'To Go' Beer

I ended up in Lincoln City, Oregon because the sun set. Strange, twisty, unlit roads prompt me to pull over for the night much earlier than I would normally. It got dark, I got stressed by the driving, came to the first relative metropolis, saw a 'lodging' sign and turned off the 101. When checking into the hotel/motel, I asked my standard question "Is there a good place to eat that wasn't fast food?" The desk clerk responded, "Best thing is to head to the casino. I can call the shuttle for you when you're ready." After resting up for a bit, I rethought this recommendation. The front desk must get something for each potential gambler that they deliver to the casino. It might be something formal for the hotel, or just a gratuity for the clerk... or I'm just a cynic, but I think there's gotta be a kickback. Well, knowing my predilection for roulette, I decided not to go to the casino (more importantly, I really didn't feel like changing out of my tee, jeans and sneakers - an east coast mentality I know, but I think a sweater and pair of real shoes is called for in a decent restaurant.) Driving up to the hotel, I saw a big sign that said 'pub.' I thought this would be a fine place to grab a burger. I accidentally ended up in a microbrewery. I had a fabulous, if very garlicy, bowl of steamers (it turns out that my lunchtime booger-burger hasn't knocked me off my regional-food kick). Sitting at the bar has afforded me a fun view of the microbrew in action. First I saw a 'taster' order of samples of all the different brews go out. I was astounded when a couple came in and ordered beer 'to go.'. The bartender filled up a big jelly jar with beer, screwed on the top and put it in a bag. Shocking. I don't know why I was so surprised by this. I mean, you can buy beer at 7-11, why not at a microbrew? According to the bartender as long as it's in a sealed container, he can sell it to you. You can even provide your own container. I'm sorry I think it's remarkable.