Horse Brass Pub: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Portland’s Historic Beer Landmark

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction: The Horse Brass Pub’s Legacy in Portland

Nestled on Southeast Belmont Street, the Horse Brass Pub is a living testament to authentic British pub culture and a cornerstone of Portland’s acclaimed craft beer scene. Established in 1976 by Don Younger—hailed as the “godfather of American Beer Geeks”—the Horse Brass has shaped the city’s identity as “Beervana,” serving as both a community hub and a launchpad for the Oregon microbrew revolution. Its distinctive dark wood interiors, cask ales, and robust beer selection offer an immersive experience that blends tradition with Portland’s innovative spirit (Distilled Publishing; New School Beer; Horse Brass Pub Official Website).

Whether you’re a beer enthusiast, history buff, or traveler seeking a genuine English-style pub, this guide covers everything you need to know: the pub’s origins, its pivotal role in Oregon’s craft beer movement, visiting details, accessibility, nearby attractions, and tips for making the most of your visit.

Table of Contents

History and Founding Vision

The Horse Brass Pub was founded in 1976 when Don Younger, inspired by classic English pubs, transformed a modest Portland bar into an authentic British-style public house. At a time when the Pacific Northwest had little exposure to English pub traditions, Younger’s vision introduced Portland to dark wood interiors, dartboards, and an expansive selection of imported ales. His focus on community and inclusivity quickly made the Horse Brass a haven for locals, expatriates, and anyone seeking the warmth and conviviality of a true “public house” (Distilled Publishing).


Influence on Portland’s Microbrew Revolution

During the late 1970s and 1980s, Portland’s beer landscape was dominated by mass-market lagers and restrictive liquor laws. The Horse Brass Pub became a central meeting ground for the city’s future brewing pioneers—figures behind Widmer Brothers, BridgePort, McMenamins, and Deschutes—who lobbied for legislative reforms enabling independent breweries to thrive. The landmark 1985 Oregon Brewpub Bill, which allowed breweries to sell their beer onsite, was brokered within the Horse Brass, solidifying its status as a catalyst for the city’s—and the nation’s—craft beer revolution (Oregon Brewers Guild; Willamette Week).

The pub’s early support of now-iconic breweries, willingness to serve new and experimental beers, and role in organizing tastings and beer festivals helped cement Portland’s reputation as a craft beer capital (New School Beer).


Pub Atmosphere and Authenticity

Designed to evoke the charm of a traditional English public house, the Horse Brass features dark wood paneling, brass fixtures, and a long bar equipped with hand-pumped cask ale taps. British memorabilia, horse brasses, and vintage beer adverts cover the walls, creating an ambiance that transports visitors to the UK.

The menu stays true to British roots, featuring classics like fish and chips, bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, and Scotch eggs. Over 50 rotating taps showcase local microbrews and European imports, alongside rare cask-conditioned ales—a hallmark of the Horse Brass experience (Draft Magazine).


Don Younger’s Legacy

Don Younger’s philosophy—hospitality, resilience, and a willingness to “stray from the herd”—shaped not only the Horse Brass but the wider Portland beer community. He mentored countless brewers and publicans, fostering a spirit of collaboration and experimentation. Younger’s legacy is commemorated in the pub’s continued success and his posthumous induction into the Oregon Beer Hall of Fame (Distilled Publishing; Imbibe Magazine).


Community and Events

Far more than a bar, the Horse Brass Pub is a social institution. It hosts trivia nights, dart tournaments, and football (soccer) viewing parties, drawing a diverse crowd of beer aficionados, families, writers, musicians, and neighborhood regulars. The pub also supports local charities and community events, continuing Don Younger’s tradition of civic engagement (Shots of Portland).


Visiting Hours, Entry, and Accessibility

  • Address: 4534 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97215
  • Phone: (503) 232-2202
  • Visiting Hours: Daily from 11:30 AM to 2:00 AM (minors welcome until 5:00 PM)
  • Entry: No tickets or cover charge required
  • Reservations: Not accepted; walk-ins only (large groups should arrive early)
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with accessible restrooms and seating

Hours may vary on holidays; check the official Horse Brass Pub website for updates.


