Laurelwood Pub And Brewery

Laurelwood Pub and Brewery Portland: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Laurelwood Pub and Brewery has long been a pillar of Portland, Oregon’s celebrated craft beer culture. Established in 2001, Laurelwood was a trailblazer in creating a family-friendly brewpub experience, combining high-quality, award-winning beers with an inclusive atmosphere. This innovative approach helped broaden the appeal of craft brewing beyond traditional audiences and cemented Portland’s reputation as a welcoming, forward-thinking beer destination. Over the years, Laurelwood became known for its iconic Workhorse IPA and active participation in community festivals like the Portland Craft Beer Festival, deepening its community ties (Eater Portland).

While Laurelwood’s original flagship pub at 5115 NE Sandy Blvd closed permanently in August 2023, the brand continues to produce its renowned beers through contract brewing and maintains a presence in Portland’s taprooms and retail markets. The site is now home to Black Water PDX, a vegan bar, restaurant, and music venue, symbolizing Portland’s dynamic hospitality scene (Willamette Week; New School Beer). This guide provides updated visitor information, historical context, current beer availability, and tips to help you enjoy Laurelwood’s enduring legacy in Portland’s craft beer community.

Introduction
Visiting Hours, Location, and Ticket Info
Laurelwood’s Family-Friendly Legacy
Sustainability and Community Engagement
Signature Beers and Festival Presence
Navigating Industry Changes
Laurelwood’s Impact on Portland Brewing
Beer Education and Local Collaborations
Practical Visitor Information
Visual and Media Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Evolution of Laurelwood: History and Modern Era
Beer Selection and Tasting Experiences
Food, Ambiance, and Social Scene
Special Events and Local Attractions
Digital Engagement and Insider Tips
Laurelwood Brewing: Closure, Beer Access, and Black Water PDX
Summary and Final Tips
References

Visiting Hours, Location, and Ticket Information

Laurelwood’s flagship pub location at 5115 NE Sandy Blvd is now closed as of August 2023. The building is currently home to Black Water PDX, a vegan bar and music venue. Laurelwood’s beers are still widely available in Portland:

On Tap: Many local bars and restaurants serve Laurelwood’s classics like the Workhorse IPA.
Retail: Canned beers can be found at grocery stores including New Seasons, Fred Meyer, and Whole Foods.
Direct Orders: Purchase via the Laurelwood Brewing website.

For those wishing to visit the former pub location:

Black Water PDX Address: 5115 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR
Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Access: Off-street parking, public transit available, ADA accessible

No tickets are needed to visit either Laurelwood beer locations (retail/tap) or Black Water PDX. Reservations are recommended for large groups at Black Water PDX (Bridgetown Bites).

Laurelwood’s Family-Friendly Brewpub Legacy

Laurelwood pioneered Portland’s family-friendly brewpub concept, welcoming guests of all ages with kid-friendly amenities, diverse food menus, and a relaxed setting. This approach inspired other breweries in the city to create inclusive spaces and contributed to Portland’s reputation for accessible craft beer experiences (Eater Portland).

Sustainability and Community Engagement

Laurelwood’s commitment to sustainable brewing is reflected in its use of organic ingredients, partnerships with local suppliers, recycling programs, and waste reduction initiatives—values that resonate with Portland’s eco-conscious community (Festival2025.com). The brewery has championed these practices as part of its core identity.

Signature Beers and Festival Presence

Laurelwood’s Workhorse IPA and other flagship beers, such as Free Range Red and Tree Hugger Porter, are staples in Portland’s craft beer offerings. These beers are celebrated at prominent events like the Portland Craft Beer Festival, showcasing the city’s finest brews (Festival2025.com).

Navigating Industry Changes

Despite industry shifts and the closure of its physical pub, Laurelwood Brewing maintains a strong presence through contract brewing with Ninkasi Brewing in Eugene. Its beers are available on tap and in retail, ensuring the brand’s legacy endures (New School Beer).

