Located in a nondescript building on East 11th Avenue, The Bier Stein does not look like an ambitious sort of bar. A few small tables are scattered in the front of the building, hardly enough to seat more than 20 people at a time. The menu is simple; on it is nothing more than deli food and hot sandwiches, all decently priced. The yellow and wood-paneled walls are sparsely decorated with only a few hanging pictures to draw the eye.
But looks, as usual, can be deceiving, and the simplicity of the setup disguises The Bier Stein’s ambitious goal of becoming the best-stocked beer supplier in Eugene.
Currently stocked with 696 types of beer, The Bier Stein is already one of the best places in town for beer connoisseurs. Which is fitting, given that owners Chip Hardy and his wife Kristina Measells pride themselves on their taste in beer.
“I’m a brewer; I know a lot about beer,” Hardy said. “We’ve got everything here from Imperial IPA to Belgian wheat beers. If it’s available in Oregon, I’m hoping to have it here.”
Hardy’s ambition to provide Eugene with the best selection has been repaid with a good turnout since the July 6 opening.
“I couldn’t be happier with the way things are going,” Hardy said.
The creation of the Bier Stein didn’t happen over night. Hardy, a former employee of the Dive Bar and Grill, dreamed of owning his own bottled beer selling company for years. When the Dive closed, he had the free time to learn to write a business plan. After receiving a bank loan, he acquired the empty storefront next to Blackjack Pizza. According to Hardy, the location is perfect for the sort of clientele he’s aiming for.
“This is a place for professionals, students and for people who are looking for great beers,” Hardy said. “At this location I’m right in the middle of all that.”
While Hardy does want to get students to his place, he notes that he wants to stay out of Eugene’s late-night bar scene – hence the 11 p.m. closing time.
“This place is a little too fragile for the hard drinking crowd,” Hardy said.
But Hardy does anticipate that students who like good beer will give his place a shot.
“I hope students that come here will get a chance to try new things, have a little adventure and find a world beyond Coors and Bud,” Hardy said. “And I have a lot of information about beer, so I can answer any questions they have about different styles. I hope to give them the experience of trying different things.”
The Bier Stein is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week, and the kitchen closes at 10 p.m.

[email protected]