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
- Introduction
- History and Founding Vision
- Influence on Portland’s Microbrew Revolution
- Pub Atmosphere and Authenticity
- Don Younger’s Legacy
- Community and Events
- Visiting Hours, Entry, and Accessibility
- Directions and Nearby Attractions
- Menu Highlights and Beer Selection
- Visitor Tips and Unique Experiences
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion and Further Resources
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).
Menu Highlights and Beer Selection
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
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- [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”
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References
- Horse Brass Pub Portland: Visiting Hours, History, and Beer Culture, 2007, Distilled Publishing
- Horse Brass Pub Visiting Hours, History & Portland’s Iconic Beer Culture, 2021, New School Beer
- Horse Brass Pub Portland: Visiting Hours, Menu, and Historic Pub Experience, 2025, Horse Brass Pub Official Website
- An Oral History of the Horse Brass, 2017, Willamette Week
- The Horse Brass Pub: Pinnacle of Perfection, 2013, The Beerchaser
- Draft Magazine - America’s Best Beer Bars, 2012, Draft Magazine
- Travel Portland - Explore Portland’s Cultural Scene, 2025, Travel Portland