Most definitely my favorite bar. First time I met my wife here I despised her. Then a few months later we fell in love here, then I proposed to her here, then I celebrated my marriage here. This is actually one of two Jack Quinns in the US. This one just happens to be in Colorado Springs, Downtown off of Tejon Street. You will find the nicest employee's ever here, and if Mike is still working the bar, ask for a guiness. It will take him five minutes to pour, just like it should. Get foam on lips and enjoy.

For eats, never pass up their Corn Beef & Cabbage. Best I've ever had. For lunch get the Reuben, trust me, Reubens are a big deal for bar hoppers, and their reubens are some of the best. Oh yeah, and ask for Courage. Its an ale they haven't carried for years, but it hasn't stopped me from asking for it everytime. Your sure to get a lengthy explanation about why they don't carry it if you ask.

Edgefield- The Distillery

Probably one of the most chill spots on the planet. Plus the coolest club house imaginable.

Dick's Brewing Company - Centralia WA

$ - Not bad on the wallet, but not the cheapest...a place to drink with your meal, not a pub type hangout.

Dick's Brewing and Northwest Sausage and deli are located on old 99 north of Centralia WA. They offer a great selection of beer, and home made food stuffs. My personal favorites out of the brewery are the Dick Danger, which can be found in area stores, and their Barley Wine. The Danger is a dark and flavorful brew, not for the faint of heart. During the week this is a great place to stop in for lunch and a pint, I recommend the potato salad side choice, with...well, pretty much any of the sandwiches, the French dip is especially good.
On weekends they have a fairly good prime rib, but tend to be pretty busy. Outside seating is available in the summer months in a small garden setting. The staff is friendly and the environment is very laid back.

Dick's also offers meat processing and keg service...22oz bottles and variety packs of brew are also available.
A larger scale brewery was recently opened at another location, and they are planning on a second larger establishment just off of I-5 soon.

Check out their Website - Dicks Brewing Co

Edgefield

$-Can get a bit spendy, but not outrageous. Depends on your tastes, and how you spend your time there.

Built in the early 1900s as a poor farm, McMenamin's Edgefield is located in Troutdale Oregon....roughly a 15 minute drive from Portland in good traffic. There is too much history, and too many stories, to try and get into in this blog....the best way to experience it is to just walk down the mural covered hallways. Most surfaces inside of the hotel are covered in paintings reflecting the history of the building and local area. The company employs a troop of artists who add their personal touch to each property, my personal favorite is Myrna Yoder...once you see a few of her pieces it is very easy to recognize her work. Edgefield is a place in the northwest not to be missed, and I could go on for hours, so I'll stop here...check out the website. Edgefield Hotel

Oh...I forgot to mention, you can carry your beverage to all areas of the property, one of the best perks.

Whatever your fancy, you'll almost certainly find it...here are some of the things you will encounter on the grounds:

7 pubs; 2 restaurants; movie theater; herb gardens; executive golf course; winery(with tasting room); brewery; distillery; glass blowing; walking trails; vineyards; a full service spa with massage services, a massive soaking pool; and if you can believe it...an entire little pub dedicated to Jerry Garcia with live concerts playing all hours.

We are going to start this off with a true Northwest original...The McMenamin's company. Started by two brothers as a brewing company many a year ago, McMenamin's has grown into a mutli-million dollar a year giant with establishments reaching from southern Oregon (Roseburg Train station) to Northern Washington (Mill Creek Tavern). Amazingly, in most cases, their outposts still have the feel and warmth of a unique hometown hang out. Based on the love of beer, food, music, and art, their many locations have kept me coming for years now...and for years to come. The services and offerings vary from location to location, as does the type of establishment itself. Whether an early twentieth century poor farm, or an empty spot in a strip mall, the company finds it’s way to bring out the history and potential in whatever it touches.

The first locale we will start with is McMenamin’s Edgefield in Troutdale Oregon. This hotel/golf course/brewery/winery/theater/concert hall/distillery/etc…is the flagship of the corporation…at least in my opinion. I’ve never been to another place like it. In my next post I’ll share photos, descriptions and maybe a story or two

McMenamin’s Website

A new adventure begins...

A log of bubbly travels has begun...stay tuned for the first installments which will feature some McMenamin's establishments with photos, reviews, and notes on artwork.