What’s better than dinner with a view? Dinner in a view.
Astoria, Ore., is a beautiful place. Located near the mouth of Columbia River and just a short drive from Pacific Ocean beaches, breathtaking landscapes abound in this quaint and charming city.
With so much to look at, it only made sense that when Buoy Beer Company opened its doors earlier this year, the location included a view. With wall-sized windows revealing the mighty Columbia, patrons of this beer bar and eatery enjoy sweeping views of the River with every swig and nibble. But look down and you may be surprised to see windows in the floor unveiling an unexpected look at the Columbia flowing right beneath your feet. Yes, Buoy Beer Company is located in, or rather, over, the Columbia, standing just above the water’s surface on river pilings.
The old, industrial warehouse that Buoy is located in has been updated for a modern, yet rustic look. Wooden beams and concrete floors echo the spirit of Astoria’s rich history (it is the oldest city in Oregon after all) and make for a cool and inviting atmosphere, while views of the River and the sound of the trolley passing by add an extra element of delight.
After taking in the impressive decor and architecture, grab a seat and feast your eyes on the menu. You’ll want to order a beer first to whet your appetite. Buoy offers an impressive list of the usual suspects as well as an extensive selection of rotating seasonals. If it’s on tap, try the cream ale, or if you’re feeling especially proud of your locale, go for the NW Red.
Like all of Buoy’s beers, their food is also handcrafted from high quality, mostly locally sourced ingredients. You’ll find classic fare with a twist, as well as daily specials and house favorites. With gluten free and vegetarian options, there is something for everyone. And, no matter what you order, it will be fresh and absolutely to die for.
During my visit I decided to go “classic.” To start, I ordered the house salad. Don’t let it’s modest name fool you. This salad is loaded with fresh and house pickled veggies, homemade croutons and a generous drizzling of your choice of dressing (I went for the “Green Goddess”). This mammoth sized starter salad is big enough to enjoy as an entré, but i’m glad I didn’t stop there. Next was the Buoy Bison Burger. A beer butter basted, one-third pound bison patty is melted together with Tillamook cheddar, pepper bacon and onions caramelized in Buoy’s own beer to make a behemoth sized helping of Buoy Bison Burger bliss. With it comes a heaping pile of fries that are lightly seasoned, crisp and served the Pacific Northwest way with Portland ketchup.
This is just a snippet of what Buoy has to offer. Other tempting items on their menu include fresh seafood starters like Buoy oysters and a smoked salmon plate, and dinner entré options that include simple classics like Buoy’s take on a “Traditional Cheeseburger,” or fine-dining style Bone-in Rib Eye and Petrale Sole.
A trifecta of handcrafted beer, gourmet grub and breathtaking views are all on the menu and tucked inside an unassuming warehouse, just a short jaunt from downtown, at Buoy Beer Company.
Buoy Beer Company || 1 8th Street, Astoria || buoybeer.com
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