms to old schools, giving new life to spaces that once seemed long past their prime.
But don’t be fooled—this isn’t your average heritage restoration. McMenamins’ approach is more, shall we say, eclectic. Where else can you find a brewery inside a former poor farm or a concert hall where kilted frogs may or may not be the primary decor?
Dining and Drinking: The McMenamins Way
Walking into a McMenamins location is akin to stepping into a storybook. You’ll often find walls lined with hand-painted murals, nods to everything from local folklore to fantastical creatures, ensuring there’s always something to stare at while you sip. The vibe is completed with antique lamps, velvet couches, and, of course, enough wood paneling to remind you that yes, you are indeed in the Pacific Northwest.
McMenamins’ menu is another reason for their popularity. The classic pub food is both hearty and satisfying—burgers, fish and chips, tater tots. But the real draw? The brews. McMenamins’ beer lineup is impressive, with every pub serving some of the brand’s classics like the “Ruby Ale” and the dark, brooding “Terminator Stout,” an Oregon staple. These brews are crafted in-house, with each location having its own microbrewery, ensuring the flavors are local, fresh, and unmistakably McMenamins.
Historic Lodging with a Twist
If you’re really looking to embrace the McMenamins experience, book a room at one of their hotels. McMenamins’ hotels are as unique as their pubs. Take the Edgefield, for example—a sprawling 74-acre former poor farm located just outside Portland. It’s now a full-fledged retreat complete with a winery, distillery, brewery, spa, soaking pool, and even a golf course. Here, there’s no TV in your room, and they encourage guests to get lost (in the best way) wandering the historic grounds.
Another gem is the Kennedy School in Northeast Portland. Once an actual elementary school, this McMenamins property has been transformed into a hotel, where you can sleep in what was once a classroom. There’s also a brewery in the former cafeteria, a cigar bar in the detention room, and a soaking pool for a bit of much-needed R&R. It’s the only place where you’ll find guests actively hoping for a detention slip.
The UFO Festival and Other Bizarre Traditions
In case the decor and the converted buildings weren’t enough, McMenamins leans fully into the quirky with events like the annual UFO Festival at the Hotel Oregon in McMinnville. Inspired by the famous 1950 UFO sighting in the area, the festival features parades, guest speakers, and more tinfoil hats than a conspiracy theorist’s dream. It’s a celebration that epitomizes McMenamins’ ability to blend history with local legends, with just a pinch of the bizarre.
And let’s not forget the seasonal events, from music festivals to cider tastings. McMenamins thrives on giving locals and travelers alike a reason to gather, celebrate, and perhaps question their surroundings.
Art and Ambience: More Than Just Decor
Each McMenamins location is covered in art—murals, portraits, mosaics, and sculptures that pay homage to the history and culture of the Pacific Northwest. This isn’t random decor; every piece has a story. At Edgefield, for example, some artwork is dedicated to the spirits (both the drinking and ghostly kinds) of the former poor farm residents. Rumor has it that the spirits of long-past inhabitants still make an appearance, much to the delight (and sometimes fright) of guests.
Even for the faint of heart, McMenamins’ dedication to local art provides an unforgettable experience. The venues showcase the works of regional artists and create a sort of living museum. From vintage-style murals to the more modern, you can find pieces that capture Oregon’s beauty, its mythos, and its enduring quirkiness.
Where Every Pint Has a Story
Not only are McMenamins brews iconic, but the way they’re served is just as memorable. Many McMenamins pubs feature themed bars and drink specials inspired by history or lore. You might find yourself in the Power Station Pub at Edgefield, sipping on a brew that’s crafted just a few steps away, or at the Back Stage Bar at the Bagdad Theater, where films are still screened in an old-school cinema setting. Each location has its own twist, its own spirit (or spirits, in some cases).
The unique ambiance and art might attract the eye, but it’s McMenamins’ commitment to local brewing that has won the loyalty of many Oregonians. Every visit can lead you to a new pint or a local cider that pays tribute to Oregon’s fruitful orchards. And in true McMenamins style, there’s usually a limited edition or seasonal brew around each corner.
Why Visit McMenamins?
It’s hard to sum up the McMenamins experience without actually stepping foot inside. For locals, it’s a go-to spot for craft brews and comfort food. For travelers, it’s a destination that showcases Oregon’s history, culture, and flair for the eccentric. For everyone else, it’s a one-of-a-kind escape from the humdrum, offering a unique blend of art, beer, and entertainment in places that feel like stepping into a different era (or sometimes, dimension).
In a world of standard restaurant chains, McMenamins dares to be different. Where else can you spend the night in a haunted poor farm, enjoy a UFO parade, and drink a pint made just down the hall? McMenamins has become an Oregon institution by blending the ordinary with the extraordinary—and for that, it’s earned a permanent spot in the hearts of the many who wander through its whimsical doors.
