McMenamins Tavern & Pool

Specialties

The name McMenamin is well known throughout the Pacific Northwest, signifying a great place to enjoy handcrafted ales, wine, spirits and pub fare with family and friends. The dream began more than 30 years ago in the hearts of brothers Mike and Brian McMenamin and continues to spiral upward. With 57 properties (and counting!), the siblings are considered to be pioneers of the Pacific Northwest microbrew, historic hotels and music venue industries. Go to mcme​namins​.com for additional information, photos and more.

History

Established in 1984.

With its uneven walls and sinking base, the building itself speaks of decades past, but the artistic and irreverent style flashes a wink at years to come. Enjoy a pint and be part of the continuum that goes back all the way to when an adventurous Bavarian brewer and saloon man named Anton Gansneder built the place. Gansneder allegedly erected the building on a base of sawdust in 1909. By 1965, the Tavern’s last Eastern European proprietor, Tony Viducich sold the place after a 16-​year tenure. Following his departure, the aging neighborhood hangout assumed a rougher, Old West Persona. During this time, the Tavern’s name changed to The Hangman’s Tree and then the Chug-​a-​Mug. In 1984 the watering hole took on a colorful new life as one of McMenamins pioneer establishments. While the pub may seem out of place among the upscale boutiques and shining new restaurants along trendy NW 23^rd Avenue, it remains a well-​worn reminder of the down-​to earth feel that once characterized this entire area.

Meet the Business Owner

Mike and Brian M.

Business Owner

The creative force behind McMenamins is brothers Mike and Brian McMenamin. At first glance, these down-​to-​earth men seem an unlikely pair to head the hotels, pubs and breweries company that began when older brother Mike and a couple friends opened Portland’s Produce Row Café in 1974. They just don’t fit the typical corporate make-​up and perhaps that’s why it’s all worked out as well as it has? The McMenamins are of Irish descent and Portland birth Mike was born in 1951, Brian in ’57 and both fully absorbed the culture and quirks of their upbringing in Oregon’s City of Roses. From great bartenders to the razing of the classic Portland Hotel to the launch of Oregon’ first craft brewery and beyond left indelible imprints upon their psyches and cultivated their appreciation for local character and characters. Mike and Brian expanded their educations at Oregon State University in Corvallis, both graduating with degrees in political science during the 1970s.