The Ultimate Food and Beer Pairing Guide to Port Moody's Brewery Row (2026)

The Ultimate Food and Beer Pairing Guide to Port Moody's Brewery Row (2026)

Introduction

Port Moody's Brewery Row, a compact stretch along Murray Street, is home to six craft breweries within a five-minute walk, a concentration that makes it a unique destination in Metro Vancouver^[1]. This guide is for anyone who loves craft beer but knows the experience isn't complete without the right bite to eat. We're moving beyond basic pub fries to explore how the vibrant flavours from local restaurants and food trucks can elevate your brewery crawl from good to unforgettable. Whether you're planning a sunny Saturday with friends or a cozy winter outing, pairing your pint with purpose is the key to enjoying Brewery Row to its fullest.

Think of this as your personal roadmap. Vancouver's food scene is incredible, but sometimes the best pairings are found just outside the city core. Port Moody offers a relaxed, pedestrian-friendly vibe where you can enjoy world-class beer alongside globally-inspired eats, from steaming bowls of ramen to authentic Mexican tacos. We'll break down each brewery's standout beer styles, match them with specific dishes from neighbouring eateries, and provide a practical plan for your visit. For more on navigating Metro Vancouver's diverse food landscapes, check out our Complete Guide to Vancouver Food Halls and Markets 2026.

Quick Answer

Port Moody Brewery Row food pairing

The best food pairings on Port Moody's Brewery Row involve matching the neighbourhood's diverse craft beers with dishes from adjacent restaurants and regular food trucks, creating a personalized tasting tour you can walk in an afternoon.

Start at Parkside Brewery with their crisp Parkside Pilsner ($7.50 a pint) and grab a Salmon Aburi Oshi from Sushi K Kamizato next door. Walk to Twin Sails Brewing for their hazy Dat Juice IPA and pair it with a Braised Beef Poutine from the Shamrock Bistro food truck often parked outside. For a hearty match, Yellow Dog's Chase My Tail Pale Ale goes perfectly with a classic burger from Rocky Point Ice Cream's grill. The key is to use the walkable layout: buy your beer at the brewery tasting rooms, then bring in food from the many options along Murray Street and the nearby Rocky Point Park area.

Most breweries are family-friendly and welcome outside food.

Introduction

to Port Moody's Brewery Row and Its Vibe

Port Moody's Brewery Row isn't a corporate development; it's an organic community hub that grew around a shared passion for craft beer. Located primarily on Murray Street between Williams and Spring streets, the six breweries are so close you can literally see one from the patio of another. This creates a uniquely social and accessible atmosphere. You won't find rowdy sports bars here. Instead, expect industrial-chic tasting rooms filled with communal tables, locals with their dogs, and families enjoying the afternoon.

The pace is relaxed, encouraging you to linger over a flight, chat with the knowledgeable staff about the brewing process, and plan your next stop.

The vibe shifts beautifully with the seasons. Summer weekends are bustling, with patios spilling onto the sidewalk and food trucks lining the street. The energy is infectious. In the cooler months, the scene turns cozy. Breweries become warm havens, often hosting trivia nights or live acoustic music, with the smell of malt hanging in the air. This year-round appeal is a big part of its success. The area is also deeply integrated with the community, hosting events like the annual "Port Moody Beer Run" and collaborating with local businesses, which aligns with broader community wellness initiatives you can read about in resources from the BC CDC health information site.

What enables the ultimate food pairing experience is the walkability and the breweries' open policy toward outside food. Unlike a traditional restaurant, these taprooms focus on the beer, inviting you to curate your own meal from the surrounding culinary landscape. This means you can enjoy a spicy Thai curry with your IPA or a delicate crudo with your sour, all in one comfortable spot. It turns a beer tasting into a personalized culinary adventure. Before you head out, it's wise to plan your budget; you can use our free income tax calculator to see your take-home pay and allocate funds for your tasting tour.