Directions and Nearby Attractions

The Horse Brass Pub is easily accessible via TriMet bus lines and is close to paid parking lots and street parking. Its Belmont neighborhood location places it near other historic sites, including the Belmont Historic District, the Hawthorne District, and a variety of shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Nearby attractions include:

  • Pioneer Courthouse Square
  • Portland Art Museum
  • Portland Saturday Market

For those using public transport, nearby bus stops along SE Belmont make it convenient to visit without a car (Travel Portland).


Extensive Beer Selection

With over 50 taps, the Horse Brass Pub offers a rotating selection of Oregon microbrews, imported British ales, and hand-pumped, cask-conditioned beers. The focus on quality and variety appeals to both seasoned beer lovers and newcomers.

Classic British Fare

  • Halibut Fish and Chips (award-winning)
  • Bangers and Mash
  • Scotch Eggs
  • Sausage Rolls, Meat Pies, and Pasties
  • Ploughman’s Lunch

Vegetarian options and American pub staples are also available. The pub’s family-friendly atmosphere (until 5:00 PM) and high chairs make it suitable for daytime visits with children.


Visitor Tips and Unique Experiences

  • Try the Cask Ales: Experience the rare hand-pumped British-style beers.
  • Order the Fish and Chips: Renowned as some of Portland’s best.
  • Play Darts: Free-to-play and part of the authentic pub experience.
  • Check the Tap List: Rotates frequently—ask staff for recommendations.
  • Arrive Early: Especially with large groups or during peak hours.
  • Special Events: Watch for beer tastings, seasonal festivals, and trivia nights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Horse Brass Pub’s hours?
A: Open daily from 11:30 AM to 2:00 AM; minors welcome until 5:00 PM.

Q: Is there an entry fee or do I need tickets?
A: No tickets or cover charges are required.

Q: Can I bring children?
A: Yes, minors are allowed until 5:00 PM.

Q: Is the pub wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, including accessible restrooms.

Q: Are reservations needed?
A: No, the pub is walk-in only; large groups should arrive early.

Q: Is there parking?
A: Street parking and paid lots are available nearby; public transit is recommended during busy times.


Conclusion and Further Resources

For nearly five decades, the Horse Brass Pub has stood as an enduring symbol of Portland’s beer culture, community spirit, and commitment to tradition. Its authentic English pub experience, pioneering support of craft brewing, and vibrant social atmosphere make it a must-visit for locals and travelers alike. Plan your visit to enjoy exceptional food, a world-class beer selection, and the camaraderie that continues to define this Portland institution.

Stay informed about current tap lists, events, and pub updates by visiting the Horse Brass Pub Official Website and following Travel Portland for broader city guides. For more historical insights, see the Distilled Publishing article, Willamette Week’s oral history, and Draft Magazine’s best beer bars.


Visual Media Suggestions

  • [Image of Horse Brass Pub facade] – Alt text: “Exterior of Horse Brass Pub in Portland – iconic British-style pub”
  • [Interior photo showing cozy ambiance] – Alt text: “Inside Horse Brass Pub with wood paneling and British memorabilia”
  • [Map of Horse Brass Pub location and nearby attractions] – Alt text: “Map showing Horse Brass Pub and Portland historical sites nearby”

(Optimize images for SEO with keywords such as “Horse Brass Pub visiting hours” and “Portland historical sites”)


