Must stops in the West?

[jandafarmette]

This summer my wife and I are driving from Missouri to Portland, Oregon. When we travel we do what we can to find local food and local beer. We need some help in a couple spots. We’re interested in where to stop and drink good local beer and where/what to buy to bring home. Specifically, we need help for a dinner spot in Jackson, Wyoming, and a dinner stop in eastern Washington between Spokane and Kennewick. Once in Portland, I know I want to hit the Horse Brass Pub and McMenamin’s Kennedy School along with a trip out to Newport, OR for Rogue. After hitting those spots, if I have limited time, is there something for which I absolutely must make time? What should I be sure to find bottled to bring home? What’s the best place to buy from? On the way home we’re going back through western Montana – I know I need to find Big Sky’s Moose Drool – but where can I stop to eat at the same time? (Big Sky Brewing has no restaurant, right?) From there we’re heading to Devil’s Tower, Mt. Rushmore, and then across South Dakota, south to Iowa across I-80 to Chicago and we’re back in known territory. I need lots of help from southern Montana to the Iowa/Illinois line. You should know that we have a distinct love of cask-ales, I love barleywine any time of year, and my wife has a soft spot for ESBs and IPAs. Thanks for any help you can offer.

[batkins]

I live in Vancouver, Washington, just across the river from Portland. Your correct about the Horsebrass, it's a must do! The school, I have yet to visit. If you care for IPA's the Bridgeport would be worth a visit. Another would be the Rogue Public House, in Portland. I'd make it there for sure!
Cheers,
Bill

[Kiltlifter]

Jackson Hole - its been a long long long time since I've been in Jackson so don't know what would be there. I did have some Moose Beer made by the Mangy Moose Saloon that I thought was pretty good at the time.

There's really only one town between Spokane and Kennewick (I'm assuming you're going down 395 to Kennewick) and that's Ritzville. I've only stopped to get munchies but I'd recommend just continuing on into Kennewick. Rattlesnake Mountain Restaurant brews their own beer and they have good food (full menu style). There's also the Atomic Ale over in Richland which makes pretty good beer (good wood fired pizzas as well).

Bozeman has some good beer as well (Spanish Peaks Brewery) as well as another one that I haven't tried.

Nothing very specific here but I hope you have fun on your trip out west.

[philbertk]

I would stop in Stevenson at Walking Man Brewery

[fidcastro]

You should strongly consider visiting Bridgeport while you're in Portland. Thier IPA has already been mentioned, but I'll mention it again. Anytime a friend from the NW visits me I have them bring me a case or two. The restaurant at the brewery has really good pizza too.

Fid