Summary: Port Moody's Brewery Row is a walkable cluster of six craft breweries on Murray Street known for its relaxed, community-focused vibe. Breweries welcome outside food, enabling visitors to pair beers with diverse cuisines from adjacent restaurants and food trucks. The atmosphere is family and dog-friendly, peaking in summer with busy patios and shifting to cozy indoor gatherings in winter. A visit here combines a neighbourhood stroll with a customizable tasting experience.

Breakdown of Each Brewery's

Signature Beer Styles and Food Pairing Personalities

To pair food effectively, you first need to understand the liquid in your glass. Each brewery on the Row has a distinct personality and flagship beer that informs the best culinary matches. Here’s a detailed breakdown to guide your choices.

The Commons (2701 Murray Street): Think of The Commons as the welcoming, all-rounder neighbour. They brew a wide range of accessible, well-executed styles. Their Steamworks Pilsner is a local icon, a crisp and clean Czech-style pilsner with a subtle hop bitterness. It’s a perfect "clean slate" beer that pairs with almost anything, making it a great start to your crawl. For something more unique, seek out their Black Lightning Porter, which offers notes of coffee and dark chocolate. This brewery's balanced approach calls for food that is flavourful but not overpowering.

Moody Ales (2601 Murray Street): Moody Ales embraces experimentation and bold flavours. They are famous for their Junction IPA, a West Coast IPA with a pronounced pine and citrus bitterness that stands up to rich, fatty foods. They also excel in sour beers; their Sour No. 1 (Raspberry) is a tart, fruity refresher. Moody Ales' beers are for the adventurous drinker and demand food pairings that can either contrast their intensity (like a creamy, cooling dish) or complement their boldness (like spicy cuisine).

Twin Sails Brewing (2821 Murray Street): Twin Sails is the hype beast of the Row, renowned for its exceptional hazy and juicy IPAs. Dat Juice is their flagship, a hazy IPA bursting with tropical fruit flavours like mango and passionfruit with minimal bitterness. They also produce Con Leche, a smooth, creamy stout that tastes like Mexican chocolate. Their beers are often big on aroma and flavour, requiring food that won't clash but will either highlight their fruitiness or provide a savory counterpoint.

Yellow Dog Brewing (2817 Murray Street): Yellow Dog is all about bold, punchy American styles. Their Chase My Tail Pale Ale is a quintessential Pacific Northwest pale, hop-forward with citrus and pine notes. Their Shake A Tail Feather IPA doubles down on that intensity. These are beers with attitude, designed to cut through richness and stand up to hearty, grilled, or smoked meats. Pairing here is about matching strength with strength.

Parkside Brewery (2731 Murray Street): Parkside brings a touch of European tradition with a modern twist. Their Parkside Pilsner is a standout, a German-style pilsner that is crisp, dry, and perfectly balanced. They also brew a delightful Dunkel, a malty, dark lager with notes of bread and caramel. Parkside's refined, clean lagers are excellent with delicate foods, seafood, and dishes where you want the beer to refresh the palate without dominating.

Bakery Brewing (2731 Murray Street, inside Parkside): Originally a pop-up, Bakery Brewing now has a permanent home inside Parkside. They specialize in decadent, dessert-inspired beers. Think Stroopwafel Ale or Banana Pancake Stout. These are sipping beers, often higher in alcohol and sweetness. The food pairing strategy here is unique: either treat the beer as the dessert itself, or pair it with something salty and savory to create a fantastic sweet-and-salty contrast.

Summary: Each brewery on Port Moody's Brewery Row has a distinct beer style profile that dictates food pairing strategy. The Commons offers versatile lagers, Moody Ales features bold IPAs and sours, Twin Sails specializes in juicy hazy IPAs, Yellow Dog focuses on hop-forward ales, Parkside excels in crisp European-style pilsners, and Bakery Brewing creates dessert-inspired beers. Matching these profiles with complementary or contrasting foods from nearby restaurants creates a harmonious tasting experience.

Recommended Food Pairings from Nearby Restaurants and Food Trucks

Now for the main event: putting it all together. Here’s where we match specific beers with specific dishes you can find within a short walk of the breweries. This is a choose-your-own-adventure guide.