References


Visit The Most Interesting Places In Portland

5Th Avenue Cinema
5Th Avenue Cinema
|
  Acadia: A New Orleans Bistro
| Acadia: A New Orleans Bistro
Ainu And Native American Power Boards
Ainu And Native American Power Boards
Akadi
Akadi
Alberta Park
Alberta Park
Alphabet Historic District
Alphabet Historic District
Ankeny Square
Ankeny Square
Arbor Lodge Park
Arbor Lodge Park
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Bagdad Theater
Bagdad Theater
Berkeley Park
Berkeley Park
Berrydale Park
Berrydale Park
Bipartisan Cafe
Bipartisan Cafe
Bit House Saloon
Bit House Saloon
Biwa
Biwa
Blackstone Hall
Blackstone Hall
Bloomington Park
Bloomington Park
Bluehour
Bluehour
Bob White Theatre
Bob White Theatre
Brasserie Montmartre
Brasserie Montmartre
Brentwood Park
Brentwood Park
British Overseas Restaurant Corporation
British Overseas Restaurant Corporation
Broadway Bridge
Broadway Bridge
Brushstrokes
Brushstrokes
Burnside Bridge
Burnside Bridge
Bust Of York
Bust Of York
Cadillac Cafe
Cadillac Cafe
Captain William Clark Monument
Captain William Clark Monument
Caruthers Park
Caruthers Park
Cathedral Park
Cathedral Park
|
  Cheryl'S On 12Th
| Cheryl'S On 12Th
Chiles Center
Chiles Center
Chiming Fountain
Chiming Fountain
Chinatown Gateway
Chinatown Gateway
Cinemagic Theater
Cinemagic Theater
Clinton Park
Clinton Park
Coffin Club
Coffin Club
Colonel Summers Park
Colonel Summers Park
Columbia Park
Columbia Park
Coming Of The White Man
Coming Of The White Man
Commodore Hotel
Commodore Hotel
Concordia University Portland
Concordia University Portland
Congregation Neveh Shalom
Congregation Neveh Shalom
Congregation Shaarie Torah
Congregation Shaarie Torah
Consulate Of Mexico, Portland
Consulate Of Mexico, Portland
Couch Park
Couch Park
Council Crest Park
Council Crest Park
Crystal Ballroom
Crystal Ballroom
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Cully Park
Cully Park
Dan And Louis Oyster Bar
Dan And Louis Oyster Bar
Darcelle Xv Plaza
Darcelle Xv Plaza
Darcelle Xv Showplace
Darcelle Xv Showplace
Davenport
Davenport
David Campbell Memorial
David Campbell Memorial
Dawson Park
Dawson Park
Delta Cafe
Delta Cafe
Delta Park
Delta Park
Der Rheinlander
Der Rheinlander
Director Park
Director Park
Dog Bowl
Dog Bowl
Duniway Park
Duniway Park
East Portland Branch, Public Library Of Multnomah County
East Portland Branch, Public Library Of Multnomah County
Eastbank Esplanade
Eastbank Esplanade
Echo Theater
Echo Theater
Ed Benedict Park
Ed Benedict Park
Eem
Eem
Either/Or
Either/Or
|
  Elk Rock Gardens Of The Bishop'S Close
| Elk Rock Gardens Of The Bishop'S Close
Errol Heights Park
Errol Heights Park
|
  Esparza'S
| Esparza'S
Essex Park
Essex Park
Farewell To Orpheus
Farewell To Orpheus
Farragut Park
Farragut Park
Flavel Park
Flavel Park
Forest Park
Forest Park
|
  Frank'S Noodle House
| Frank'S Noodle House
Fremont Bridge
Fremont Bridge
Gabriel Park
Gabriel Park
Gammans Park
Gammans Park
George Himes Park
George Himes Park
George Park
George Park
George Washington
George Washington
Ghost Ship
Ghost Ship
Grant Park
Grant Park
Gypsy Restaurant And Velvet Lounge
Gypsy Restaurant And Velvet Lounge
Harney Park
Harney Park
Hawks Pdx
Hawks Pdx
Hawthorne Bridge
Hawthorne Bridge
Hazeltine Park
Hazeltine Park
Heathman Hotel
Heathman Hotel
Henry Thiele Restaurant
Henry Thiele Restaurant
Holladay Park
Holladay Park
Hollywood Theatre
Hollywood Theatre
Holon
Holon
Horse Brass Pub
Horse Brass Pub
Hoyt Hotel
Hoyt Hotel
|
  Huber'S Restaurant
| Huber'S Restaurant
International Harvester Company Warehouse
International Harvester Company Warehouse
International Rose Test Garden
