Ode to the Green Dragon

I raise a happy mug to thee

My favorite pub so near

Which has gone the way of barrels past --

Different and here no more

I raise a happy mug to thee

My Dragon'd pub so fair

My heart is touched with hoppy thoughts --

Filled with tasty fries and rotating taps

I raise a happy mug to thee

My foundered pub o' my heart

Alas! You leave! O! Like the yeast of my beer --

You gave your life to make us happy

I raise a sorrowful mug to thee

My cheerful pub of brewing beginnings

Has come to a rogueful end --

I wish thee fair and happy barley dreams

I raise a sorrowful mug to thee --

Farewell!

The Green Dragon was an awesome pub here in Portland; weekly visits from mostly Oregon brewers, a multitude of rotating taps, great food, uber-tasty fries, awesome atmosphere. Recently they announced they had been bought out by Rogue Brewery, an Oregon Brewery.

Rogue makes great beers -- one of my favorite ales is Dead Guy Ale -- and they do serve good food, but The Green Dragon was a truly unique place. I didn't get there as often as my brother (who was a Founder -- he invested some money, and, in return got a huge ceramic mug made especially for him -- something like 20 oz, I believe? -- which he got one free filling each time he went there -- all Founders got that -- and then 10% off his tab.).

They had many awesome beers; the hope is that Rogue will keep the rotating taps and remain true to the original philosophy and atmosphere of the pub, but only time will tell. I was sad to learn the news of the changing of the guard, but hopefully it will remain unique.