Pairing with Sit-Down Restaurants: Several excellent restaurants are embedded right on the Row. Sushi K Kamizato (2733 Murray St) is a gem. Their Salmon Aburi Oshi (around $18) with its lightly torched, mayo-kissed salmon on pressed rice is sublime with a Parkside Pilsner. The beer's crispness cuts through the richness and cleanses the palate for the next bite. For a heartier match, the Braised Beef Poutine ($16) from Shamrock Bistro (their brick-and-mortar is at 2709 Murray St) is a perfect partner for Moody Ales' Junction IPA.

The beer's strong bitterness stands up to the gravy and cheese curds, while its piney notes complement the savory beef.

A short five-minute walk towards Rocky Point Park leads to Pasta Polo (2801 Murray St). Their Cacio e Pepe ($19) with its sharp, peppery cheese sauce is fantastic with The Commons' Steamworks Pilsner. The beer's clean finish prevents the dish from feeling too heavy. Craving Asian flavours? Rehanah's Roti (170-2501 St. Johns St) is worth the slightly longer stroll. A Spicy Goat Roti (approx. $17) with its complex curry heat finds a brilliant foil in Twin Sails' Dat Juice. The beer's juicy mango and passionfruit flavours cool the spice and create a tropical curry sensation.

Pairing with Food Trucks & Casual Bites: The food truck scene is integral to Brewery Row's summer vibe. The Lobster Man Truck (often parked near Twin Sails) offers a Lobster Roll ($24) that sings with Parkside Pilsner, a classic coastal pairing. For the ultimate brewery burger, head to the grill window at Rocky Point Ice Cream (2800 Murray St). Their classic cheeseburger (around $9) is a no-fuss, delicious match for Yellow Dog's Chase My Tail Pale Ale; the hops cut through the grease beautifully.

Don't overlook snack-style pairings. A bag of salty, greasy fish and chips from Pajo's in Rocky Point Park (approx. $16) is a quintessential BC experience that pairs wonderfully with a West Coast IPA from Moody Ales. For a late-night option after your crawl, the concept is similar to finding great Best Late-Night Food in Vancouver After 10 PM. If you're grabbing food to go from further afield, services like thestormcafe.com can be an option for meal delivery, though the local walk-up spots are part of the experience.

The Art of the Pairing: Remember the basic principles: Complement (match flavours, like a malty dunkel with roasted meats) or Contrast (oppose flavours, like a tart sour with rich, creamy pasta). For Bakery Brewing's Stroopwafel Ale, try a contrasting pairing with salty, sharp blue cheese from a local market. The combination is magical. For more on how specific ingredients can affect your well-being, especially after indulging, resources like Health Canada food nutrition guidelines provide helpful context.

Summary: Optimal food pairings on Brewery Row combine specific beers with nearby dishes. Examples include Parkside Pilsner with Salmon Aburi Oshi from Sushi K Kamizato, Moody Ales' IPA with Shamrock Bistro poutine, and Yellow Dog's Pale Ale with a Rocky Point Ice Cream burger. Food trucks like The Lobster Man offer seasonal pairings. The strategy uses the walkable layout to mix and match, applying complementary or contrasting flavour principles to elevate both the beer and the food.

Planning Your Visit: Walking Tour Map and Seasonal Events

A successful Brewery Row adventure requires a little strategy. Here’s a practical plan to maximize your enjoyment, from route planning to seasonal considerations.

The Ideal Walking Tour Map: Start at the east end with Parkside Brewery (and Bakery Brewing inside) around 2:00 PM. Have a light pilsner and a snack. Next, walk west to The Commons. This gives you a contrast in lager styles. From there, cross the street to Moody Ales for a bold IPA. By now, you might be ready for a substantial food break. This is the perfect time to grab a meal from Shamrock Bistro or Pasta Polo and bring it back to Moody's spacious patio or tasting room.

After refueling, continue west to Twin Sails Brewing. Their hazy IPAs are a must-try. Finally, end at Yellow Dog Brewing, just a few doors down. Their potent pale ales are a strong finish. This route minimizes backtracking and allows for natural food breaks. The total walking distance, excluding trips to Rocky Point Park, is less than 500 meters. Always designate a driver, use a ride-share, or take the TransLink 160 bus which stops directly on Murray Street.