International Rose Test Garden
Interstate Bridge
Interstate Bridge
Irving Park
Irving Park
Irving Street Kitchen
Irving Street Kitchen
Irvington
Irvington
|
  Jaciva'S Bakery And Chocolatier
| Jaciva'S Bakery And Chocolatier
|
  Jake'S Famous Crawfish
| Jake'S Famous Crawfish
Jamison Square
Jamison Square
Joan Of Arc
Joan Of Arc
Joe Etzel Field
Joe Etzel Field
Johnson Creek Park
Johnson Creek Park
Keller Fountain Park
Keller Fountain Park
Kelley Point Park
Kelley Point Park
Kelly Butte Natural Area
Kelly Butte Natural Area
Kennedy School
Kennedy School
Kenton Park
Kenton Park
Kern Park
Kern Park
|
  Kim Jong Grillin'
| Kim Jong Grillin'
King Albert Hall
King Albert Hall
La Carreta Mexican Restaurant
La Carreta Mexican Restaurant
|
  Ladd'S Addition
| Ladd'S Addition
Lair Hill Park
Lair Hill Park
Laurelhurst Park
Laurelhurst Park
Laurelwood Pub And Brewery
Laurelwood Pub And Brewery
Le Happy
Le Happy
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center
Lents Park
Lents Park
Lincoln Hall
Lincoln Hall
Lloyd Center
Lloyd Center
Lloyd District
Lloyd District
Lone Fir Cemetery
Lone Fir Cemetery
Lovejoy Columns
Lovejoy Columns
Lovejoy Fountain Park
Lovejoy Fountain Park
Loyal B. Stearns Memorial Fountain
Loyal B. Stearns Memorial Fountain
Lutz Tavern
Lutz Tavern
Marquam Nature Park
Marquam Nature Park
Martini Glass Sign
Martini Glass Sign
Mccoy Park
Mccoy Park
Mckenna Park
Mckenna Park
Merchant Hotel
Merchant Hotel
Mill Ends Park
Mill Ends Park
Moda Center
Moda Center
Montavilla Park
Montavilla Park
Morrison Bridge
Morrison Bridge
Mt. Scott Park
Mt. Scott Park
Multnomah University
Multnomah University
National Cash Register Building
National Cash Register Building
Ned Flanders Crossing
Ned Flanders Crossing
Neuberger Hall
Neuberger Hall
Normandale Park
Normandale Park
Northwest Film Center
Northwest Film Center
Nostrana
Nostrana
Nuestra Cocina
Nuestra Cocina
O Cruceiro
O Cruceiro
Oaks Amusement Park
Oaks Amusement Park
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Ocean City Seafood Restaurant
Ocean City Seafood Restaurant
Old Town / Chinatown
Old Town / Chinatown
Old Town Pizza
Old Town Pizza
Olive Or Twist
Olive Or Twist
Oregon College Of Oriental Medicine
Oregon College Of Oriental Medicine
Oregon Health & Science University
Oregon Health & Science University
Oregon Historical Society
Oregon Historical Society
Oregon Holocaust Memorial
Oregon Holocaust Memorial
Oregon Museum Of Science And Industry
Oregon Museum Of Science And Industry
Oregon Park
Oregon Park
Oregon Zoo
Oregon Zoo
Oriental Theatre
Oriental Theatre
|
  Otto'S Sausage Kitchen
| Otto'S Sausage Kitchen
Overlook Restaurant
Overlook Restaurant
Pambiche Cocina And Repostería Cubana
Pambiche Cocina And Repostería Cubana
|
  Papi Chulo'S
| Papi Chulo'S
Paris Theatre
Paris Theatre
Parklane Park
Parklane Park
Peace Chant
Peace Chant
Peninsula Park
Peninsula Park
Peter Stott Center
Peter Stott Center
Pettygrove Park
Pettygrove Park
Pier Park
Pier Park
Pioneer Courthouse
Pioneer Courthouse
Pioneer Courthouse Square
Pioneer Courthouse Square
Pioneer Place
Pioneer Place
Pittock Mansion
Pittock Mansion
Por Que No
Por Que No
Portland Art Museum
Portland Art Museum
Portland Building
Portland Building
Portland City Grill
Portland City Grill
Portland Firefighters Park
Portland Firefighters Park
Portland Institute For Contemporary Art
Portland Institute For Contemporary Art
Portland International Airport
Portland International Airport
Portland International Raceway
Portland International Raceway
Portland Japanese Garden
Portland Japanese Garden
Portland State University
Portland State University
Portlandia
Portlandia
