Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill Unveils Renovations and Expanded Craft Beer Program
PORTLAND, Ore., June 14, 2012-The Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill’s original Portland property has long offered a quality gastropub experience and an exceptional beer list at their historic Old Town location. Now, the iconic downtown destination has unveiled a beautiful interior refresh, and expanded craft beer list – offering 32 brews on tap -featuring local breweries like Burnside Brewing, Fort George Brewery and Walking Man Brewing.
“The downtown Thirsty Lion is where it all started,” said John Plew, President & CEO of Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill. “Within these walls we planted the seed of combining craft beers with serious cuisine in a lively environment, and this recipe has grown into three successful Thirsty Lion locations,” continues Plew, referring to a second pub in Washington Square in Tigard, Oregon, and a newly opened third property in Tempe, Arizona. “As our pioneering property, what we do here illustrates our vision for the brand, and that vision is quality food, quality beer, and bringing together the local community.”
Located on a bustling corner in Old Town Portland, the classic 1896 cast iron fronted building is a snapshot of historic Portland, while the new interior bridges classic with modern. New dark wood tables with rattan chairs, and deep plush booths surround the main bar. A global menu focused on using fresh ingredients compliments the robust beer offerings, to create a classic gastropub experience.The horseshoe shaped bar is capped with flat screen TVs airing sporting games from obscure soccer matches to major league football.
Executive Chef Keith Castro relishes creating unique dishes that pair well with craft beers, as well as using them in many of the house recipes. Menu highlights include gastropub fare like Traditional Scotch Eggs wrapped in pork sausage, as well as unexpected worldly cuisine such as a Seared Ahi Salad topped with wasabi ginger vinaigrette and Kung Pao Chicken with spicy soy ginger glaze, Szechuan chilies and sticky rice.
Seasonality and fresh ingredients are core elements of Castro’s menu and shine in the Grilled Pear & Gorgonzola Salad and popular specials such as Beer Steamed Shell Fish. The new menu also features elevated beer-centric dishes like I.P.A Beer Battered Fish & Chips using Bridgeport IPA and Beer Cheese Soup. The robust beer program, also headed by Castro, consists of a booming selection of local craft beers, including a rotating selection of 32 brews on tap.
Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill in Old Town is located at 71 SW 2nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97204. For more information call 503-222-2155 or visit www.thirstylionpub.com/portland.