Laurelwood’s Impact on Portland Brewing

By combining high-quality beer with thoughtful food pairings and family-friendly spaces, Laurelwood set a new standard for brewpubs in Portland. Its influence can be seen citywide in the welcoming, community-oriented approach of many local breweries.

Beer Education and Local Collaborations

Laurelwood has contributed to beer appreciation in Portland through educational events, brewery tours, and collaborations with local farms and businesses. While on-site tours are no longer available, the brewery continues to engage with the community through special releases and partnerships.

Practical Visitor Information

Accessibility: Black Water PDX and most retail/tap locations are ADA accessible.
Parking: Off-street parking at Black Water PDX and ample options citywide.
Reservations: Recommended for large groups at Black Water PDX or for special events.
Family-Friendly Alternatives: While Black Water PDX caters to adults, other Portland brewpubs offer kid-friendly spaces.

Visual and Media Resources

Explore images, virtual tours, and event updates via Laurelwood’s and Black Water PDX’s official websites and social media. Highlights include shots of award-winning beers and the vibrant, reimagined space at 5115 NE Sandy Blvd.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where can I find Laurelwood beer in Portland?
A: On tap at many local bars/restaurants and in cans at grocery stores citywide.

Q: Is the original Laurelwood Pub open?
A: No, it closed in August 2023. The site is now Black Water PDX.

Q: Can I tour the brewery?
A: Onsite brewery tours are no longer offered, but Laurelwood beers are widely available.

Q: Is Black Water PDX family-friendly?
A: It is primarily adult-oriented. Families can visit other local brewpubs with amenities for children.

Evolution of Laurelwood: History and Modern Era

Early Days: Laurelwood fostered community with a focus on family-friendly dining and locally sourced, organic ingredients.
Expansion: As Portland’s craft beer scene grew, Laurelwood broadened its offerings, added locations, and became a beer tourism destination.
Modern Era: Laurelwood’s partnership with Legacy Breweries and contract brewing expanded its reach, even after the closure of its flagship pub.

Beer Selection and Tasting Experiences

Laurelwood’s beer range has included nearly 400 varieties over the years, from staples like Workhorse IPA to seasonal releases. Tasting flights, tap takeovers, and special events are still available at partner venues and city festivals.

The original Laurelwood pub was known for pairing classic pub fare with innovative, locally sourced dishes. The new Black Water PDX offers a 100% vegan menu, live music, and a relaxed, social atmosphere with communal tables and a rooftop patio.

Special Events and Local Attractions

Black Water PDX hosts regular live shows, record sales, and community events. Visitors can also explore nearby Portland attractions like Powell’s City of Books, the Japanese Garden, and the Pearl District.

Digital Engagement and Insider Tips

Stay connected with Laurelwood and Black Water PDX via their websites and social media for the latest beer releases, venue updates, and event calendars. Use beer-finding apps or the brewery’s online tools to locate Laurelwood beers citywide.

Laurelwood Brewing: Closure, Beer Access, and Black Water PDX

After the closure of Laurelwood’s physical pub, the brewery’s beers remain available throughout Portland. Black Water PDX now operates in the former Laurelwood location, offering vegan dining, live music, and a record store (Willamette Week; Bridgetown Bites). For the latest offerings, events, and beer locations, check Laurelwood’s official website and social media.

Summary and Final Tips

Laurelwood Pub and Brewery has shaped Portland’s craft beer culture through innovation, community engagement, and sustainable practices. Although its flagship pub has closed, Laurelwood’s beers remain a local favorite and the legacy continues through new venues and partnerships. Visitors can still enjoy the spirit of Laurelwood by seeking out their beers across Portland and experiencing Black Water PDX’s unique take on food and music (Eater Portland; Festival2025.com; Willamette Week; New School Beer).

Tips for Visitors:

Use beer apps to locate Laurelwood beers on tap.
Check Black Water PDX’s event calendar for live music and happenings.
For family-friendly brewery experiences, explore other Portland brewpubs.
Visit during weekday afternoons for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Immerse yourself in Portland’s craft beer heritage and evolving hospitality scene—Laurelwood’s story continues to inspire both locals and visitors.