Great service, great drinks, and the best pizza I've had in decades! The beers Backwoods makes are all delicious and smooth-drinking. The service staff was all exceptional. But the pizza! Off the charts!, FULL REVIEW of all Services: If anyone who enjoys hiking, river fishing, or just a general outdoor-focused vacation wants a good, simple getaway with their spouse/loved one, check out the Backwoods brand in Carson, Washington (just north-northeast of Bridge of the Gods/Cascades Locks). Backwoods Cabins offers a really great overnight stay option. The 8 cabins there are all basic "two-room" designs (bedroom and attached bathroom, and a living room / mini-kitchen room). The cabins sport king-sized beds, a gas fireplace and outdoor fire, a mini kitchen with refrigerator/freezer and microwave (no stove/range). I think 3 of the 8 cabins welcome dogs. The Backwoods brand also owns Backwoods Brewery, which is just across the road from the cabin property. They have great microbrew beers (from light lagers to GREAT stouts!). The brewery also has a smokehouse, with fantastic smoked brisket, pulled pork, and house-made sausage/brats. But even better, the Backwoods Brewery offers the BEST PIZZA I've had in decades. The pizza dough is a perfect balance of flavor and texture. It's not too thin and not too thick. The crust is chewy in the middle, with a great crusty edge and base. The red sauce (they also have a white sauce we didn't try) is thick and rich, with a few tomato chunks. It's got a slight spicy bite with a sweet finish. They also have some unique house pizzas. We tried the Whistle Punk - Red sauce, bacon, smoked brisket, peppadew peppers, sweet onions, fresh mozzarella rounds - and the Pepperoni Express - Red sauce, pepperoni, mushrooms, tomatoes, banana peppers, smoked mozzarella. Both were outstanding. I'd go so far as to say both Donna and I deemed these the best pizzas we've had in 35+ years (noting that our first date was at a pizza joint in Fife we both thought was the best-ever pizza). If you stay in the Backwoods Cabins, you get two coupons for free drinks at the brewery (beer/wine/cider/cocktails) as well as an assortment of snacks for your hiking adventures, and a full S'mores kit to use over the gas fire pit. And if you are in a dog-friendly cabin, you get complimentary treats, and water/food bowls for your canines. read more

Gluten free review: Came here after a hike because I believe in balance, climb a hill, eat a pizza. Thrilled they had gluten-free options. Tried the Tree Hugger 10" GF pizza and it was genuinely tasty. The crust? So good. The staff? Kind. The price? About $20, which felt a little "ouch," but the pizza did not, and that's what matters. The place was fun and great ambiance. Take a fun trip and go try this place out. read more

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Really good stout and the pizza is perfection down to the last bite. We planned our hike around being able to stop here for lunch. Definitely worth the drive. read more

Backwoods Brewing Company - Smoke house - Breweries Near Me - Carson, Washington

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Great find in the area! We chose to eat there multiple nights during our trip. Solid service and food choices/quality!

For a town this size, it is outstanding. put this in a normal size city and it is ok. We were seated out in one of the circus tents that get pretty cold in the winter. they have a limited menu, so check it out in advance. We tried the pizza last time, and it was not just so-so, almost too sloppy. read more

My son and I were looking for a place with good craft beer and great pizza, and this place was recommended by the young staff at the fish market in Cascade Locks. My son had their chili for an appetizer, and then we both enjoyed a 10-beer flight of their microbrews and the Whistle Punk specialty pizza for our entree. Dessert was a Carmel Apple coffee cake topped with ice cream. Everything was excellent. I must add that the people of the State of Washington have been so friendly and inviting. The restaurant closed at 8 p.m., but they let us stay after to finish the conversation we had established with locals from a nearby table. The exchange'll always entertain me. Where are you from?" "Michigan," I replied. "So you searched a map of the US and said we need to go to Carson, WA." (Said with delightful sarcasm.) Ample open seating inside, low top, bar, and patio seating outside. Excellent service. Competitive pricing. Gravel lot parking with the entrance in the back. We drove over the Bridge of the Gods to get here, and the Gods led us to a great place. read more

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We have been going here pretty regularly after soaking at Carson Hot springs or hiking. We really like this place. I love their salads and hummus plate! Best hummus plate around in my book!! I don't eat pork or red meat, but everyone in my group usually does and they love it. Service is always great here and I love their porters and I just had a Dreamicle beer which was new for me and I loved it. Thank you for having awesome vegetarian options and good food!!! read more

