Portland, Oregon, is renowned for its craft beer culture, quirky neighborhoods, and a love of all things local and handmade. It’s a city that takes its drinks seriously—whether you’re into haunted pub crawls, underground tunnels, or making your own pasta and sushi with a brew in hand.
With such a diverse range of activities, Portland offers experiences that go beyond just drinking; they’re about stories, history, and community.
We particularly enjoy the Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Beer Tasting for its combination of spooky underground history and a refreshing pint, and the Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl for its spooky storytelling and lively atmosphere. For those who want to combine cycling with craft beer, the guided bike tour is a perfect fit.
If you’re more inclined toward hands-on fun, the Pasta Making and Sushi Making Classes at local breweries are fantastic for food lovers who want to learn new skills and enjoy local brews. Whatever your style, Portland’s drinking tours promise an authentic taste of the city’s unique character—just remember to pace yourself and book early during peak tourist season.
- 1. Portland: Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Beer Tasting
- 2. Portland: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
- 3. Portland: Guided Bike Tour with Brewery Visits
- 4. Portland: Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery
- 5. Portland: Private or Shared Party Bike Pub Crawl
- 6. Portland: Sushi Making Class at a Local Brewery
- How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Portland
1. Portland: Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Beer Tasting
The Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour takes you beneath Portland’s Chinatown to explore a network of underground passages with a dark past. This 1.5-hour guided walk delves into stories of sailors, bootleggers, and ghostly legends. The tour is well-rated at 4.3/5 from over 100 reviews, which speaks to its engaging storytelling and atmospheric experience.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on Portland’s clandestine past—you’ll walk through tunnels that once served as routes for illicit activities, and learn about the city’s darker history. The tour is led by guides who share vivid details about the tunnels’ use for smuggling and illegal activities, giving you a visceral sense of what life was like in those shadowy corridors.
The experience wraps up with a special beer tasting in historic Old Town Pizza, where you can sip on a pint of Portland’s renowned craft beer, adding a satisfying end to your underground adventure.
This tour is perfect for history buffs or anyone interested in Portland’s hidden stories. The walking can be a bit narrow and dark, so comfortable shoes and a sense of curiosity are recommended.
Bottom Line: A fun, atmospheric tour that combines Portland’s underground lore with local brews—great for curious travelers and history fans alike.
2. Portland: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
For those who love a spooky story with their drink, the Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl offers an atmospheric two-hour exploration of downtown Portland’s most haunted spots. This tour, rated 4.4/5 from 30 reviews, weaves tales of pirates, murders, and government secrets across four different pubs and bars, making it both a ghost story and a social outing.
The highlight is the storytelling—hosts recount chilling tales behind each haunted site, including an Irish pub known for supernatural activity and Kelly’s Olympian, where spirits are said to linger. The tour’s lively, storytelling approach makes it ideal for groups who enjoy a mix of history, mystery, and a good drink.
Participants get to sample a cocktail or two while uncovering Portland’s darker side, making it a memorable night out.
While the tour is short and sweet, it’s best suited for those who enjoy ghost stories and spirited conversations. The atmosphere at each pub can vary, but many find the blend of history and hauntings a fun departure from typical bar-hopping.
Bottom Line: A spirited way to explore Portland’s haunted past, perfect for adventurous drinkers who love storytelling and a touch of the supernatural.
3. Portland: Guided Bike Tour with Brewery Visits
If you prefer your drinks paired with outdoor activity, the Guided Bike Tour with Brewery Visits is an excellent choice. This 3-hour ride explores Portland’s East Side neighborhoods, known for their vibrant craft beer scene, and includes visits to two local breweries. The tour is rated 4.5/5 from just 2 reviews, highlighting its quality and the engaging guides.
What sets this tour apart is its combination of cycling and beer tasting, making it ideal for active travelers who want to experience Portland’s neighborhoods firsthand. Your guide shares insights into Portland’s brewing scene while you pedal through areas with colorful street art and historic buildings.
The breweries selected are known for their distinctive local beers, giving you a taste of Portland’s innovative craft brewing culture. The tour is relatively short but packed with flavor, both in terms of scenery and beer.
It’s perfect for those who like a bit of physical activity and want to avoid the typical bar crawl. The bikes are suitable for most fitness levels, and you’ll get a real sense of Portland’s local vibe.
