As a former English major and now professional writer, there’s nothing that thrills me more than a literature-themed brewpub! The Biere Library in Corvallis has only been open for a few years (started in the height of the pandemic, no less), but has already established itself as a go-to destination for both book- and beer-lovers. Plus, it couldn't have a more ideal location, sitting right on the beautiful Commemorative Waterfront Park.
The Biere Library is a restaurant and bar inspired by great literature, Belgian cuisine and beer, and cozy European gastropubs. The first thing you’ll notice when you walk in are the book-lined walls that make you feel like you’re in a real library. There are also board games, reading chairs, and gaming tables, and you’re always encouraged to pull something off the shelf and get comfortable with your drink and stay awhile. You can even bring your own books from home to trade out for something they have on the shelves.
Co-owner and general manager, Erica Baze, runs the bar and is in charge of the constantly rotating selection of draft beers that include both imported and local brews from up and down the west coast offering a diverse selection of styles and tastes. Baze was previously the beer buyer at Fifth Street Growlers and has worked for years in the service industry. She also maintains a huge selection of canned beer in their bottle shop from imported Belgian farmhouse ales to sours to gluten-free lagers, and the super knowledgeable staff can always help you pick just the right one. They also have ciders, wine, and creative cocktails with fun, literary names like, “Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margarita,” or “The Taming of the Shrub.”
The draft and bottle selection is enough to impress any beer-snob, but the food is just as good. Head chef and co-owner, Travis Allen, skillfully churns out small plates and Belgian comfort food like their fried brussel sprouts tossed in a lemon-garlic vinaigrette, house-made Paprika Potato Chips, and Beer Croquettes made with creamy mashed potatoes, their House Blonde ale, garlic and nutmeg, then fried to perfection and served with an Andalouse sauce.
For larger plates, try the Tartiflette, a baked dish of cubed potatoes, melted cheese, caramelized onions, your choice of sautéed mushrooms or ham and served with greens tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or the ever-popular baked Croque Monsieur Sandwich made with ham, cheese, mustard, and béchamel.
The Biere Library also serves both savory and sweet crepes like the “Old Man and the Brie” filled with brie cheese, apples, and caramelized onions, or the “Pearwell to Arms” made with pears poached in raspberry lambic, and topped with whipped cream, powdered sugar, and a raspberry reduction sauce. There are also plenty of gluten free options and they even have a dedicated gluten-free fryer, so no matter what your dietary restrictions, they’ve got you covered.
The Biere Library has an inviting, family-friendly atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating where everyone feels welcome. It also seems like there’s always a fun event going on like happy hour every day from 2:00pm to 5:00pm where you can get $1 off all draft beer, frites, brussel sprouts, and paprika chips, and every Monday night is “Dive Bar Night” where you’ll see a special menu featuring hotdogs, corn dogs, and shot specials.
The restaurant also hosts a Veterans Coffee Hour every Wednesday inspired by Chef Allen’s military experience where veterans can enjoy free coffee, liege waffles, and community. On Thursdays they host a Flight Night where you can indulge in a curated flight of specialty beers, and it wouldn’t be a proper library-themed restaurant if they didn’t also host a book club every Thursday night!
Hours:
- Sunday, 12:00pm - 9:00pm
- Monday, 12:00pm - 10:00pm
- Wednesday - Saturday, 12:00pm - 10:00pm
Address: 151 NW Monroe Ave
Phone: (541) 286-4193
