Posted by The Southeast Examiner
The revitalization of the Luxury Bread building kitty-corner from Revolution Hall (formerly Washington Monroe HS) includes a new neighborhood brewery and pub, the West Coast Grocery Company (WCGco).
This light, lively place is open to all ages and is a true testimonial to an old-fashioned idea of making the neighborhood pub a place for people to gather.
Just as the name suggests, the WCGco, was originally a grocery warehouse that began in Tacoma in 1891 by Charlie Hyde I.
Until 1985, the family operated grocery warehouses from Salem to Seattle. Thirty years later when Charlie Hyde IV decided he wanted to go into the brewery pub/business, the name WCGco was a natural progression and a tribute to his great-great grandpa.
There is a larger than life portrait of the founder up on the wall with that reassuring countenance so many of our early ancestors possessed.
Being a northwest native, Charlie IV wanted to carve out a niche for himself doing something he loved. There’s not much better to offer the public than a good beer, tasty food and a place to gather.
WCGco quickly built a reputation for the interesting variety and delicious quality of their beers. The fifteen barrel system allows them to create craft beers using mainly locally-sourced ingredients.
The pilsner has been one of their most popular staples, especially the fresh dough, mild spice, lovely, smooth Czech style Peck Chillzner. The Colonel Sumner Pale Ale is delicious, smooth and buttery with a pleasant aftertaste.
WCGco won an Oregon Beer award for the fresh hop Saison named Willamette’s With Love. They also offer growler and can fills.
Taproom manager Caitlin Smelser is exuberant in her praise for the “elevated beer pub food.” The menu was originally created by Chef Byron who is Greek but has been influenced by Korean food.
Caitlin Smelser
Everything is prepared using local and organic ingredients whenever possible and everything is made from scratch. The standard burgers, mac-n-cheese, fries, fried chicken sandwich are staples that support some of the more international sides.
The kids menu has everything you know kids like to eat and they have the “Original Burger”; a vegan option said to be delicious.
WCGco is already integrating into the community, Caitlin says. Many local businesses and groups have meetings here.
The Hop, Sip, & Jump Session IPA was created and named for Buckman Elementary and a dollar of every pint sold goes towards the school (specifically for an updated playground).
The school’s staff and families come to the brewery and people like choosing that beer knowing they are helping contribute.
The original building was built in 1891 and with the new renovations should be made to withstand at least another 100+ years.
Charlie Hyde I is glad to be in a space that has made the best use of the old world architecture. There’s something about timelines that is a big part of WCGco.
In the beverage department they serve Free Public wine in Red, White and Rosé, Portland Sangria, a rotating selection of ciders, and beverages like cold brew coffee, iced tea, seltzer, sparkling juice, cola, and root beer.
WCGco is a tri-level space with great southern exposure, a view of the shiny beer vats, lots of seating, a play area for kids, shuffle board and a party room that is available for small parties. It is a place that welcomes everyone.