Migration Brewing on Williams is now open
Migration Brewing will open their new Williams ave. pub in N. Portland this Monday, March 8th 2021. This completes a quick 6 week turnaround from when Migration Brewing announced they would open a new pub in the closed Hopworks BikeBar (N. Williams Pub & Beergarden.) Migration on Williams will be the fourth location of the Portland based brewpub since closing their Burger Shack outpost in Lloyd Center Mall.
Hopworks BikeBar space became available as a turnkey lease last October, and Migration could have just switched out some of the branding and touched it up before reopening. Instead they have almost completely overhauled the interior into a stark, open space full of the brands signature color contrasts and clear bold lines. The changes seem especially appropriate for COVID times when airy and socially distanced spaces seem more appealing and communicate that this is not the same old brewpub. With just under 3,000’ sq. ft. of space, COVID restrictions limit the pub space to 8 tables indoors and the uncluttered layout will put small groups feel comfortably placed. Even more so if you venture out into the 2,000 sq. ft. back patio with another 19 tables to choose from.
From the bar 18 taps of Migration Brewing beers flow alongside a full liquor selection and beer and booze pairings, plus, Underwood cans of wine, cider from Reverend Nat’s and Double Mountain, non-alcoholic beer from Athletic Brewing and craft sodas. A few televisions will play Timbers and Blazers games and the bar will have happy hour from 3-5pm on weekdays. Like Hopworks before them, Migration Williams is family friendly but sans the old play area from BikeBar they are instead using that space to open up more seats and spacing for customers.
Behind the pub a semi-secluded back patio bumps up against an open alley and mixed use developments going up around the block. Migration has lined up high bar-style seating around a large bioswale that cushions the noise and activity of the neighborhood with a peaceful wetland where storm drains recycle rainwater for the LEED certified building. This is one of the largest patios on this side of town and offers both covered and uncovered dog-friendly seating areas, with fire pits and gas heaters.
The kitchen at Migration Williams Pub will have it’s own flavor distinct from the other pubs thanks to new-old chef Lowell South, who worked at Migration’s original pub years back before spending time cooking in Montana and California. The food program is filled with the sort of satisfying pub cuisine that is deliciously finger licking, but that you may regret later. The type of foods vary from American east and west coast favorites, that range from Mexican influence to Chinese inspired, but all of it filtered through a west coast publican vision of dining out over pints.
A Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich with pimento cheese, apple hush puppies with a blue cheese dip, a cheese sauce lathered steak sandwich, and a queso nachos are great examples of what you can expect to find on the menu. The pub burger was a standout, a thick juicy patty topped with candied prosciutto, chili jam, mama lil’s aioli, rogue smokey blue cheese and a layer of arugula. Making things their own, the wings are Chinese takeout inspired General Tso’s-style with hoisin sauce, thai chilis, sesame seeds. Ask what the rotating beer on tap is, and also ask about the rotating selection of “table bacon.”
If you want to go a little healthier when out enjoying pints, the menu does have healthier and even vegan fare options too. Try the Broccoli and Sprouts with jalapeño vinaigrette and parmesan. Or a spinach salad, or the Portland favorite Quinoa bowl or black bean quesadilla. There is a kids menu too, here you can find mac & cheese, chicken tenders, grilled cheese, hamburger and even some fruit and veggies - booster seats provided.
Migration Brewing on Williams is now open 7 days a week from 11am-10pm at 3947 N Williams Ave. Portland, OR.
