Lone Wolf Watering Hole Unleashed in Portland’s South Waterfront Neighborhood
This past weekend, a new taproom opened its doors and is now part of the Portland beer scene. Located in the South Waterfront in the Willamette Tower Building, Lone Wolf Watering Hole is the latest option for beer, cider and wine in the Rose City.
Founded by Jerry Differding, Lone Wolf Watering Hold has been a passion project of his for the past few years. Now his dream has finally come to fruition! He spent a career in the medical research field, most recently at nearby OHSU, but felt it was time to truly pursue his passion of craft beer.
The result is a space in an up-and-coming, new neighborhood of Portland. Portland’s South Waterfront is beginning to come into its own unique neighborhood. More restaurants are opening, more buildings are being erected as the south end of the neighborhood is anchored by Portland’s own Old Spaghetti Factory.
Just a few blocks, and a short stroll up the South Waterfront Greenway from the Old Spaghetti Factory sits the new Lone Wolf Watering Hole. It is also located a few blocks from another taproom, the sole Portland location of The Growler Guys.
Open seven days a week, this new taproom is home to nearly two dozen taps, 22 to be exact. Of these, 16 are serving beer, including one nitro tap, that’s followed by four cider taps and two wine taps.
Pricing on the beers ranged from $7 to $8 a pint and are served honestly in Willi Becher glasses. Specialty pours are served in 10-ounce tulip glasses at $8 or so.
The taproom also offers a selection of cans and bottles for either on-site consumption or to take home. If consumed on-site, a 12-ounce can will incur a $1 surcharge while a 16-ounce can a $2 surcharge. Non-alcoholic beverages will receive no additional surcharge.
One thing that Lone Wolf Watering Hole does not offer is food, but feel free to bring some in when you’re ready for a beer or two. Nearby restaurants include Little Big Burger, Cha Cha Cha, Lilia Comedor, Al Hawr, Delish Kitchen, Subway and the aforementioned Old Spaghetti Factory.
The decor of the taproom offers large storefront windows and tall exposed ceilings. The windows allow for plenty of afternoon sunshine that really warmed the place up during our visit.
For seating, near the front of the taproom there are plenty of tables and chairs. These smaller tables can be arranged for larger parties. There are also few tables outside on the patio for when the weather cooperates.
The bar hosts about nine tall bar chairs with a foot rail, something that is often overlooked at establishments here in Portland. Then just past the bar is a lounge area with chairs, a coffee, or should we say a beer table, facing a large screen TV. During our visit it was showing an NFL game with the sound. There are also two TVs above the bar and another in the table area.
Above the can and bottle coolers is a large mural named Luna that was created by Skye Walker. It takes on different interpretations depending on the sunlight or lack thereof in the watering hole.
Accessible by Portland Street Car and TriMet Bus and Orange Line, Lone Wolf Watering Hole is easy to get to. There’s also plenty of street parking with a few nearby parking lots. And if you arrive by bike, there’s plenty of places to lock up out front.
Lone Wolf Watering Hole is currently open from 2:00pm – 10:00pm Monday through Friday and from 10:00am – 10:00pm Saturday through Sunday. Minors are not allowed, but well-behaved dogs are. To check out the taproom’s tap list, visit its Untappd page. Follow Lone Wolf Watering Hole on Instagram at @lonewolfwateringhole.
Lone Wolf Watering Hole – 3870 S River Pkwy – Portland, OR
About The Author
DJ
D.J. is a Portland, Oregon based writer that spent his formative years in the Midwest. With over 25 years under his belt of drinking beer at festivals across America and the world, he has developed a strong appreciation and understanding of craft beer and the industry that surrounds it. He can be found in any of the great breweries or beer bars that make Portland the best beer city in the world. His writing can also be found in the archives of Northwest Brewing News and can be followed on Twitter and Instagram at @hopapalooza.
No food? Shouldn’t be a thing.
Well, it is. Likely better on the bottom line and to stay afloat in this challenging time operating a small business.