McMenamin's pubs have become probably the most profitable venture in the history of microbreweries. They have stayed pretty much true to form while expanding in unique and unparalleled ways. The typical McMenamin's establishment is the pub with brewery. Here's a couple of the beers typically on tap with descriptions from the webpage:

HAMMERHEAD
A Hillsdale original! Our well hopped copper hued ale balanced perfectly with Cascade hops!

RUBY
A light refreshing raspberry ale first brewed here at the Hillsdale in 1986!

TERMINATOR
A cream stout first brewed at the Hillsdale in 1985! With the smooth citrusy flavor of Cascade hops & the subtle spicy aroma of Tettnanger hops.

INDIA PALE ALE
Our interpretation of the vintage IPA. Hoppy from aroma to finish, an excellent choice.

BLACK RABBIT PORTER
Rich, smooth, and chocolatey, this porter is a true delight.

MIDNIGHT OIL
Up all night studying? Well take a break and replenish your reserves! This robust porter has a rich caramel and chocolate overtone with a pleasing taste and satisfying finish.

    Okay, kids, circle the one that sounds like Pisswater, I mean, Budweiser and send it back to me. Really, don't they sound delicious?

    The pubs are all different from each other in size and decoration. Many of them have elaborate and fantastical murals on the walls and distressed wood benches. They are also pretty generous with allowing you to taste a few different beers before you settle in with a pitcher. You'll need to taste a few because some pubs have about thirty beer taps going.

    One of the coolest ventures, in my humble opinion, are the theatres which they operate in Portland. Basically, for a dollar you get to see a fairly recent show and can buy beer, wine and pizza at the concession stand. Every other aisle in the theatre has been removed to make room for tables; there's just nothing more enjoyable and civilized. An added bonus -- no kids! It was really great for T. and I as we had so little money.

    They also own a bed and breakfast, Edgefield, which sounds heavenly and I've heard is a great place. Last summer they bought an old school and turned it into a B&B with pub and theatre. One of the places that I really regret not being able to get to was the Crystal Ballroom. It was always having the greatest band and lots of swing music. The thing which I was really curious about is their bouncing, ballroom floor. Apparently, it's on some rockers and when things get to jumpin' the floor really gets to jumpin'. I might have to make a trip up there just for that.

    First stop of the night for the bachelorette is going to be Ringler's Annex which is one of their cigar bars. It's in one of those great "flatiron" buildings which sits at one of those wacky 45 degree angle corners.

    Can you tell I'm excited? I really am. I wonder how much trouble it would be to bring back lots and lots of beer.

Anyway, that's a sidebar. Take me drunk -- I'm home again.