Wayfinder has 10 taps, including a rotating guest cider, at its new Troutdale location. 

A much-anticipated beer hall and food cart pod made a soft launch in early August to pour some cold suds during popular Downtown Troutdale summer gatherings.

For First Friday and the Kiwanis Cruise In, which collectively brought thousands into the community for some summertime fun Friday-Saturday, Aug. 2-3, Wayfinder Beer Company opened in The Highlands, 153 S. Buxton Rd.

“We have all been in love with Troutdale for years now, spending lots of time on the river,” said Orion Landau, creative director for the brewery. “(We had) been looking for an opportunity to create a space in downtown.”

The project tore down a formerly abandoned building, using the same foundation/footprint. And it’s not just beer — there are several other exciting components working in concert within the shared space. There is Checkerboard Pizza, which marries New York and Italian pizza styles for massive slices with classic toppings or more seasonal fare.

Three food carts are already in place: Gyro King Mediterranean Cuisine, with wraps, falafel, kabobs, shawarma, and more; a sushi/poke cart; and Lulu inspired by Aloha, with shoyu chicken, bao buns, short ribs and more. There is space for three more carts.

There will also be Happy Cones, an ice cream joint helmed by a pair of friendly transplants from Hawaii.

What makes the beer hall exciting is that bevy of dining and seating options. There is an expansive indoor space with lots of windows and natural light; a front and back patio; balcony; and outdoor space that is dog-friendly and has fire pits, a kids play area, food carts, and stage for live music.

The centerpiece is of course Wayfinder, which has won “Best Brewpub Experience” for 5 years in a row at the Oregon beer Awards for its first flagship location in Southeast Portland. It helms the taproom with a full-liquor bar, 10 taps (including a guest cider), and to-go cooler within the main building.

Those taps will rotate, following the seasons, the standard lighter fare in the summer heat and hearty darks in the stormy winters. Mainstays will include “Hell,” a helles lager that is crisp and refreshing; “Export 66,” a dortmunder-style lager that is a twist on the classic “Hell” with richer malts; “Party Time,” a Bavarian-style pilsner; “Keepsake,” a Vienna-style lager with notes of caramel and biscuit; “Agent of Chaos,” a dunkel with roasted malts and a hint of cocoa; and “Gravity Drop,” a Baltic porter with chocolate, fig and caramel.

Wayfinder is one half of an exciting brewing duo descending upon Troutdale. On the other side of downtown, within the dilapidated former City Hall, will be Away Days Brewing, which has visions of an English-style pub with outdoor seating and a tucked-away speakeasy within the confines of the former municipal building.

The hope was for Away Days to be finished this summer, but delays have led to an uncertain opening date likely months into the future.

Wayfinder will continue operating from noon to 9 p.m., 10 p.m. on weekends, while the rest of The Highlands finds its footing. A grand opening is planned for Saturday, Aug. 31.