In our wanderings, my wife and I are discovering new places all the time, but this one took us both by surprise. Wandering down 23rd, we came upon this shop while waiting for the Tavern & Pool location on the other end of the block to open up 10 minutes later. What a cool shop!
There are simply hundreds of microbrews on the shelves or in the coolers here, many of them obscure or unusual draughts, of all flavor profiles, from stouts to sours. Even drinking vinegar! Behind the counter, a healthy selection (~24) of brews are available for filling bottles and growlers. McMenamins alcohols, memorabilia and paraphernalia, souvenirs, gifts, interesting treats and snacks, and a healthy selection of "tools of the trade" (coasters, bottle openers, glassware, etc) fills out the shelving island in the center of the store.
If you can't find something you like here, head to a dive bar up the street and order a Budweiser, because this place isn't for you. I'm more of a hard alcohol imbiber myself, but I could get lost in the adventure of picking out a handful of cans (you can build your own 4-packs here!) and rolling the dice. In fact, the adventure has already begun! The 23rd Avenue Bottle Shop has jumped straight to the top of my go-to places when I want to try something new, exotic or just plain different!
