Owner Amelia Pillow knew she wanted to start her own brewery, after moving back home to Louisville after living in Portland, Oregon for several years learning the brewing trade. She started meeting “interesting people doing interesting things.”
She wanted to live close to her operation, and Portland’s relative affordability made it easier to find a new home not far from the brewery, on 12th Street and Main. And although she’s aware that some people may not qualify the location as within Portland, she has nothing but respect and love for the neighborhood, which has embraced the establishment, regardless of technical location on the map.
Hungry Portland residents – as well as a steady contingent of truckers from the Mercer Transportation hub next door – have discovered the tasty grilled sandwiches and creative side dishes and know that the kitchen is open well into the evening, making it one of the only sit-down restaurants in the Portland area open for dinner.
“It’s not only craft beer, but also delicious food and snacks,” Amelia said.
She noted that her strategy the past three years has been to keep things “small and nimble” in order to sustain and grow without overextending staff or resources, establishing a “skeleton core” of what she ultimately envisions, which is more of a full bar with liquor and wine, more live music and events. New TVs were recently installed while trivia and karaoke nights have slowly built crowds, along with book and biking clubs.
“We want to try to accommodate more people,” she said. “We need more than just the neighborhood to be successful. A lot of people like craft brews, but maybe their friends don’t. We have to adapt as any businessperson should.”
She’s been told that the vibe at Shippingport was like Oakland, California in the late 1970s, presumably a mix of bikers, truckers, hippies and downtown businessmen. “It’s not as rough and rowdy,” she said. “People are pretty moderate and reasonable, and it feels like a crossroads where different types of people hang out, who normally wouldn’t have any other reason to be in the same room.”
Amelia’s quest for brewing perfection started in college in Vermont, where she took advantage of school funds to purchase and develop home brewing kits for a student brewing club. Later in Portland, Oregon, she spent several years at Hopworks, a successful regional microbrewery (still open to this day), where she did everything from serving to bookkeeping, and was on track for upper management. But all she really wanted to do was brew beer, so after a few years in the management ranks she made her way back to Louisville, becoming head brewer of the flagship Against the Grain location at Slugger Field. And more than three years ago she began her journey on west Main Street.
In addition to her hoptastic creations, Amelia is also a visual artist, whose works have graced the walls of the Portland Museum’s Comstock Gallery. She said that Portland has allowed her to embrace her artistic side while becoming part of a unique community. “I want to make a thing, be creative and share it with more people,” she said.
Speaking of sharing, she noted a 10% neighborhood discount for Portland residents. “We want to give neighbors an incentive to come and hang out with us.”
The kitchen, which serves a variety of high-quality sandwiches, is open until 9pm. Look for beer specials as low as $2 on Wednesdays. Visit their website to learn more: shippingportbrewing.com.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Since this story’s original publishing Shippingport has modified their menu, now serving burritos instead of sandwiches. Don’t worry, they’re equally delicious!