Seasonal Events and What to Expect: Brewery Row is dynamic. Summer (June-August) is peak season. Food trucks are a daily fixture, patios are packed, and the energy is high. Go on a weekday afternoon if you prefer a quieter experience. Many breweries release refreshing summer seasonals like fruited sours or session IPAs during this time.

Fall and Winter bring a cozier charm. This is when breweries release darker beers like porters, stouts, and winter warmers. Events like "Cask Nights" or holiday markets pop up. It's the perfect time to pair a stout with a rich, comforting dish, think of it as the beer equivalent of finding the Best Chinese Comfort Food for Vancouver's Rainy Season. Spring sees a return to patio weather and often features fresh, hoppy releases.

Practical Tips for Your Visit:

• Pacing: Share flights (4-5 small tasters) rather than committing to full pints at each stop. Stay hydrated with water.
• Budget: Flights range from $10-$15, pints from $7-$

9. Factor in $15-$25 for food per person. Use our free tip calculator to easily figure out gratuity if you sit down at a restaurant.

• Family & Dogs: All breweries are family-friendly (minors allowed until early evening, typically 8 or 9pm) and most welcome dogs on their patios. It's a common weekend sight.
• Non-Alcoholic Options: The scene has evolved. Most breweries now carry at least one craft non-alcoholic beer (like Parkside's N/A Pilsner). Nearby cafes like Caffe Divano (2501 St. Johns St) offer excellent coffee, and Rocky Point Ice Cream has desserts.

For official event listings and other local attractions, consult the Destination Vancouver restaurant guide. Planning a corporate team event? The structured tasting and group-friendly environment could be ideal, and services like mygreatpumpkin.com specialize in corporate catering for such gatherings.

Summary: The optimal Brewery Row walking tour starts at Parkside, moves to The Commons, then Moody Ales for a food break, followed by Twin Sails, and ends at Yellow Dog. Summer weekends feature food trucks and busy patios, while fall and winter offer cozy indoor tasting of seasonal dark beers. The area is highly walkable (under 500m end-to-end), family and dog-friendly, with most breweries offering non-alcoholic options. Planning with flights, water, and ride-shares is essential for a safe, enjoyable experience.

Beyond Beer: Non-Alcoholic Options and Family-Friendly Tips

Brewery Row is more than just a destination for beer enthusiasts. Its welcoming, community-oriented setup makes it an excellent outing for mixed groups, families, and those who don't drink alcohol.

Thriving Non-Alcoholic and Alternative Options: Gone are the days of only having soda as an alternative. Parkside Brewery leads the way with their own expertly crafted Non-Alcoholic Pilsner, which has the authentic flavour profile of a true craft beer without the alcohol. Most other taprooms now stock a selection of local craft N/A beers from brands like Brave Brew or Sober Carpenter. Beyond beer, you'll find local craft sodas, kombucha on tap, and sparkling water. The Caffe Divano just around the corner is a beloved local spot for high-quality espresso drinks if you need a caffeine pick-me-up during your crawl.

A True Family-Friendly Destination: On a sunny Saturday afternoon, Brewery Row is often dotted with strollers and kids enjoying board games on the patio. Breweries are licensed to allow minors, typically during daytime and early evening hours (always check individual posted policies, but it's usually until 8 or 9 pm). The open layouts and lack of loud, blaring TVs create a relaxed environment for all ages. The biggest family asset is the proximity to Rocky Point Park. Kids can enjoy the legendary playground, splash park (in summer), and the long pier while parents relax nearby.

You can easily split up: one group gets ice cream and plays in the park, another samples a flight, then you swap.

Making a Day of It: Integrate your beer tasting with other activities. Visit the Port Moody Station Museum to learn about the area's history. Walk the Shoreline Trail for beautiful views of Burrard Inlet. Time your visit with the Port Moody Farmers Market (Sundays, June-October at the Recreation Complex). This holistic approach makes the trip appealing to everyone in your group. For visitors exploring other culinary hubs in the region, the density and variety here can be compared to navigating a Richmond Food Court Guide: Aberdeen and Crystal Mall, but with a focus on craft beverage culture.

