Jim B.
Yelp
Bunker Brewing is a local brewery that's been on my "places to visit" list for Portland since I first sampled their Czech-style pilsner at Salvage a few weeks back. It's nearly impossible to find a Maine brewer willing to tackle lager-style beer, so that immediately got my attention; that and the drinkability and smooth flavor of the Machine Czech Pils.
Located on Anderson Street, in (y)East Bayside, Bunker isn't the easiest place to find. However, after stopping at Urban Farm Fermentory up the street, I was directed a few doors down. When I saw people out back on the deck, enjoying beer in the welcome mid-60 degree sunshine, I knew I had found the place.
Upon walking in, Joe (pouring samples) offered me a taste of one of the two beers on tap for Saturday's beer-tasting. In fact, they have tastings and growler filling every Thursday and Friday evening from 5PM to 8PM, and Saturdays noon to 5PM.
They serve samples in a small mason jar for a measly $1 per tasting. For about 6 ounces of beer that's a deal, and then, when it's their flagship pilsner, or a dark bock like the other Saturday beer choice, it's a beer-lover's dream driveby.
Not knowing what to expect upon walking in, what I especially liked about Bunker was the casual, homey vibe, Joe's knowledge and willingness to talk about their beer, and how they make first-time visitors feel like they are simply tapping a keg in their backyard worked for me. This is big for me because sometimes in Portland, you get the "you're bothering me" hipster-style customer service which I find really off-putting and is easy to find in the city.
If you can't make it down to Anderson Street, you can also sample their beer at Sonny's, which always has a dedicated tap for Bunker's beer, as well as at Salvage. Oh, and by-the-way, Jay Villani, who owns both of those eateries, is also Bunker Brewing's co-founder (along with Chresten Sorensen).
Head on down to Anderson Street for a taste, and take a growler home with you, too.