Brews & Belonging

Canby’s treasured taproom where everyone feels like family 

By Angie Helvey, Active Media

Most folks know FOB Taproom is the best place in town to enjoy a cold, tasty brew, but its true heart beats far beyond the beer. From their year-round lineup of events held right at the taproom to the kick-back, come-as-you-are feels, this hometown hangout is about to become your second living room. 

FOB first opened its doors in 2011, but the current vibe is thanks to Steve Puga and his family, who purchased it in 2018. As a longtime connoisseur, he’s the perfect curator of a broad, high-quality beer list. The acronym stands for ‘Friends of Beer,’ though it’s also known as ‘Forward Operating Base.’ “We continue to embrace the military aspect,” says Mitch Puga, Steve’s son and the Bar Manager. “Many of our regulars are veterans, and they come in nearly every day.”

The glowing digital beer board is visible on the wall as you walk in, with 27 rotating taps behind the bar, featuring a variety of IPAs, wheat beers, rice lagers, stouts, barrel-aged brews, fruity ciders, and more! Many hail from the Northwest, and there are always three or four German handles — think German-style pilsners, dunkels and doppelbocks. “The European beers are a favorite of my dad’s,” Mitch explains. “We recently hosted a Tour of Europe event, which was basically a showcase of all the incredible imports we can get here.” 

In 2020, Mitch co-founded Vision Brewing in Aurora, an independent craft brewery and cidery, and you’ll find several of its dynamite creations on FOB’s tap list. At least 24 of the taps rotate fresh, seasonal selections every single week. It’s a balanced board, and the bartenders are always ready to recommend something to satisfy your craving. They’re even embracing the trend in nonalcoholic offerings with alcohol-free beers and CBD seltzers. “We’ve also brought back slushies for summer, like Frose,” he says, “or Rocket Pop Ciders served with a lime and an umbrella.”

FOB has always welcomed patrons to bring outside food, and if you order from Thai Corner, they’ll bring it to you at the bar when it’s ready. Now, the taproom is also excited to offer pizza on Fridays and Saturdays. They’re 12-inch Neapolitan-style pizzas made with dough from B’s Bake Shoppe, housemade red sauce, and rotating topping combinations. Or just grab some complimentary popcorn — you’ll notice it’s extra buttery and delicious, just like what you get at the movie theater! 

The venue features an outdoor patio for nice days, and the indoor seating includes the bar top, plenty of tables, and comfy couches. You’ll find video poker in the back, and one of their newest additions is a pool table, which has been a big hit! There’s an array of board games for patrons to use, which are also part of their once-a-month game night, but that’s just the beginning  — from live stand-up comedy, music, karaoke, trivia on Wednesdays ,and tap takeovers, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

The gigantic digital screen pulls down for game watch parties, and on select evenings, patrons are even invited to play some good old-fashioned Nintendo.  Don’t miss their biggest event of the year, which is coming up next month — FOBtoberfest, which will be held at Clackamas County Fairgrounds on September 18th & 19th. 

FOB Taproom is located at 1109 SW 1st Ave in Canby. Please give them a call at (503) 263-2337 or visit their website at fobtaproom.com