As a big fan of Crux brews I was stoked to see this PDX location open a couple of years back, and happy to see the creativity, vibe and level of service is still spot on. This isn't one of the fancier brewpubs in Portland (looking at you 10 Barrel and Deschutes) but that's never been the Crux brand so I'm happy to see them stick to their down to the earth origins and focus on making really good beer. The bar is nice and long and a good place to post up for a couple of pints, with plenty of cheery tenders to pour them for you. The space is overall industrial-feeling with tall ceilings and minimalist decor and mostly bare walls inside, but there's also an outside patio area with picnic tables in the parking lot, though that's best in the summer. We got the General Tso Cauliflower to start which was a great share plate, with awesome flavor in the sauce, though the actual cauliflower was a bit undercooked. Still, we polished it off no problem. Fish tacos were also a good call, and the thin, crispy fries were a crowd favorite. There are so many good sours, IPAs and other craft beer options here, my buddy just opted for the 4-brew flight (mostly IPAs) which we all sampled and loved, though it's kinda pricy for what's basically 20 ounces of beer. The one-off vintage 14% special beers are where it's at, but at that ABV level, we just decided to share one barrel aged Imperial Stout. So friggin caramelly and delish - the perfect dessert. The space was pretty quiet for a Saturday night but our service was absolutely next level, so it made for a super pleasant gathering for our small group. The food at this Crux location is probably best described as better-than-average pub fare, but not mouth-watering, and the ambiance is low key but also nothing super special. The beer and the staff though, are awesome, so I will be back for more. read more

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Awesome beers. Good location with lots of parking. Like the outdoor seating. Food was decent. Great spot for groups. read more

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I love Crux and I always had a great time and experience since last summer of 2023. There is always plenty of staff and service has been pretty great. I love the rotation of taps and the food options have something for everyone. The brewery is 2 stories and has a good amount of seats in the bar. Upstairs there are more seating options and a little play area for the kids. One of my previous visits, there was a private party happening in the space next to where we sat at. There is also outdoor seating in the big parking lot which is now free parking when attending the brewery. With so many options of beer to choose from, if I go with my sister and brother in law, we opt for the tasting tray. The staff does a good job explaining what is available and what got tapped out. For food, I will usually get a sandwich with fries and the portion is usually generous. My brother in law loves theirs fries as they are more unique stay crisp with each bite. Staff does a great job in checking in on how we are doing. We always feel welcome with each visit and I have brought friends over the past year and half to enjoy the Crux experience! read more

Such a nice brewpub, with sleek decor and plenty of seating inside, a party room upstairs, and patio seating along their parking lot (so not a great view in the industrial area they're located in). Our server was great & happy to answer our questions. The Hubs & I each had a flight of beers to try some options and peruse their food menu. Then we ordered their ESB on nitro & their barrel-aged red ale to enjoy with our meal. All their beers we tried were fantastic! For food we shared the General Tao's cauliflower & the pork loin sammie with their housemade seasoned potato chips, and everything was delicious. They aren't in a location where you'd just wander by on foot, but definitely worth visiting the industrial area they're in to pay them a visit. They have a secure, private parking lot that's free on the weekends & free after 5p on weekdays, and just a $1 an hour on weekdays before 5p. read more

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Cool taproom, spaced out outdoor patio, good beers. Service was not so cool ~ needless wait at the counter watching two servers straight across, see customers standing and continued to talk. After a minute I lifted my hand politely and they finally paused and one guy poured a pint. They continued talking throughout. This is not hard work. Need to work on the cocktails. read more

Crux Fermentation Project - Cocktail 90% ice $12 - Brewpubs Near Me - Portland, Oregon

The improvements of their outdoor space is awesome! Thank you for that, from devoted Crux beer-lovers. We make it a point to come here when we are in Bend, and now we will stay longer, and come more often. The music playing on the speakers was an extra treat, thank you. Again, made us want to stay longer. Well done, decision makers! read more

Kellie (sorry on the spelling), and Chip were just on it and awesome! My buddy and I met for a dog-friendly lunch today and ended up staying way too long, haha. Great atmosphere, and Chip went out of the way to put these fire table top furnaces on for us. Beer, it's Crux, so nuff said, it's great, and it's Portland so high praise. Food! Burgers (friend got the lunch special), and I got the fish and chips and we both got the soup. I would skip the fish--just me, as albacore can get a little dry, but very well seasoned and the sauces are tops! Burger was juicy and that crust...yes! Soup, was chicken veggie, needed some salt, but totally scratch-made. Stand outs here are just the great service and beverages. If you haven't been, go now! read more