This was all around amazing! The fan things on the table to keep away the flys and bees was mind blowing! Why doesn't everyone have these. The staff was amazing and the space is large yet cozy as there are different areas. The pizza was perfect!!!! I ate the whole thing over 2 days it was so good!!! I will be back for all the pizzas!!!! read more

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Really enjoyed coming here and will be back. Had the BBQ chicken pizza which was delicious and then their mixed drink special - it was berry something but was also so good. Loved that I was able to bring my dog they have lots of shade in the outdoor area. Service was also great. Can't wait to come next time I'm in the area! read more

Backwoods Brewing Company - Breweries Near Me - Carson, Washington

Stopped in after golfing Elk ridge. I had the best ever pecan pie porter. (Desert in a glass). We paired that with one of the best pizzas I have had in a long time. I give them a 10 out of 10 with service and food. read more

Backwoods Brewing Company - Pecan pie porter. - Breweries Near Me - Carson, Washington

Our choice for lunch with our dog owning friends- and a darn good one. The staff was super nice to the doggo, water and a biscuit. The beer was delicious, the standout was the food, incredible salads, and the BBQ! OMG! The ' Q was really good- that said, I am not from a barbecue part of the US but everyone else agreed it was delicious. Huge place, room for many souls in the summer, plenty of space in October. A good gorge stop. read more

Returned for breakfast on Saturday morning. Nice to sit outside when it was not so crowded! They have a great breakfast menu! My wife had the Dutch Baby which she really enjoyed, the breakfast taco was very flavorful but spicy! I had the large portion of biscuits and gravy (pictured) which had lots of sausage bits in it for a great flavor. We all really enjoyed our meal. Don't put off by having breakfast at a brewery, beer tastes good in the morning too!! read more

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The place was busy and is obviously popular. The beers on offer are a great selection but the food I felt was average. Their smoked meats whilst tasty are served in a very unappetising way...just a slab of meat in a dish. Their pizzas were disappointing as they had too much cheese and the topping overwhelmed the dish. I might be a pizza snob as I lived in Italy for two years and so often I find the US interpretation of pizza to be all dough and cheese....no refinement and subtly. Whoever generations ago bastardised the pizza in New York should be reprimanded. We left underwhelmed..... read more

I am willing to drive an hour to come eat at this place. I love the ambiance, staff and food! I highly recommend stopping here. Not pictured is the Reuben sandwich. I plan on going back again soon. read more

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Great atmosphere and service was great. Food was so good. So many choice and could build own pizza too. Family friendly too! read more

We stopped here after exploring the back roads north of Stevenson including some amazing waterfalls. I chose this place specifically for the bbq sandwich and was not disappointed. It was a very nice selection of beers and all that were tried were happily finished. Just a note that the entrance is in the back of the building which isn't apparent from the front. read more

Backwoods Brewing Company - Sandwich - Breweries Near Me - Carson, Washington

After a few years of wanting to visit this place I finally made it. Pizza was delicious and the beer was amazing. Tried the Ridge runner and loved it. read more

First time here, and even though it's a 30+ minute drive, we will be back. We ordered the BBQ platter to share with two of us. It comes with pulled pork, brisket, and a sausage. For sides it's brisket Mac and cheese, pickled veggies, potato salad and fresh bread. The only complaint was that the portion of potato salad was a little small. The bbq sauce was perfect, just the right amount of sweetness. The meat was fall apart flavorful and everything else was just delicious. On the menu board I saw that they had a spiced apple crisp for desert and I had to have it. It came hot and ala mode and I wish I could have one everyday-it was delicious! Can't wait to return!! read more

Backwoods Brewing Company - Spiced apple crisp - Breweries Near Me - Carson, Washington

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Amazing food! Outstanding staff! Great mocktails as a non alcoholic drinker their house root beer always suffice! The atmosphere is kick back chill with well behaved doggy's and amazing view of the great outdoors! Carson is a great little town!! Hit this place on the way up the mountain or down it's awesome! Has a country market right there stretched along side of it with a delicious ice cream milkshake machine! Great for all! God Bless You! Highly recommended and again beyond friendly atmosphere!!! Run there root beers the best! read more

Backwoods Brewing Company - My husband and I date night at backwoods brewery - Breweries Near Me - Carson, Washington

