Mainbrew Beer, Kegs and Homebrew Supplies

I’m not sure what happens to this place but their customer service has gone way downhill. If you go for brew supplies, make sure you know exactly what you are going to get because you’re not going to get any help from the people working there. They seem pretty busy sending texts and updating their Facebook status.
I used to really like this place but their «I don’t care about you» attitude has ruined it for me. I think most home brewers like being able to talk beer and ask questions. They want you to bag and weigh your grains now which is a little frustrating when they are sitting at front desk ignoring the customers. Time to find a new brew store.

Awesome! We were able to get what we needed for our «we need to start brewing again!» batch of beer. I was super excited that they have organic grain! So cool!
Their hops selection is huge and mouthwatering. Of course they have white labs yeast. It makes me happy since I used to go to their lab. :)
They have taps for your growlers and of course are attached to ABV so you can get even more tabs over there.
Staff is friendly, helpful, and doesn’t give you weird «oh come on noob,» looks which I have experienced in more snobbish homebrew shops, when you ask questions.

I was given a homebrew kit for Father’s day, did a lot of researching and reading on the internet and bought «the Joy of Brewing». After searching webpages and reading reviews for the many local homebrew suppliers, I decided on Mainbrew, and I’m glad I did. I went in shortly after opening on Saturday with my grandson. I am sorry that I never asked the name of the gentleman that helped me, but he was extremely patient and helpful (young man, bearded and dark hair). He took the time to ask what kind of beer I liked, and all the while he was building a recipe for me, pouring malt extract, grinding grains and selecting hops that fit the flavor I was hoping for. He gave me advice on each step of the process and wrote notes on the recipe. I am excited as can be, as it is now bubbling along in the primary fermenter.
As someone who loves what I do for a living, I can spot someone with the same enthusiasm from a mile away. This man has true passion for brewing and has a great manner and skill in customer service. Not once did he seem condescending, and it seemed that he was committed to helping me brew the best that I was capable of.
I will be bringing him a couple of bottles of the finished product as a thank you for sharing his expertise with me, and will be a loyal customer at this store.
They also have a brewpub adjacent to the store, with wall-​to-​wall coolers filled with almost all the beers known to man. I have yet to eat there, but that’s next on my list. I’ll shoot a review when I do.

Okay place, some dudes are nice some are dicks. Whatever you do, don’t cross the line that’s says employees only! Bad boy! Sheesh dude (skinny guy), what are you, a cop? Did your dog die, girlfriend leave you, mom kicked you out of the basement? Anywho, social media is powerful, I’m telling my employees not to be dicks. Duh. Like I said, some dudes are cool and their growler fills aren’t too expensive. If possible hit up the guy in the beard he’s cool. Otherwise they kinda act like their shit don’t stink. I don’t write reviews like this but man, that cat hit a chord.
This review has nothing to do with ABV next door.
You know, I think I’ll just go elsewhere for my beer supplies.
I have spoken! The power of the pen!

I have never brewed beer before, and I was given a beer kit for Christmas. That being said, I had no clue on what I needed as far as brewing equipment. These guys are fantastic! The guy helping me was extremely knowledgable, helpful, and best of all, he wasn’t pushy or trying to get me to buy what I didn’t need. He explained the brewing process, gave me tons of great info, and helped me get all the supplies I needed! I’ll definitely be back and highly recommend them to anyone!

We’ve lived in Portland over a year now and still don’t grow our own vegetables or raise chickens in the backyard. Clearly, the Portlandia police were close to citing us. It was time do something, then it dawned on me to start brewing my own Kombucha.
OK, the real story is that I like drinking Kombucha and I’m tired of paying $ 3-​$ 4 for each little bottle. I messaged the wonderful Jennifer P. (who I’ve actually known since we were both Unilocalers in Arizona). She was wonderful and gave me recipes, tips, offered me scoby and starter liquid, and directed me to Mainbrew for supplies.
Excited to get started, my daughter and I headed over to Mainbrew (which is surprisingly not too far from Bethany. I’d imagined it closer to downtown Hillsboro). It’s in an industrial area that can be seen off highway 26. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted and asked if he needed help finding something. With my kombucha brewing supply list in hand, I let them know I what I was there for. The guys that were working there that day (I don’t know if they’re owners or not) were very, very helpful showing me the kit and the different items that they sold separately in case I didn’t want to buy the entire kit. They directed us to all the supplies and then let us look around.
This place makes me want to be some sort of mead maker, master beer brewer, and cider extraordinaire. I’m not, but if I ever want to become one of the previously listed people, I know exactly where to go. As for the kombucha supplies, I ended up buying the kit (gallon glass jar, scoby and starter liquid, black tea/​green tea mix, organic sugar, cotton cloth, rubber bands, and a basic recipe). This is everything you need to start a-​brewin’ other than hot water. As we were about to pay, he gave us several brewing tips which I really appreciate. Then he asked if we wanted any bottled kombucha from next door. Of course we did and he led us through a curtain. My daughter said «Narnia!» since we had no idea a full-​on restaurant/​pub/​brewery was right next door (more on that in another review).
Overall, our visit to Mainbrew was helpful and I’m very glad I came here rather than order supplies online!

