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Portland › Portland › Great Notion Brewing - NW28th
Great Notion Brewing - NW28thBWorth Trying
2444 NW 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97210
· Brewery, Pizza restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (401 reviews)
Destination-worthy sours and hazy IPAs in a polished industrial taproom; food now via Pizza Thief with mixed feedback and self-serve quirks.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Great Notion Brewing delivers solid neighborhood appeal through exceptional beer expertise and consistently friendly service, with a modern, inviting industrial setting. However, inconsistent tap variety and occasional quality dips prevent grade A territory, while the kiosk-based food model creates service delays that undercut the overall experience. For craft beer enthusiasts seeking creative sours and hazies, it's a worthwhile destination; for casual diners, execution gaps are noticeable.
Restaurant Summary
Housed in an industrial pocket of NW Portland, this taproom leans modern and polished with a view of the tanks and a warm, bustling vibe. Bartenders are consistently friendly and helpful, steering flights and sours with ease. One visitor summed it up: "Worth the detour for the beer and the chill space." Food now comes from Pizza Thief via kiosks, which some find smooth and others find clunky. The cooking presence is lighter since the kitchen switch, but the beer program still carries the night: fruited sours, hazies, and adjunct stouts that feel playful and inventive rather than showy. Expect breadth more than strict balance; some days lack lagers or pilsners, other days shine with crowd-pleasers. If you love exploring creative beer styles, this should be on your list. Families do fine here: pizza by the slice, fries, and simple salads are approachable, and the casual format is kid-friendly. Dairy-free and vegan choices are more limited than before the menu change, so plan accordingly, but most kids will be happy with a plain slice and a shared side.
At a Glance
- Standout fruited sours and hazy IPAs draw locals and visitors
- Friendly, knowledgeable bartenders with proactive check-ins
- Food now via kiosk-run Pizza Thief with mixed reviews and waits
- Tap variety gaps (e.g., no pilsner) reported at times
- Happy Hour offers $3 off select beers before 5pm
What Sets It Apart
- destination-level fruited sours
- partnered Sicilian pizza program
- polished industrial taproom
What People Love
- Vivid, fruit-forward sours that pop
- Friendly staff who guide choices
- Clean, modern taproom with production views
- Flights that make exploring easy
- Convenient to-go cans and merch
Points of Concern
- Kiosk ordering and self-busing can feel impersonal during rushes
- Food quality and speed vary; occasional long waits and missing items
- Tap list balance can skew hazy/sour with few lighter options
- Some promotion/service disputes resolved only with refunds
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleHybrid
Average Cost$36-52 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Pair a fruited sour with a simple cheese slice to balance sweetness and salt
- Order flights to navigate a hazy/sour-heavy day
- Consider to-go cans if the draft list lacks your preferred style
Perfect For
- Brewery hopping with friends
- Out-of-town beer lovers seeking sours
- Casual date with flights and a slice
- Pre-funk before NW 23rd plans
Location Insights
Area: Industrial northwest corridor with creative makers and warehouses; draws beer fans and casual groups.
Safety: Generally safe with evening foot traffic; warehouse vibe, lighting adequate, interior feels secure.
Nearby: Near other breweries, light manufacturing, and NW 23rd retail a short drive away.
Pearl DistrictThe Pearl District is a trendy, upscale neighborhood known for its art galleries, boutique shops, and a diverse culinary scene that includes craft breweries, fine dining, and casual eateries. It attracts a crowd interested in contemporary urban living and social dining experiences.
NW 28th AvenueNW 28th Avenue is a popular micro-neighborhood within the Pearl District known for its concentration of craft breweries, casual dining spots, and a laid-back atmosphere that appeals to both locals and tourists looking for quality food and drink in a relaxed setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–20:00
Tuesday12:00–20:00
Wednesday12:00–20:00
Thursday12:00–21:00
Friday12:00–21:00
Saturday12:00–21:00
Sunday12:00–20:00
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