Honestly so mid. I got the garlic breadsticks and the bbq chicken pizza. Breadsticks texture was good but lacked flavor. And the pizza was just again... super mid. No flavor to the chicken. Just bland to me. Not worth the prices. The ladies that helped me were super nice though!! read more

I have always enjoyed the majority of the beers made by Backwoods for many years. Been wanting to see how good their restaurant was. I was not disappointed. I love that you can do half and half with their speciality pizzas. Also don't miss that there are two sides to the pizza menu. There is a Pesta based pizza on that side, Kyla's garden. It is so good! The crust on this pizza is possibly the best I have ever had. The staff was friendly, and knowledgeable. They were great. And the table and atmosphere was comfortable and a mix of outside and outside. Definitely will be going back. read more

Consistently excellent beer with a great variety. Staff are friendly and fast. Food keeps expanding, always tasty. Rustic vibe, cute shop. read more

Came here for dinner on a Wednesday. Food was great and the outdoor seating was better than indoor seating in my opinion. It took about 20min for my food to be ready. The bbq sauce for the brisket was cold when I got the food. I wish it was at least room temperature or warm. The sauce tasted great and it was on the sweeter side. I ate the pizza crust with it and that was satisfying. read more

Backwoods Brewing Company - strawberry banana cider - Breweries Near Me - Carson, Washington

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Although tucked away in the town of Carson, WA, this small local brewery and restaurant is outstanding. The beers are smooth, tasty, and offer a variety of styles to satisfy most palates. Food is traditional American/pub style, including sandwiches, BBQ, Pizza and a wide array of salads for a healthier option. The interior is simple but inviting, and they have a large patio that allows for dogs. The staff is friendly and welcoming. It is worth going a little out of your way to enjoy this spot. read more

Good place in the pearl to stop by after work . Caught some happy hour , service was good , food was good , dessert was even better read more

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Nice to visit the original home of this popular Columbia River Gorge brewery. Pizza was very good and setting was blend of in/out doors. Looks popular with the locals. read more

Went in after a round of golf at Elk Ridge. I had to check this place out as they have some pretty good beers. The outside area go sit, eat and drink is pretty spacious. The bartender was pretty and sweet. She gave me a really cold beer and I proceeded outside to drink it. It was really good and the picnic tables they have outside are pretty comfortable too. I can't wait to come back out to check it out. read more

Backwoods Brewing Company - Beer - Breweries Near Me - Carson, Washington

Time for a review update & to up them a star! Their food is always delicious, they have great beers, the service is consistently friendly, they have an incredible outdoor seating space, both covered & uncovered, with a beautiful view, AND they now serve breakfast Fridays, Saturday, Sundays & Mondays! (breakfast hours/days may be seasonal, so double check their website if your going there during the colder months). We stopped in to try their breakfast on our way out to hike for the day, and it was so good. I had the Tree Hugger omelet & the Hubs had an order of flapjacks. My only minor suggestions with breakfast is the potatoes were heavily seasoned, making them a bit spicier than I expected, and for the flapjacks the maple syrup, fruit compote & butter it came with were all ice cold, which is not ideal to put on nice hot flapjacks. read more

Backwoods Brewing Company - Tree Hugger Omelet & an order of flapjacks. - Breweries Near Me - Carson, Washington

10/10 recommend. The location inside is very woodsy theme and homey. The outside views are incredible. I definitely recommend sitting outside on the benches for a breath of fresh air with some nice Mountain View's. Ordered the pizza and it was so full of flavor. Ordered a small which had about 5 slices so it was ideal for the two of us. Ordered their sour beer and it tasted like most fruity sours so it was good. They have a little gift shop inside. The service was good. They gave us the option to sit inside or outside where there was no service, which we opted for that. They give you a remote to take when your food is ready. It's a very chill vibe and family friendly. read more

Backwoods Brewing Company - Sour beer - Breweries Near Me - Carson, Washington

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Highly recommend the Twisted Caesar salad with candied walnuts and raisins. The pizza is incredible and the beers are all top notch.

This is my husband and I's favorite restaurant. We love coming here after a beautiful day exploring in nature and hiking.

