STAMMTISCH: PORTLAND’S BAR OF THE YEAR

What Makes A Bar Great, And Why Stammtisch?

Have you been to Germany for Octoberfest?

To Prague in the Czech Republic for their famous beers?

I haven’t, but plans for a beer run to Central Europe seems like a good idea.

Instead of a steady diet of cathedrals, museums, and castles, why not a beer haus?

When I read about Portland’s bar of the year, and that Stammtisch is strictly German beer, I hit the road.

That was enough to make a Beck’s Bomber fan yearn for a wider palette.

More important, I had to know how Stammtisch made bar of the year so early in the calendar.

The answer was right in front of me upon arrival.

The Stammtisch website, stammtischpdx.com, says, “German Bier, Food And Tradition.”

They had German beer. It was a delight, so much so that I broke down and bought the big mug.

Just one.

I never go that far, but it was the first time I tasted Bitburger Pils. Easy to get carried away.

They had German food. The food and beer matched up perfectly.

And the tradition? What is Stammtisch tradition?

It’s what makes a bar Bar Of The Year.

I showed up with my Euro-consultant who’s been to Germany.

He knows the drill on both food and beer in Europe. Well versed. An expert.

As a brewer and cook in his own orbit, his opinion was important.

We sat down, looked around, and noticed a vibe unlike any other bar.

“Is this was it’s like in Germany?” I asked.

“It’s getting there.”

The place was lively on a warm day with the windows opened to the neighborhood.

Every seat was filled. Glasses raised. Happy chatter.

And many tall people, including owner Dan Hart.

Even the delivery guys were tall. A tall bar.

I talked to a guy and asked what he thought of Stammtisch.

“I’m tired of the over-hopped IPA world in Portland. Every beer comes out with a load of hops.

“How many variations can there be?

“Last month I began a cleansing routine. I started with Coors Light. That cleans out the hops hangover.

“Then I had to decide which way to go. One stop here made it clear. Go German beer or go home.”

Cleansing routine? Coors light? It was like he was talking a different language.

Portland beer is a celebration, a national treasure. The Portland brand is uniquely hoppy.

But it’s a New World thing. If you want to start over, if you want to re-set your beer taste buds, why not go Olde World?

Stammtisch is just that. Olde World in modern times.

What makes a bar Bar of the Year?

It’s the people. We shared tastes, compared notes, all the beer lover stuff you find in a SE food cart bar, but it was German.

And it was wonderful. How wonderful?

You’ve got to see it to believe it.

They pour the right way in glasses that take you home, even if you’re a German rookie.

Find Stammtisch for your next beer run, then book tickets to Germany and points east.

It felt like that was the next reasonable step. Or back to Stammtisch.