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Crux is a quality brewpub, well worth the visit. Great food options, plenty of beers and ciders and fantastic service. Hopefully they continue to expand and grow their footprint beyond the PNW read more

We first visited their brewery in Bend and loved their selection of libations. We were happy to find out they added a second location in our neighborhood! We have a 1 year old so are always on the hunt for toddler-friendly breweries. Hopworks is currently the one to beat. Cruz had a play kitchen and a handful of toys to keep my son happy... however, this is upstairs and I have a deathly fear of him falling down the stairs so my husband and I were constantly playing defense up there. However, I was very grateful when the owner brought up a small plate of fries (and two beer samples for us!) to keep us all happy while we were waiting for our food to arrive. We shared a flight of various beers (saison, brown ale, hazy ipa, etc.) and shared the hot pastrami and burrata and beet salad. All the ingredients were fresh, the bread super soft, and the fries hot and well-seasoned. We would definitely eat (and drink) here again. Finally, not sure about the parking situation. There was a lot that said it was pay to park during certain hours, and street parking was easily accessible when we visited (Friday after work). read more

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Best chopped cheese I've had in a while! Must have been the added candied bacon The beer selection is one of the best around. Creative varieties, including barrel aged brews Will be back:) read more

Really good NA beers, cheers Crux!! I had the watermelon crab salad & was impressed there was a lot of crab meat!! It was delicious and refreshing!! The fries are pretty stellar too!! Service was excellent, everyone was super friendly. Smiles all around! Indoor and outdoor seating available , & clean atmosphere - even the bathrooms! read more

Crux Fermentation Project - Watermelon crab salad!! - Brewpubs Near Me - Portland, Oregon

-wings and Brussels -pretzel for two -Merch!!! Drool -plenty of beer options, Crux wine and even gin or bourbon cocktails -go now, be happy! Crux in Portland!? I thought it would never happen and so glad I don't have to drive 3.5hrs for one of my favorite beer spots. Off the beaten path on SE near a few other brewers and totally bikable or e-bikeable! We parked on the street but looks like the parking lot could be a paid options IDK. read more

Crux Fermentation Project - Brewpubs Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I'd been to the location in Bend but didn't realize there was one in Portland. Grabbed a quick lunch with a friend, where we split a Thai Turkey burger and a Beet Burrata salad - both were perfect for a filling but not too heavy summer meal. I didn't grab anything to drink, but they're a brewery so try any of their beers or ciders for happy hour or dinner when you don't have to rush back to work. You'll have to find street parking. And they have both indoor and outdoor seating! read more

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We came here last week for Burger Week and had a great experience. The service was pretty quick and friendly. I really enjoyed their burger - which had hatch Chile and cojita cheese. I was also impressed with their shaved flat fries, something that I hadn't seen. I would definitely come here again. read more

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I was telling my friend that Crux's local taproom just opened, so we decided to check it out. I used to come to this space a lot when it was Vagabond RIP. I like what they did to the space keeping its nice open air feel. I did miss the plane though. We didn't get any food, but the beers were all spot-on! JJ, our bartender, was super friendly and helpful. It was nice getting to chat with JJ, as my friend and I were getting a better understanding of the taproom. I find your bartender can really set the tone for a place, and JJ made us feel very welcome. The beers were tasty and cold as well as the cider I had in my flight. I'd never tried Crux's cider before and found it to be pleasantly tart with a bright apple flavor. The outdoor space seemed really nice as well. My friend in particular liked the hanging lights. I look forward to coming back and checking out some more beers with friends! read more

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Great new beer hall addition to PDX! I love their huge beer selection and Crux hardly ever disappoints with anything they put out. The Caesar salad and fries were also both delicious and fresh and service was friendly and knowledgeable . I'd highly recommend. read more

Crux Fermentation Project - Irish red - Brewpubs Near Me - Portland, Oregon

All bases covered , for alcohol , with cider, wines , batch cocktails , and a domination of ales and lagers. Burgers are for kids . But mostly adult menu consisting of some salads , sando's , and fish and chips. But ......however my favourite is the Charcuterie board . There is nothing not to like here, and everything to love . Staff and management are great. It's a higher end pub , and that $20 will not suffice. Parking has never been an issue. Plenty of seating and televisions. read more

