Bunker Brewing

I love this brewery. Small and personable which is more and more rare. Amazing outdoor space, we were there in the summer, indoor space could become an issue when it gets cold but we were not there when it was cold so I’m not gonna dock them for that because we aren’t in Portland when it’s cold.

Love these guys, the staff is so fricken nice (the head guy and another bartender were there the day we went). I’d come just to hang out, but the fact that there’s tasty beer involved makes it all the more appealing.
This is a bit of a bare bones operation: in the middle of a construction zone, in the heart of the brewing equipment, only 3 seats and a tiny bar serving 3 – 4 different types of beer on tap, which are all pretty solid traditional styles (their boch was particularly excellent, I regret not being able to bring a growler of it back home). Flights are only $ 3, which basically involve 3 mason jars full of beer, and when we were there, they threw in a 4^th just because they happen to have a tasty goze that I believe wasn’t even theirs (was it Rising Tide’s? A collaboration? Who knows). Not to mention that they had a box full of Holy Donuts that they shared with us– I mean, who does that? These guys, that’s who.
And yes, ignore the «private» sign on the door: you’re in the right place.

Decent beers but not the best in the immediate area. They didn’t have as much of a selection and the indoor facilities were very cramped in the cold weather. Very friendly and informative staff and good price for the flight tasting.

Bunker is a lovely place to hang out in any season. Their hours to the public are sparse so it’s not an easy place to randomly drop by to fill a growler. Typically there are 2 – 3 beers on tap with a rotating selection. Their flagship seems to be the Machine Czech Pilsner, a clean and refreshing beer that is exactly what you’d hope for in a pilsner. I love the space which is a small brick building in a warehousey neighborhood of East Bayside in Portland. They also have a big patio which is lovely in the warmer months.

Bunker is the bayside rage. I love this place

beer was very good, not too strong, just nice for tasting and easy on the palate. nice service as well.

What the hell do I know about beer? I know when it tastes good. Did this beer taste good? Yes.
Unfortunately, I had no idea what I was tasting. A couple friends and I went in to try the «flight» and were greeted by an extremely un-​friendly and un-​enthusiastic beer-​pourer. The title bartender seems inappropriate.
The three beers on tap were all named, however the unfriendly beer-​pourer only referred to them as the type of beer they were. When asked to clarify which beer was which, we were presented with some attitude. Total turn off.
On the bright side, they have a great seating area out back and apparently live music sometimes. Seems like a great little hang out spot.

Good beers, fun facility, great people! Enjoyed the beer and the staff’s knowledge and help!

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.

Bunker Hill is by far one of the smallest breweries I have ever been to. It reminds me of a one-​room brick school house and perhaps was back in the day. We originally walked up to the building with its neon «beer» sign and the brick exterior and did not enter because it didn’t look like they had a tasting room. Supposedly when they took over the place, they never removed the «private» sign on the front door. I guess I’m too polite to not ignore that sign? Don’t be me, just open the door! They are usually open 12−5pm and when you go in the bare interior will leave you pleasantly surprised. If you’re going for a tasting it is $ 3 for a flight… Yes that’s a dollar for each 4oz of beer they have on tap (I only say 3 taps). I love Maine breweries.
You’ll drink the beer out of unlabeled canning jars that match the decoration of the place, bare and unimaginative. Which really works for them, it gives you a local feeling at its best. The beers that we tried are the opposite of the interior, not only encompassed local flavor but was imaginative. They had bold flavors including one with Jalapenos! The most unique thing about this brewery was their growlers that have a unique shape and are larger than one you’d commonly find in the liquor store. They are $ 15 to refill, probably closer to 35 – 40 oz of beer. Not a bad deal! Unfortunately they ran out of growlers, I missed out on taking the Jalapeño beer home. Great surprise brewery! Well worth going to the outskirts to try!