Growler USA, “America’s Microbrew Pub,” is a craft beer franchise with approximately 15 locations nationwide and another dozen or so in planning. It is focused on providing its customers with a huge selection of craft beers from all over the US. Colorado currently has two: one in Centennial and one in Louisville, with a Sloan’s Lake location coming soon. Each Growler USA has 100 taps, featuring craft beers from all around the country (including some ciders and wines as well). I recently visited Growler USA Louisville, which opened in May (at 1071 Courtesy Road), and it is an amazing place!
Where do I begin? How about we start with those 100 taps? Growler USA Louisville uses Untappd digital beer boards, which can be easily seen above the tap wall. As it can be quite overwhelming to choose from such an enormous selection, both the boards and the paper lists are broken down into very specific categories to give customers some guidance on where to go:
- IPAs
- Imperial & Double IPAs
- Pale Ales
- Light Lagers
- Dark Lagers
- Witbier / Wheat / Hefeweizen
- Sours / Berliner Weisse / Gose
- Fruit /Pumpkin / Yam beers
- Saisons / Farmhouse
- Ales / Blonde / Scottish
- Ambers / Reds
- Browns
- Porters & Stouts
- Belgian Dubbel / Tripel / Quads / Strongs
- Ciders
- Craft Wine / Specialty Beverages
As any beer lover knows, with 100 different choices there are bound to be several things you’ll want to try. A good way to start is by building a flight. Growler USA’s flights come with six taster glasses. There are lots of local beers on tap but also many others from various states. It’s a very impressive selection. In building my flight, I decided on a 50/50 mix, three from Colorado and three from elsewhere:
- Two Roads Brewing Co. Rosemary’s Baby (VT)
- Elevation Beer Company Senorita Horchata (CO)
- Weldwerks Brewing Coffee Bits (CO)
- Oakshire Brewing 2015 Barleywine (OR)
- Lawson’s Finest Liquids Sip of Sunshine (VT)
- Good River Beer Tart Cherry Porter (CO)
I was also happy to see Russian River Blind Pig (CA) on tap! It had just been tapped and wasn’t yet on the menu, so it wasn’t included in my original six. But when I found out it was on, I had to get some of course!
Growler USA has a full kitchen, so once I had my beers to sip on, I started in on the menu. The Louisville food menu has lots to offer: sliders, wings, burgers, salads, sandwiches, etc. And being vegetarian I always have to be on the lookout for dishes I can eat. I’m pleased to say there are several vegetarian items available. Appetizers such as soft pretzels, hummus, and tater tots. There’s the Pub Salad and Mac & Cheese, plus you can swap out the meat on any sandwich for a Boca veggie burger or Boca spicy chicken—just ask!
My friend and I started with the Tons-o-Tots, with beer cheese sauce (which you can get with the Baked Philly Pretzels too) and blue cheese (there is no such thing as too much cheese!) for dipping. They’re your basic, standard tater tots, but they give you a full pound of them, and the sauces are awesome and really give the tots some extra kick. Other sauce options include ranch and spicy aioli.
For the main dish, I ordered the Skillet Mac: Al dente rotini pasta tossed in savory beer cheddar cheese sauce topped with golden bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and thinly-sliced green onions served with a side of balsamic-tossed spring mix. This mac & cheese is absolutely delicious! Creamy with a hint of garlic, and everything is better with breadcrumbs. If you’re looking for something meaty, add beer brat, Pilsner chicken, or short rib.
My friend had the Turkey Melt and raved about it. It normally comes with fries or tots, but seeing as how we’d just consumed a half pound of tots…she substituted a side of spring mix, which was a wise move on her part.
Growler USA Louisville’s space has a bright, open feel with lots of windows, including a windowed garage door to the patio out front. Speaking of the patio, this location has a cold-weather perk I’ve never before seen: blankets for customers when it gets chilly! Just inquire with your server, and they’ll have you feeling warm and cozy in no time.
I definitely recommend checking this place out, and soon! Prepare to be blown away by the beer selection, and make sure to try some of the tasty food as well. Growler USA Louisville’s hours of business are:
Mon – Thurs: 11:00 am-10:00 pm
Fri: 11:00 am-12:00 am
Sat: 10:30 am-12:00 am
Sun: 10:30 am-9:00 pm