Love this place! Came on a sunny fall day in late September for a Sunday lunch and got to eat outside. We were a party of 7 and sent the 4 kids upstairs to play in the kid zone (hello there, sweet Barbie dream house with teepee sleep tents on the top level, and a play kitchen!) while the adults found a sunny picnic table outside. The staff were so welcoming and understanding about our chaotic bunch, delivering kids menus and crayons and adult menus too of course. We had a few beer flights to sample some different IPAs, etc. Then we dove into food: warm pretzels, beet & burrata salad, a snack plate, Reuben, ceasar, kids pizza, noodles, burger and chicken strips. Very satisfying food and location! Do not be dismayed by the possible inevitability of the slow train blocking the drive over; re-route to Powell and it will all be worth it: you'll win a beer when you finally reach the Crux! read more

Came here for Burger Week ($8 burgers at 81 different Portland area places). Outstanding burger - "8th St. Wonder" - chopped burger with serranos, fried onions, candied bacon, pepper jack cheese, on a toasted hoagie bun. Wow! We paired it with the Tough Love Imperial Stout (delicious chocolate live and 14% ABV) and the Half Hitch IPA (9.5% ABV). The place itself is great - modern inside/ outside/ upstairs, clean harrdwoods). Service was outstanding and friendly! A gem in SE Portland. read more

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A great burger week spot. The outdoor seating was excellent and their burger was superb. Only was to improve it would have been to toast the bun a bit more. Otherwise excellent. Our server was prompt and friendly. And of course the beer selection is great. The seating inside is also quite nice but it was great to have outdoor options while the summer weather lasts. read more

What a GREAT burger!!! We ordered the Hatch Chili Burger. Soooo tasty!! We also had the best french fries and a 'Tangy Boomerang' Creamsicle sour beer. Everything was great!! The service was attentive and the ambience was chill and good music! It was a a wonderful place to grab a tasty bite! read more

This may be my favorite new brewery in Portland. They've got some really excellent, interesting beers going. The Gypsy Coolship Farmhouse Ale may have been my favorite, it tasted similar to a Duchesse de Bourgogne but not as boozy. The Ribbon of Darkness Imperial Porter was also delicious and surprising, as complex as your dessert stouts but without that syrupy sweetness that can be overwhelming. The space is elegant inside and out, and the staff is friendly and knows their beer. read more

This is a nice brewery with a variety of outdoor, indoor, and upstairs seating options. The patrons provide a pleasant vibe. The staff are friendly and provide good service. I enjoyed a flight of four beers. There are a good variety of styles to choose from. I had an IPA and three different stouts. The food menu lacks vegan options. read more

Crux Fermentation Project - Half Hitch, Nitro Crux Stout, Buckeye Stout, Slow Rush (2024) - Brewpubs Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Love the beer and food here but just have to say our group received tremendously awful service here. Came here for happy hour on a Thursday . We had a great first waitress. She closed off her shift, we closed out with her, and handed us off to our second waitress. We had been there for a couple of hours and ordered our first round with Hannah, our new waitress. She came back shortly after and forcefully left the ToastTab with us. Member of our party said we were still in the middle of our food and drinks, didn't matter. She said we were done and "had been there for too long" so I guess it was time to go? If we were too loud, then I would have expected a warning or an ask to tone it down. No indication that we had been causing any problems. I was not aware that there was a time limit on how long anyone party could be here. It was an unfortunate ending to an afternoon we as a group had been looking forward to for a few weeks. One of our party even went to ask if we had been causing issues and to apologize. He was met with no explanation other than, "you have been here for 3 hours/too long". It's a shame because I'm a big fan of crux in Bend. Unfortunately here we ran into passive aggressive poor service. read more

I've enjoyed Crux in Bend for years. I found out about this Southeast portland location while searching for a place to meet friends for drinks before a show at the Alladin. SO good. All of the food and beer was really good. I especially liked the burrata on toast. read more

Crux Fermentation Project - Burrata on toast - Brewpubs Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Heard you are closing. Honest feedback, my wife and I would have went there more if the food was better. The location doesn't get a lot of foot traffic and now 2 breweries have failed there (we went to Vagabond from time to time). Portland has a lot of breweries. Both the food and beer need to be really good to succeed. Thank you for trying to make this location work. read more

As a long-time beer geek i was stoked to hear crux was coming, then that they'd opened. I'd visited their first site, outside of Bend, a few years ago, and have enjoyed their beers as they appeared here. Seven IPAs on tap (!) but also 5 lagers (usually folks like one or the other), 20 taps in all. Such good service. soon after getting a table someone came by with a sample for each of us. Oh yeah, the beer, all 4 IPAs we had were tasty, and varied. Didn't try the food but looked interesting, though a little pricey. They did a good job at making the space feel rustic, old barn wood all over. Welcome to Portland Crux! Staff told us they've been doing strong business since opening 8 days ago. read more