I wish all brew shops were like this! The staff is friendly, ingredients are quality, and always have a large selection from mead to legs. When it was our first time, I really liked how they have us a tour and made us feel comfortable. The guy showed us how everything worked and spent a good amount of time with us! Thank you!

Kevin and Doug are brewing wizards. Human beer-​craft calculators, indeed. I’ve been doing this beer-​brewing thing now for 14 years and this is where I get all of my stuff. They’ve grown quite a bit since Kevin opened his little one-​man shop down on Main Street in downtown Hillsboro. Now he’s got new digs and a full staff running around the place picking out supplies, talking about brewing, giving out advice to future, prospective brewmasters. And they stock beer now in addition to brewing supplies.
You can also buy distilling and soda-​making products.
They’re finally receiving competition now from a place down the street just off of Corn Pass, but I don’t think it’s hurting business a bit. I think Kevin and Doug may be responsible for the local surge in home brewing, in fact — basically creating and nurturing their own market. Class act.
Saw the recent Adam Carolla «Mangria» event here and picked up a couple bottles of it. Impressive. You have to be somebody to get «Aceman» in your store.
I’ve also had the opportunity to sit down in the new restaurant they’ve opened up in the next suite over, «ABV Public House.» I’ll review that separately.

Great beer selection. If you have a bigger group you can make reservations 24 hours in advance

Yes! This place still rocks! And now they have a taproom called ABV Public House attached to it.

Confession: I’m not a homebrewer. Oh, I’ve thought about it and even have some of the equipment but just am overall too lazy to do it myself. SO I can’t comment on much of the brew stuff here except there’s a ton of it and workers around to assist my fellow customers who actually BREW beer.
I just drink it. Which is why this place is still perfect. It’s also a bottle shop with a bevy of good selections from all over and of all kinds. They have growler fills of common and rare-​to-​super rare beers for reasonable prices. You can even get a fill of Mangria (Adam Carolla’s delish mangria mash up). Oh, and bottles of that toxic shiz too.
Back to the staff — I first came here for the Mangria tasting and it was packed to the gills. The staff was SO amazing with ringing up everyones purchase as quick as possible, serving up drinks ASAP all with a smile of their face. Faced with so many anxious people they were awesome. That alone was reason to come back — and Mangria.
I think they may be making a tasting room in the near future — but no idea when that’s going to happen. So basically whether you brew, drink or both — this is a convenient place to go!

Mainbrew is a great place to grab some beers, kegs, wine, or some essential needs (like local hot sauces).
They have daily rotating taps and lots of beers you can’t find elsewhere. Supplies for making your own stuff are carried here as well.
I had bought a Living Social deal for a round of tasters and a grenade fill.
Staff here is super friendly and knowledgeable about the product.
Beers are certainly on par. I was even given a free sample of the «mangria» which is definitely potent stuff.
I wish this placed had opened sooner as I used to live very near-​by. Oh well. Can’t win em’ all.
The place is small and a tad crowded. I found it weird that when I had gone in for some tasters there was no where to sit and the taps were kind of in a hidden corner. I understand serving tasty brews to patrons isn’t high on their list as they are not a bar… but it was a tad awkward to be standing while sipping. Maybe just a table and 2 chairs could even help?
All in all this place is a good deal and prices were fair.

There is No Place like Mainbrew, and while this statement may seem an empty claim too often made about mediocre establishments, in this case it is reality writ large! If you like beer, wine, soda, cheese, kombucha or the culture (pun intended) that constantly bubbles up around Portland’s favorite participation pastime Mainbrew is the go to place.
First time homebrewer or adept with specific questions aimed at brewing new styles or improving your craft? The staff at Mainbrew are EXPERTS at helping you with recipes, ingredients or just a conversation leading to a new way to approach your brew.
Winemaking your interest? From the annual fall crush conducted right on site to all the equipment, supplies and training needed to get you started or help you improve Mainbrew’s EXPERTS are eager to assist.
Ever wanted to make cheese? Mainbrew has an EXPERT cheesemaker on its staff to guide your cheesemaking experience. Soda, yep that too! The list goes on and on.
I keep using the word «EXPERT» because that is what the team members at Mainbrew are. They are each accomplished home brewers, mead makers, wine makers, etc, with many years of experience (at least a couple with over 20 years) in the craft.
And even if you, like me, just like the consumption side of beer et al, with over 500 bottles of carefully selected, constantly rotating beers in every price range, Mainbrew is your place for take home beer in bottles and growlers, or enjoy a pint on site and a join in the on-​going great conversation about beer.
Mainbrew is my favorite hangout! Drop by, it will be yours too!
There is no place like Mainbrew!