The inclusive atmosphere ensures that whether you're a hardcore beer geek, a curious newcomer, a designated driver, or a parent with kids, Brewery Row has something to offer. It’s a model for how modern craft beverage tourism can be accessible and enjoyable for a wide community, supporting local businesses in line with sustainable economic practices often highlighted by city guides.

Summary: Port Moody's Brewery Row is inclusive, offering strong non-alcoholic options like Parkside's N/A Pilsner and local craft sodas. It is highly family-friendly, with minors allowed in taprooms until early evening and the adjacent Rocky Point Park providing a playground and splash park. The destination supports a full day out by integrating beer tasting with museum visits, shoreline trails, and seasonal farmers markets, ensuring an engaging experience for visitors of all ages and interests.

Key Takeaway

The ultimate Port Moody Brewery Row food pairing experience is a walkable, customizable tasting tour. Match signature beers from six distinct breweries, like Twin Sails' hazy Dat Juice IPA or Parkside's crisp Pilsner, with specific dishes from embedded restaurants like Sushi K Kamizato or regular food trucks. The family-friendly, bring-your-own-food vibe allows you to create perfect flavour combinations, from contrasting a sour with rich poutine to complementing a porter with a chocolate dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you bring your own food to the breweries on Brewery Row?

Yes, this is a key feature of the Brewery Row experience. All breweries actively encourage guests to bring in food from nearby restaurants or food trucks. They provide plates, cutlery, and often have menus from local spots on hand. Some, like Moody Ales, even have a dedicated food truck parked outside most days.

Is Port Moody Brewery Row family-friendly and can you bring kids?

Absolutely. All breweries allow minors during daytime and early evening hours, typically until 8:00 or 9:00 PM. The atmosphere is relaxed and communal, not a rowdy bar scene. The proximity to Rocky Point Park with its massive playground and splash park makes it an ideal family outing where parents can enjoy a tasting flight while kids play nearby.

What is the best way to get to Brewery Row without a car?

Taking transit is straightforward and recommended. The TransLink 160 bus from downtown Vancouver/Burrard Station goes directly to Murray Street, stopping right in the middle of Brewery Row. The West Coast Express commuter train stops at the Port Moody station, which is about a 15-minute walk away. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft also operate in the area.

Are there good options for people who don't drink beer?

Yes, the options have greatly improved. Most breweries now serve non-alcoholic craft beers, local craft sodas, and kombucha. Excellent coffee is available at Caffe Divano just off the main strip, and Rocky Point Ice Cream offers desserts. The focus is on creating a comfortable social environment for everyone.

How much does a typical Brewery Row visit cost?

For beer, expect to pay $7-$9 for a full pint and $10-$15 for a flight of 4-5 small tasters. Food from nearby restaurants or trucks typically ranges from $12 for a substantial snack to $25 for a full meal. A realistic budget for a tasting tour with food is approximately $40-$60 per person.

What are the best food trucks to look for on Brewery Row?

The lineup changes, but some regular favourites include Shamrock Bistro (for poutine and burgers), The Lobster Man (for seafood rolls), and La Gringa (for authentic Mexican street food). Trucks are most prevalent on summer weekends and weekday evenings. Breweries usually post their weekly food truck schedules on social media.

Do you need to make reservations at the breweries?

Generally, no. Brewery taprooms operate on a first-come, first-served basis with ample communal seating. The only exception might be for large groups (e.g. 10+ people) on a peak Saturday night, where calling ahead is courteous. For the adjacent sit-down restaurants like Sushi K Kamizato, reservations are recommended.

References

[1] City of Vancouver, "Vancouver Food Strategy," 2023. The city's long-term plan for a healthy, sustainable food system. https://vancouver.ca/people-programs/vancouvers-food-strategy.aspx

[2] Daily Hive Vancouver, "Food Section," 2026. Local news coverage of Vancouver restaurant openings, closures, and food trends. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/food

[3] Georgia Straight, "Food and Drink," 2026. Independent coverage of Vancouver's food, drink, and restaurant scene since 1967. https://www.straight.com/food