John’s Market Place

August 29, 2008
This place has more beers than just about anywhere in Portland metro area. It is an unassuming storefront. In a nice part of Portland (Multnomah Village) near other interesting shops and even a Lucky Lab Public House. Lots of wine, too. the store looks like a run-down mom and pops store in a time warp. they carry any beer available which is good, but has a major drawback: lots of macro brews and several outdated, light struck and heat affected beers. Be warned: many of the beers I’ve purchsed at Johns are funked and skunked. Occasionally you’ll find that diamond in the rough, but overall, be skeptical. The staff are not very knowledgeable of beer. Still, I have to give John’s points for having the courage to carry what most won’t. There’s a leaky over-worked cooler in the back that is usually puddling all over the floor. Convenience store atmosphere that needs a tune up and a cleaning.

August 8, 2008
From the out side John’s looks like a mom and pop grocery store circa 1968. I’d bet it’s been around that long if not longer. The best beer selection that i’ve found in Portland, with reasonable pricing to boot. This combination of both best selection and prices seems rare in the beer world. Only dings here are cramped walking spaces and bright lighting. One of the best bottle shops on the west coast.

July 31, 2008
Amazing place, fantastic selection, good prices and most important of all: possible to buy singles. Highly recommended!

July 27, 2008
Mecca. Providence. Rows upon rows of crazy beer from all over the world. Best selection and price in town. They also sell decently priced kegs. And wine too. Oh my god I love this place so much. Someday I will live here.

May 19, 2008
For selection, this runs neck and neck with Belmont Station, though there are things that keep it from being the best beer outlet in town (1) lack of biercafe, (2) rather cramped beer area, (3) not the same intimate feel or much interaction with staff (the beer is in the back of the store, the staff is up front). There is a cafe, though any policies/prices about consuming on premises are not made clear like at Belmont. Purely from a selection standpoint, though, you’re as good here as anywhere I know of.

May 19, 2008
John’s Market is straight up awesome. It is the Yin to Belmont Station’s Yáng. Massive selection and probably the best pricing in town overall, as specialty beer stores go. As others may have noted here, it can also be a little risky buying certain beers because most are stored at room temp under fairly bright lights. I suppose that’s a trade you make for slightly lower prices, but it’s also why I would rate Belmont Station slightly higher. Still, this place is pretty close to world-class.

April 2, 2008
Amazing store. Looks dumpy from the outside. Fantastic amount of beer in this little store. The town of Multnomah is worth a visit anyway. I bought about 15 beers and with a 5% discount it was less than $18 US. Great place but hard to find. Once you find it, no problem. The next street up (above) is Conner’s bar (since 1934) and more taps than you can count. Will check it out next time.

March 22, 2008
Have been in many times. Dave is the Man. he is very up to date on his brews. Also a very nice guy. I have placed an order over the phone and just had a friend pick it up in there way back to Boise. Not to mention the selsectio is GREAT.

December 28, 2007
Stopped by on the way down south. terrefic selection, just a neat place to go. Good locals, and import selection.

June 4, 2007
What a place. Buy singles. Hundreds of beers. How can it get better?