Chris C.
Yelp
This place is HANDS DOWN, the best bottle shop in Portland. There's only one other place that even comes close, which I will write a review for once I give them another visit (stay tuned)...
I've seen a lot of the reviews revolve around "terrible customer service" at the bar side. Since I moved to SE Portland, almost 10 years ago now, I've been to Belmont station many, many times. Not once have I ever felt that I was treated in a condescending manner. NOT. ONCE. My guess is that the people making these kinds of complaints are probably beer novices, or ask questions that make them be seen as beer novices. I've actually seen this kind of interaction before, where a patron asks the completely slammed bartender "what's on tap?". This place has a constantly rotating tap list, and very rarely will you find the same beer on tap here week to week. That's the beauty of Belmont Station... always new beers to try. If you want to drink the same thing every time you go to a bar, this is not the bier cafe for you.
That being said, if you do like to be adventurous, and try new things, you'll love it! Not only is their bottle selection one of the best in town, if not THE best, but they know their beer. I've never felt like I was being treated poorly for asking questions about their stock. They have weekly events involving breweries having in store tastings, or tapping special kegs in commemoration of special events... they have free giveaways if you're the first of 100 people to buy a specific new item... they give a discount for bottles/cans if you pay cash! How could anyone not love that??
I will issue one warning: if you are a beer aficionado, connoisseur, beer nerd, hop lover, brewer, or just someone who loves beer, well... you might spend a lot of money here. Every time I visit Belmont Station, I spend at least $70 on new beers to take home to try. There's just so much new stuff all the time!
Belmont Station is truly a gem in a city awash in breweries and bottle shops. I love you guys, and keep on doing what you're doing!