Oregon Reigns at the Mecánico

Photo by Pete Strong/Itemizer-Observer

Now craft beer fans have another reason to visit Independence, OR. In addition to the Chatoe Rogue and its associated hop farm, Independence has seen the recent opening of the Mecánico and will be the future home of Oregon Reigns Brewing. While 2010 seemed to be a huge growth year for new breweries in the Portland metro area, it seems like the trend is spreading throughout the state in 2011, with more small towns adding brand new craft brewers. Some of these new ventures, such as the Mecánico, are taking very Portland-esque hybrid concepts to the rest of the state. We will see if they catch on here.

Photo by Kobbie R. Blair - Statesman Journal

Real estate developer Mathew Lind has been watching Portland's blossoming food cart and craft beer culture closely and hopes to extend it to the small Monmouth-Independence community starting with The Mecánico, a hybrid of a concession stand, pub, and farmers market. Lind and his business partner have already laid out plans for the next step, a nanobrewery called Oregon Reigns.

The first part of the business, the Mecánico, debuted in a soft opening last Friday, July 1st, as a small, 2-tiered circular pub and concession stand inside the renovated filling station that is said to have an excellent elevated view of Riverview Park. The concession will operate seasonally, offering limited food options and beer, wine, and soda for park goers. On a gravel patch next to the pub is a food cart hub to supplement the concession stand's options. This spot is already filled with vendors, including Wild Pineapple Hawaiian food, La Casa Del Taco, From Russia With Love, Minto Brown Island Growers Farm Food, Q2 sandwiches, Downtown Waffles, and Estella’s Place. You can pretty much find any kind of food here, from a full meal to elephant ears for dessert.

Photo by Kobbi R. Blair - Statesman Journal

From the concept and pictures available, the Mecánico has a vibe that's very similar to a farmers market, and it seems like it would be a great hub for the community. Taking the small farmers markets that have popped up all over Portland and setting them up around a dining area and pub seems like a can't miss concept that I am surprised we have not seen more of in the city, and this place seems primed to do bang up business this summer. With a brewery in the mix it will likely make the spot a destination for both families and tourists, adding one more to those 25 or so new breweries slated to open in the state this year.

At the time of posting calls and emails to owner Matthew Lind for comment and share more info have not been returned, but we hope to report back more on the brewery itself soon.