The hummus plate and bbq are fantastic. Super great service. Brewery but also had cocktails if you are gluten free

Located in a nondescript building, Backwoods Brewing is well-named. They've got a large in door and about double-sized outdoor seating area. Very casual and welcoming. We stopped here after golfing at Elk Ridge for a beer and lunch. I'm a dark beer girl and there were at least 4 dark options (unheard of!) and it was hard to make a decision. (Plenty of other options as well, including hard kombucha, wine and cider.) I got the stout, I think it was called Run Ridge or something. More of a true coffee stout and the others were sweeter. Husband got a special IPA that he said was great. We shared the pretzel sticks with beer cheese, which were the standout fave! This cheese was generous and mostly cheese, not watery. It had a fondue flavor and looked as if it was baked in the oven. Five stars for this appy! I got the smoked salmon spread appetizer which was very good as well. It has a bit of spice, tasting like there was Dijon mustard in jt. Husband got the Trail Grazer salad with pulled chicken, which he said was great. He got the small size (pictured). We'll definitely be back! read more

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100% Hands down GREATEST service in TOWN...You will not go home HUNGRYBE easy on there BREW taste so good ya can't STOP...Call a cab if too intoxicated PLEASE read more

This is my absolute favorite brewpub in the Gorge. Quality and fun beers, the pizza is fabulous. Don't let the exterior of the place fool you, once you step inside you'll love it. Service is friendly and easy but still attentive. read more

Our server was fantastic. Great that we could bring our dog. My companion was happy with pizza. The bad was the food value for my taco order was very poor. I ordered pulled pork tacos and the amount of meat was absolutely minuscule. When I mentioned this in a constructive way to staff behind bar he was very curt-just said "we measure the amount" of meat. For $22 (I believe) this is very cheap of the owner. read more

Solid food and drink options. Friendly service. IG worthy ambiance but without the "influencer" fuss. My friends and I were staying at the nearby Carson Hot Springs resort and were looking to grab some appetizers before dinner. Well, we ended up ordering $200 worth of food and drinks lol. Almost everything was great, but not perfect. -Mac and cheese with bacon (5/5) -Pretzel sticks with cheese (4/5 - sauce was a bit salty) -Kale salad with chicken (3.5/5 - kale needed some massaging though flavor was good) -Winter Harvest (experimental) - (3.5 A little rich for me, but so much better with a side of pepperocinis. Tasted 100% the next day!) -Whistle Punk (4/5 - Delicious brisket with a little heat) -Desserts (4/5 - the coffee cake was our fave!) All of our beer selections were well received! Overall yummy place! Will be back when I'm in the area. read more

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We stopped at Backwoods brewing after a day of traveling to through some national parks and awesome sight seeing. This brewery was a lot of fun and the food lived up to our appetites. Our son had a build your own pepperoni pizza. The dough was fresh and pizza was very good. My wife and I split a pizza (the thunderdome) on a gluten free crust. This pizza had brisket, pepperoni and a hot honey sauce. We also split two tacos (1 pulled pork and one brisket). Both items were cooked perfectly and tasted great after a long day of traveling. We also split the harvest salad with a house pecan stout vinegarette. The salad was huge and had a lot of great toppings including butternut squash and sunflower seeds. If we're ever back in the area we will stop again. It's a long drive from Pennsylvania. read more

My fiancé and I really enjoy the Backwoods Brewing in the Pearl district in Portland so we added this place to our list the next time we were in the Mt. Hood. We came on a Sunday around 1pm and knew it would be busy but it was busier than we were even expecting. 30 minute wait. I imagine this is really the only exciting thing in Carson so a wait is understandable. While we waited, we walked around the brewery. An absolute great space and would've loved to eat outside had the weather been a little cooler. Incredible views of the hills and fields surrounding the property. We were finally sat outside under the covered patio but right next to the hop plants which were swarming with wasps. We were worried about having food near so many wasps so we asked to go inside and they accommodated us. We got the smokehouse platter, a flight of beer and the lazy blueberry cake. The smokehouse platter, though pricey, was absolutely worth it! Highlights were definitely the brisket, brisket Mac n cheese and the potato salad. Found the pulled pork and the sausage to be a bit dry. The beer was meh. We didn't choose beers we normally would've so maybe it was on us for not liking it. The cake was delicious but would've been better had it been warmed up like it said on the menu. Otherwise, a good experience and would be happy to return next time we find ourselves in the area read more

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I read the description of the breakfast potpie, it sounded like a good choice. When it came I was disappointed from the start. A biscuit on top? It was some sort of crust that was soggy. The vegetables, or whatever it was, inside was ground to a mush. Needless to say, it tasted worse than it looked. I ate a few bites and lost that on the way back to Hood River from Carson. read more