|
  Portland'S Centers For The Arts
| Portland'S Centers For The Arts
Powell Park
Powell Park
Produce Row Café
Produce Row Café
Providence Park
Providence Park
Rimsky-Korsakoffee House
Rimsky-Korsakoffee House
Ring Of Time
Ring Of Time
River View Cemetery
River View Cemetery
Rose City Park
Rose City Park
Ross Island Bridge
Ross Island Bridge
Sacajawea And Jean-Baptiste
Sacajawea And Jean-Baptiste
Sacajawea Park
Sacajawea Park
Salmon Street Springs
Salmon Street Springs
Screen Door
Screen Door
Sellwood Park
Sellwood Park
Sellwood Riverfront Park
Sellwood Riverfront Park
Sewallcrest Park
Sewallcrest Park
Shanghai Tunnel Bar
Shanghai Tunnel Bar
Shift Drinks
Shift Drinks
Shriners Hospital For Children
Shriners Hospital For Children
Simon Benson House
Simon Benson House
Skidmore Old Town Historic District
Skidmore Old Town Historic District
South Park Blocks
South Park Blocks
South Waterfront Greenway
South Waterfront Greenway
South Waterfront Park
South Waterfront Park
|
  Spanish–American War Soldier'S Monument
| Spanish–American War Soldier'S Monument
Spanish–American War Veterans Memorial
Spanish–American War Veterans Memorial
Spirit Of 77
Spirit Of 77
St. Helens Court
St. Helens Court
St. Johns Bridge
St. Johns Bridge
St. Johns Park
St. Johns Park
St. Johns Racquet Center
St. Johns Racquet Center
Star Theater
Star Theater
Statue Of Abraham Lincoln
Statue Of Abraham Lincoln
Statue Of Paul Bunyan
Statue Of Paul Bunyan
Stratum
Stratum
Sunnyside School Park
Sunnyside School Park
Swan Island Municipal Airport
Swan Island Municipal Airport
Tanner Springs Park
Tanner Springs Park
Tasty N Alder
Tasty N Alder
Terry Schrunk Plaza
Terry Schrunk Plaza
The Alibi
The Alibi
The Dime Store
The Dime Store
The Dream
The Dream
The Fields Park
The Fields Park
The Oregonian Printing Press Park
The Oregonian Printing Press Park
The Parish
The Parish
The Roxy
The Roxy
The Woodsman Tavern
The Woodsman Tavern
Theodore Roosevelt, Rough Rider
Theodore Roosevelt, Rough Rider
Thor
Thor
Tideman Johnson Natural Area
Tideman Johnson Natural Area
Tikitotmoniki Totems
Tikitotmoniki Totems
Tilikum Crossing, Bridge Of The People
Tilikum Crossing, Bridge Of The People
Tom Mccall Waterfront Park
Tom Mccall Waterfront Park
Toro Bravo
Toro Bravo
Town Club
Town Club
Trenton Park
Trenton Park
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
Two Plum Park
Two Plum Park
Union Station
Union Station
Union Station / Northwest 6Th & Hoyt Street
Union Station / Northwest 6Th & Hoyt Street
University Of Portland
University Of Portland
University Of Western States
University Of Western States
Unthank Park
Unthank Park
Urban Hydrology
Urban Hydrology
Urban Plaza
Urban Plaza
Uss Blueback
Uss Blueback
Vault Cocktail Lounge
Vault Cocktail Lounge
Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park
Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park
Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Virginia Cafe
Virginia Cafe
Voices Of Remembrance
Voices Of Remembrance
Voodoo Doughnut
Voodoo Doughnut
Walk Of The Heroines
Walk Of The Heroines
Wallace Park
Wallace Park
Warner Pacific University
Warner Pacific University
Wellington Park
Wellington Park
Wells Fargo Center
Wells Fargo Center
Westmoreland Park
Westmoreland Park
White Stag Block
White Stag Block
Wildwood
Wildwood
Willamette National Cemetery
Willamette National Cemetery
Willamette Park
Willamette Park
Wilshire Park
Wilshire Park
Winter Rider No. 2
Winter Rider No. 2
|
  Wong'S King
| Wong'S King
Woodlawn Park
Woodlawn Park
Woodstock Park
Woodstock Park
Yale Union Laundry Building
Yale Union Laundry Building
Yankee Champion
Yankee Champion