Mainbrew is an oasis in the desert of beer choices in Hillsboro. They mostly deal in home brew supplies. They’re also a bottle shop, sell kegs and always have five great beers on tap to fill growlers.
The bottle selection is excellent, considering they’re not exclusively a bottle shop. I’d you’re into beer, you’re going to be able to find something enjoyable. The selection is mostly top notch NW beers with a smattering of great choices from the rest of the US. The beers on tap for growler fills are always special. Boneyard is on rotation a lot, and this is a great spot to full a growler on the way to a party.
I can’t speak to their brewing supplies, as I’m no home brewer. The staff is always helpful and friendly. Oh yeah! You can get a pint while you browse the store.

These guys know their stuff! I love their recipes, and the prices are excellent. By far the best homebrew store I have been to.

Best homebrew supply shop, period.
All the supplies you need from beginner to advanced. Pretty much every grain, malt, barley, hops, and yeast you might want. Super helpful staff willing to share all their secrets and clone recipes.
Also, tons of great bottles to buy, and some beers on tap to sample or fill a growler. Yay!

This place is pretty dang big, it’s got everything. Not only can you get all the gear and supplies you need to make your batch of brew, you can pick up beer to celebrate at home once you finish. Their grain selection is the best I’ve seen, check them out.

This place is pretty amazing. I just started home brewing and they set me up with a kit and ingredients to make an IPA. The guy helping me (can’t remember his name) spent at least one hour with me walking me through how to brew a batch of malt extract beer and showing me all of the equipment and explaining how it all works. He wasn’t snobby, which I was afraid of going into this based on my experience with folks at bike shops. All of the employees at this place are extremely helpful, nice and down to earth.
I went back in today to buy a wort chiller and some bottles. The guy helping me offered me samples of some of their amazing beers they sell there. I was so blown away by their selection of home brewing equipment that I totally overlooked they sell just about every beer you might be able to find on the face of the planet. I was blown away. As I finished buying the chiller and bottles he helped me carry out my bottles to my truck.
And for the quality of service they provide, one might expect to pay higher prices. The prices for everything are competitive with or even beat any online home brewing retailer, and since you don’t need to pay shipping they’re cheaper. They have a wide selection on their website and you can get free shipping to their store.
This place is really great. I’ll definitely be going back to them for all of my home brew needs, or to pick up a keg of Ninkasi.

I’ve lived in Portland for two years now and I decided it was finally time to go native. No, you won’t find me parading down Alberta at the next Last Thursday wearing a Utilikilt, Che t-​shirt and a fez. I’ve started brewing my own beer, and that’s about as Oregonian as I’m going for now. But what a fun way to go!
My wife bought me a starter brewing kit from this place for Christmas. First of all, what a great gift! This is going to be one Christmas present that just keeps on giving! I’ve already got my first batch of Imperial IPA bubbling away in a carboy near the washer. (Little did my missus realize that the the laundry room would be converted into my own brewery/​man cave. Sorry, sweetie.)
I dropped by the store today to get some supplies and a new recipe (a stout this time), and I also needed some homebrewing tips. The fellows manning the counter were extremely helpful and very friendly. They clearly know what they’re talking about and they are not stingy with the information.
The store is stocked with every kind of gizmo and gadget that any self-​respecting homebrewer could possibly desire. They also have huge cold case filled with all sorts of tasty craft beers.
Main Street Homebrew Supply is great.

I made the 1hr round-​trip drive from SE Portland to Hillsboro to this place… without having any idea what to expect.
Why you ask? I was set on brewing a batch of beer on Sunday and overlooked some supplies. This is the only shop (that I know of) in the Portland Metro that’s open on Sundays (hell, it’s the only homebrew shop I’ve EVER encountered in the previous 3 states I lived in, to be open on Sunday)
Even despite the major credit this place gets for being open on the Lord’s Day, it’s STILL an amazing homebrew shop. Hillsboro home brewers are lucky.
Help: Guys who work here are INSANELY helpful. I’ve been homebrewing for years and they were ace at helping me without smothering me with too much information. If you need your hand-​held, they will. If you want to talk shop about some insanely exotic ale you made last week, they can do that too.
I also scoped their website, and their advice on brewing techniques is helpful and dead-​on. Even in the world of home-​brew where people tend to have their «own ways» of doing things, I was nodding in agreement of the advice these dudes give.
Prices: are really, really competitive. I got a FIFTY POUND sack of NW two-​row malted barley for $ 37, I felt like I robbed the place blind. (for all you non-​brewers out there… with a little zymurgy, this can be coaxed into 25 gallons of 5% alcohol ale… in the right hands.)
My only complaint about this place is that they seem to be geared more towards people that brew with whole hops. I’m a pellet hop guy, mainly because whole hops completely jack-​up my current brewing setup. This won’t be a big point of contention for most people though, and I’m not going to hold back 5-​stars for that.
I will definitely be back here.