Bandon Brewing: A Deep Dive Into a Coastal Oregon Institution
If you find yourself wandering the shores of the southern Oregon Coast, there’s a good chance you’ll be drawn to Bandon Brewing — a brewpub that’s become one of Old Town Bandon’s most talked‑about stops. Equal parts neighborhood hangout, family‑friendly restaurant, and craft beer destination, this place embodies a coastal lifestyle that’s relaxed but full of flavor. From its house‑brewed beers to wood‑fired pizzas and pub classics, Bandon Brewing is about community, creativity, and the joy of good food and drink in a small‑town setting where locals and travelers alike gather to linger.
In this extended article, we’ll explore the brewery’s atmosphere and history, give you the full current tap list, walk through the most popular and beloved menu items, and shed light on why this place has such a devoted following.
A Spot Where the Coast Meets Craft
The charm of Bandon Brewing doesn’t come from flashy facades or sleek, modern design — it comes from a sense of place. Located on Second Street in Bandon’s Old Town district, this brewpub sits comfortably in a neighborhood that feels rooted in community. Sand, sea breeze, and the eclectic rhythm of a coastal town set the scene, while inside, patrons enjoy lively chatter, clinking pint glasses, and a wood‑fired pizza oven that’s constantly busy.
Owners Jon Hawkins and his wife, Dr. Nicole Rush, envisioned a place that would be more than just a restaurant and brewery. Hawkins, a contractor who took brewing seriously after training at Portland Kettleworks Labrewatory, partnered with brewmaster James Petti to bring the first Bandon Brewing recipes to life. Since then, the place has grown into a community hub — a spot to meet up after beach walks, celebrate holidays, or make a memorable stop on an Oregon Coast road trip.
One of the defining features of this brewpub is its welcoming atmosphere: families with kids, friends with dogs on the outdoor patio, and solo travelers lingering over flights of beer. It’s informal and unpretentious — just how Bandon locals like it.
The Tap List: House Brews and Guest Taps
Beer is at the heart of the Bandon Brewing experience, and the tap list reflects that. They showcase a strong lineup of house beers alongside rotating guest options, including local cider like Bandon Rain on draft. You can order in flights, pints, pitchers, or even take some to go in a growler.
Here’s a look at what’s currently pouring:
- One Eyed Jack IPA – Northwest‑style IPA with Mosaic hops, hop bitterness balanced by malt sweetness.
- Pacific Puffin Porter – A lighter, smoky English‑style porter that stays flavorful without being heavy.
- Face Rock Double IPA – A fruity, ultra‑smooth NEIPA‑style double IPA featuring Mosaic, Nelson Sauvin, and Citra.
- Cold Brew Coffee Stout – Oatmeal stout brewed with cold‑brew coffee, rich with dark chocolate and roast notes.
- Old Town Lager – A Vienna‑style lager created as an homage to Bandon’s Old Town.
- Sandy Beaches Hefeweizen – Unfiltered wheat beer with exotic lemon hop flavor, brewed in collaboration with Two Shy Brewing.
- Erock Amber – Malty and smooth American amber ale that’s easy to drink.
- Mint Hibiscus Hop Tea (Non‑Alcoholic) – A refreshing non‑alcoholic option combining mint, hibiscus, and Citra hops with a hint of sweetness.
- Olaf’s Warm Hugs – Rum Edition – A Belgian quad aged in rum barrels, bold, warming, and award‑winning.
Guest taps rotate often and have included beers like Worth the Wait Hazy IPA, Everything Is Awesome Pale Ale, Skinny Summer Tangerine Peach, and local Bandon Rain cider flavors such as Cranberry Squall — a reminder that the taps are constantly evolving with seasons and local favorites.
Whether you’re a hop head, a stout lover, or someone who prefers lighter beers or ciders, the selection is broad enough to satisfy many palates.
The Menu: Wood‑Fired Pizzas and Pub Favorites
While the beer is a major attraction, many regulars will tell you that the food is just as important. Bandon Brewing’s kitchen leans into wood‑fired pizzas, hearty pub fare, and ample shareable plates that pair beautifully with beer.
You’ll find pizzas with thin, crispy crusts and creative combinations that have become favorites among visitors and locals alike. Traditional options like pepperoni and margherita share shelf space with more adventurous pies like a crab‑topped pizza that nods to the coastal location.
Beyond pizza, the menu also includes:
- Giant Pretzels – Warm, shareable, and perfect with house mustard and cheese sauce.
- Loaded Fries & Nachos – Generous portions covered with toppings that make them true meal‑ish starters.
- Chicken Wings – Savory, well‑seasoned, and great with a pint.
- Sandwiches and Burgers – From classic cheeseburgers to pulled pork or chicken sliders.
- Salads and Soups – Lighter options that still pack flavor.
Many diners especially praise the margherita pizza — calling it one of the best they’ve had — and the thin crust overall. The friendly, attentive staff and reasonable prices on pints and food make it a welcoming place to stop for a hearty meal.
What People Love — and Sometimes Don’t
The vibe at Bandon Brewing is quintessentially Oregon coast: laid‑back, casual, and slightly rustic. It’s a place where regulars are treated like friends, and strangers quickly feel like part of the scene. Many reviews celebrate the friendly service, excellent beer, and satisfying food — especially the pizzas and appetizers.
The dog‑friendly patio, strong beer selection, and outdoor seating have become highlights of the experience for visitors who want to enjoy the fresh air with their meal.
At the same time, some reviewers note longer wait times during busy service hours, especially for non‑pizza items. Pizzas tend to be served faster, while sandwiches or burgers may take a bit longer once the kitchen fills up.
More Than Just a Meal or a Pint
What ultimately makes Bandon Brewing stand out isn’t just the beers or the pizza (though both are excellent) — it’s the way the place fits into the fabric of the town. It’s a spot where visitors compare notes about beach hikes, where locals linger after work with a cold one, and where families come together for Sunday dinner.
In a town known for its beauty — dramatic coastlines and the iconic Face Rock formations to windswept beaches — Bandon Brewing offers a different kind of attraction: a place to slow down, savor the moment, and celebrate the simple joys of good food and company.
