Evasion Brewing

Nestled in the more modernized “goat blocks” area of central eastside’s Buckman neighborhood, Evasion Brewing serves amazing beers and grub - all completely gluten free! With a lovely patio boasting an amazing view of the west hills, there’s pretty much no better place to spend an afternoon or evening on a warm, sunny Portland day, whether you are gluten free or not!

I used to be a big craft beer drinker years ago and visited many breweries while I lived in California and during my travels. If there was a world class brewery somewhere I was headed, I was sure to visit for at least a tasting, if not a growler or two.

When I finally confirmed my issues with gluten, I tried a few gluten free beers, but was always disappointed. I got more into whiskey, mezcal, craft cocktails, and wine and never really looked back. I figured beer was just one of those things that could never be good gluten free - much how gluten free bread was at the time. Well I’m absolutely thrilled to have recently been proven wrong!

The current owners of Evasion brewing had a similar experience to my own after co-owner, Josh, was diagnosed with celiac years ago. Of the gluten free beers they had tried though, Evasion was their favorite, so when production was halted by the previous owner and the brewery went up for sale, Josh and his co-owner and wife, Becky, jumped at the chance to take over something great, and make it even more amazing. From my first sip of the Czech Mate Pilsner on my tasting tray, it was like being transported back in time, where I could spend a carefree sunny afternoon drinking beer again without feeling anything but a happy, satisfied buzz afterwards.

As a reference point for my tastes, some of my favorite beers in the past have been Russian River Blind Pig, Flying Dog Raging Bitch, Dogfish Head 90 minute IPA, Bear Republic Racer 5, Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA, Lagunitas Pils and Little Sumpin Sumpin, Sierra Nevada Torpedo and Old Chico, Smog City Coffee Porter, Great Divide Oak Aged Yeti, Knee Deep Tanilla, Hoptologist, and Simtra and so many more.

My initial tasting flight consisted of: Czech Mate Pilsner, Hazy, Hophoria, and Mai Bock. It was a warm 74 degree April Saturday in Portland - perfect beer drinking weather on such a great patio. The beers went down so easy. The Pilser and Hophoria were by far my favorites, but everything was great, including the imperial stout I snagged from my friend, even though it was definitely not stout drinking weather.

As the entire place is gluten free, I had to of course sample the food as well, especially when I saw they had a Reuben on the menu. That’s an old favorite sandwich I haven’t been able to enjoy in years. They serve it on Franz gluten free bread with potato chips and a Grillo pickle (one of my favorites!). Everything was delicious!

I could not believe how much I had missed beer until I was able to truly enjoy it again like I did here. I kept expecting my belly to bloat up and start aching, but it never happened. I walked out satisfied and thrilled!

Evasion’s Portland tasting room location is like a little mini urban oasis with one of the best west-facing views around. If you’ve been wowed by the patio at Noble Rot or the Revolution Hall rooftop bar, you will love spending a warm afternoon or evening here watching the sun set over the west hills. You can then bounce over to Hopscotch right next door for a super fun, immersive art experience!

Cheers!