I spend a lot of time drinking. This would sound very worrying to someone like my psychologist father who spends his time listening to alcoholics and people with anxiety problems, but drinking is very much a social part of our world. Book clubs, dates, writing clubs, social hangouts, everything centers around the consumption of alcohol. Call me crazy, but I like going to bars and reading a book. No people included. I know. Weird. Drinking has become a part of my everyday life. I work in a brewery, I write about drinks and it just so happens I really, really like beer. So much so, I’ve started to drink beers with lower and lower abv., so I can have more without having to stumbling home.

I’ve found myself moving away from those 8% IPAs and 14% Imperial Stouts. Both beers that are near and dear to my heart, but they have this tendency of clearing out my schedule or reminding me why it’s important to have a bottle of ibuprofen on hand.

With being “social” (i.e. drinking), we find our favorite hangouts. One spot that has become a go-to for me is the Pump House in Talent. It’s dangerously close to my home and just so happens to be on my way home from work. So whenever I feel like a beer (which, let’s face it, is all the time); I stop by and grab a brew.

Pump House is fairly new, a business that hasn’t quite hit two years old. They’re a tap house that features an assortment of beers and ciders, as well as locally inspired craft cocktails. They have a robust burger-centric menu for all of the red meat lovers out there. But they’ve salads as well, Gluten Free options and all sorts of things for practically anyone.

The great thing about a tap house is that their tap handles are always changing. It seems like every time I go in, they’ve got something new from Breakside, Pfriem, Ninkasi, or some other west coast brewery. Lately I’ve been all over the 805 Beer, a mild blonde ale from Firestone Walker. They do a Tap-Takeover every month, most of the time beer but ciders as well: last month’s was a 2 Towns Ciderhouse from Corvallis.  Live music, too. Good food. A great place to go if you’re a local.

They’ve got a massive amount of outdoor seating, with heaters and fireplaces. It’s dog friendly. Basically, if you have a pulse, you’ll probably like this place. It’s the perfect place to grab a beer, or cider, or soda and sit by the fire in good company. Or, just a book to read.  

Pump House

11 am – 10 pm, Monday – Sunday

102 Talent Avenue, Talent

541.897.0060