Bridgeport Ale House   

In 1997, Oregon's oldest microbrewery, Bridgeport Brewing, added this second brewpub venture in the heart of Hawthorne, where it has long been the eastside go-to destination for pints of traditional cask-conditioned microbrews. The black I-beams supporting blanketed Firkin kegs in the center bar made the point well. Today, the traditional pub-style bar no longer drives the restaurant. Chef Mike Clark revamped the menu to match the restaurant's freshly updated NW-influenced interior, enticing diners with a range of innovative dishes built from locally and regionally sourced ingredients. The affordable menu still includes the hallmark fire-grilled pizza and beer still plays a strong role, particularly in the way it is matched to dishes (if in doubt, ask a well-trained server). Try made-from-scratch soups (especially the stout based French onion), fresh salads, unique sandwiches (like the delicious oyster po'boy), and a range of seasonal specials like Brie and apple stuffed chicken breast over hazelnut couscous; crusted rockfish; and wild Oregon salmon pan-roasted with wild Chanterelles. A stronger wine program with 12 wines by the glass also has been added, including a pouring system that eliminates oxygen in the bottles.