Great service, very good beer - good esp. in IPA styles! Bought a six pack of "A-IPA" to take home. It's been my fav for refreshing taste and drinkability. One of the best in Oregon micro IPA's. I'll be revisiting and buying again! read more

I have opinions. This review is specifically for the wings featured by Crux for Wing Week. I love birria and make it all the time so I was very excited to try the birria wings with the Guajillo sauce. First, they were advertised in WW as coming with a consome for dipping the wings. They showed a photo of it with the side sauce. This would have been awesome but they were not served that way. No side sauce. The Guajillo (rub? Sauce? It was like a wet rub.) was tasty but needed salt. I asked for blue cheese dressing so I could dip the wings in something, and the server brought me a dish of blue cheese crumbles. Perhaps what needed the most help was the wings were barely cooked through. While safe to eat, this leaves the skin gummy and the meat stringy. Gotta cook em to at least 175-180 to achieve crispy skin and tender juicy meat. Such a good idea, just need a little help next year on the execution. Beers are obviously very good, no issues there. read more

Excellent service!! Lynn was amazing server!! This place is fantastic!! Highly recommended!!! Food was fantastic, drinks & ambiance!! Check it out! read more

Crux Fermentation Project - Beer sampler! Crux Fermentation pdx! - Brewpubs Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Let me just keep this simple. If you want the best Caesar salad in Portland come to this place. Creamy, garlicky, nice hint of anchovy. Beer was great too. We had the glow stick, very nice hazy IPA. A lot of people don't understand how important it is to have fresh beer. The fresher the better. They make it right here they serve it right here it's terrific. read more

Stopped by to check out this new addition to the area. Beautiful continuation of Vagabong Brewing with typical Crux branding and ethos. Warm wood dominates the interior with soaring beams from 100 years ago. Super attentive and welcoming staff made sure I was offered samples of whatever I liked and never stopped smiling. The Crux Pils was spot-on with heady notes of biscuit and German hops. The Galaxy IPA was classic PacNW hood on aroma and mouth. Nothing is better than a classic Oregon OPA made by one of the OG masters-Larry Sidor. I say, come down and try the bevvies and soak up the summer sun. read more

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Good selection of beers, friendly staff, and the appetizers are tasty. Would recommend

Great beers! Good food trucks and also food they serve themselves. Good outdoor atmosphere. read more

Crux from Bend is now in Portland. Interesting choice of location but there is tons of paid parking for $1 a hour behind gates. They're busy already and sold out of some specialty seasonal draft beers and two of the adult meals and all kids food menu today at 1pm on Father's Day. read more

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Stopped by on a lazy Sunday afternoon and frankly was kind of blown away. Great beer to start (LOVE the Japanese lager), but also stellar service, nice atmosphere for both indoor/outdoor seating, and - the topper - really, really good food (homemade pretzel with beer cheese and a wonderfully unique take on fish and chips). Add in a marketing department that actually understands what good swag is, and I'm slapping down a 5 star review. We will be back...even though we live 591 miles away! read more

Service is always great! And the food has been exceptional the last two times we have been there. The Thai burger and fish tacos both were delicious! read more

The food was great, the atmosphere was nice. The service was good and friendly people.

I really like their American Stout, but was confused when their menu had several more stouts, (* see more at the end if you want) Oh I like the stout much more than the PCT porter, haven't tried the peanut butter one, just knew it wasn't that one. Chopped cheese sandwich was really good, really chopped hamburger. The fries were perfect too. Not far from the Spring-Water bike trail. Pleasant outside but just a milk plant for a view. Quick service both times I was here. So far I haven't tried the wings but they don't include fries and version I was thinking of getting just a week ago is no longer on the menu. *(but 2 or 3 were imperial and one had peanut butter, so I figured the Nitro was the one I had before (once in a can from a store and once on draft here. Not quite as good as I remember but that is a matter of expectations I guess or maybe being on Nitro. I also confirmed it after by looking at their canned beer, this one for $5 was out, and the imperial one he showed me was $13!? Both in a Tan, Brown, black can - still have that can at home.) read more

Crux is an awesome concept! Love the outdoor seating when open. There's always something interesting and new tapped. I've not been a cider buff in the past but am warming up to them since trying theme here. Food options are fun and the Burger is kickin'! Will be back! read more