Bottom Line: A fun, active way to enjoy Portland’s craft beer scene—great for those who want to combine exercise with tasting Portland’s best brews.
4. Portland: Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery
For food lovers, the Pasta Making Class at a local brewery offers a hands-on experience in creating fresh pasta from scratch. At $75 per person, this two-hour class is beginner-friendly and perfect for date nights, groups, or solo travelers eager to learn a new skill while enjoying Portland’s craft beer.
This class includes lessons on kneading and shaping pasta dough, with each participant making assorted shapes to cook al dente. The instructor provides step-by-step guidance, making it accessible for all skill levels, and the brewery setting adds a relaxed vibe.
During the class, you’ll sip on local brews, enhancing the fun and flavor of the experience. Many participants enjoy the social aspect, sharing tips and laughs as they learn.
This activity stands out because it combines culinary skill-building with Portland’s brew scene, making it a memorable mix of taste and technique. While the focus is on pasta, the skills are easily transferable to other Italian dishes, and you get to enjoy your creations afterward.
Bottom Line: A fun, interactive way to learn pasta-making, paired with Portland’s best beers—perfect for foodies and those wanting a relaxed, engaging experience.
5. Portland: Private or Shared Party Bike Pub Crawl
For a lively, social experience, the Party Bike Pub Crawl offers a 2-hour pedal-powered tour of Portland’s favorite bars. With a 15-seater party bike, you can celebrate birthdays, friends’ nights out, or just a fun way to see the city’s nightlife. The tour is customizable, with guides leading the group through three curated bars, all while dancing and singing along to onboard music.
What makes this tour particularly fun is the combination of entertainment and local flavor. Guides are described as knowledgeable and eccentric, adding personality and humor to the ride. Each tour ends with a polaroid photo—an instant souvenir of your Portland party.
The tour is suitable for groups of friends looking for a relaxed, yet energetic experience, with plenty of opportunities to socialize, dance, and pedal along.
This option is a great value at $25 per person, especially if you’re after a memorable group experience. The main consideration is that it’s a lively, loud adventure—less suited for those seeking quiet, intimate drinks.
Bottom Line: Perfect for groups wanting a fun, interactive way to experience Portland’s nightlife in a lively, social setting.
6. Portland: Sushi Making Class at a Local Brewery
For those who prefer sushi over pasta, the Sushi Making Class at a local brewery is a top pick. Also priced at $75, this 2-hour class guides you through the process of making sushi rice and rolling sushi with bamboo mats, led by a talented chef. It’s beginner-friendly, making it accessible to everyone, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice.
Participants learn essential skills, including how to prepare sushi rice and make various rolls, all while sipping on Portland’s local brews. The instructor emphasizes step-by-step technique, so you come away with both knowledge and a full belly of delicious sushi. Many attendees appreciate the relaxed atmosphere—perfect for date nights or group outings—and the experience often sparks a new hobby.
What sets this experience apart is its focus on hands-on sushi skill-building combined with local beer, making it a fun way to enjoy Portland’s culinary scene. The class is accessible for all skill levels, and you get to take home your sushi creations.
Bottom Line: A tasty, educational experience for sushi lovers who want to pair their food with Portland’s craft beers.
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Portland
When selecting the best tour for your trip, consider your interests, fitness level, and budget. If you love history and spooky stories, the Shanghai Tunnel Tour or Haunted Pub Crawl are excellent.
For active explorers, the bike tour combines sightseeing and tasting, while foodies will enjoy the pasta or sushi making classes. Budget travelers might appreciate the party bike pub crawl for its fun and affordable approach.
Booking early during Portland’s busy season ensures you won’t miss out—especially on popular activities like cooking classes or pub crawls. Think about whether you want a guided walk, a hands-on class, or a lively social experience. Each option offers a distinct way to experience Portland’s vibrant drinking scene with local flair.
To sum it up, Portland’s drinking tours range from historical underground walks to interactive cooking classes, and lively pub crawls infused with local character. For a spooky adventure, the Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour is a standout.
If you want to combine exercise with craft beer, the Guided Bike Tour offers a memorable way to explore neighborhoods. Food fans should try the Pasta Making Class, while social groups will love the Party Bike Pub Crawl.
Whatever your style, Portland’s lively drinking scene offers something for all—and booking early ensures your spot on the most popular tours. Cheers to discovering Portland’s unique flavor!