Pelagic Brewing Public House grand opening set for March 22–23

Pelagic Brewing is taking a major step this weekend with the grand opening of a larger tasting room and restaurant at 1921 21st Ave., the former site of Ridgewalker Brewing.

Since opening in September 2024 at its previous location on Cedar Street and University Avenue, the brewery has been looking for a larger space.

"It was always our intention to start a nicer taphouse," Brewmaster Ben Weber said in a brief interview Friday.

"So far, every day has been busier than we expect," Weber said.

He expects launch day at Pelagic Brewing Public House to be busy.

Two grand opening days are on tap. The first, Saturday, March 22, from 3 to 8 p.m. will feature Italian street food from FG Amore, a food truck usually found at Zesti food carts and $1 off beer.

On Sunday, March 23, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pelagic will host Comida KIN Food Truck, a "farm-to-fork" Mexican and Pacific Northwest–style food cart, and will feature specials on mimosas and taps.

Pelagic has operated at the former Ridgewalker location since a soft opening on March 13. Weber carved a few moments out between serving customers to answer questions from News in the Grove.

The brewery’s previous location, which will now serve solely as a production facility, was simply too small to sustain a crowd.

"When it was our taproom, there was about four tables inside, and 10 people would pack the place," he said.

Shortly after Pelagic opened in Forest Grove in September, Ridgewalker announced they were closing in October.

"We hated to see Ridgewalker go," Weber added, noting the support they received and continue to receive from the Ridgewalker owners.

"But at the same time, this place just fell into our laps," he said.

"We're just excited to be here. The community has been great, very supportive, and this place really needed to be something for the community, so we're just happy that we can be that," Weber said.

Find out more about Pelagic Brewing on their website and Instagram.