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It's gotta be a scary time to be in the growler game. On one hand, half-gallon glass jugs of beer have become ubiquitous, even at Portland bodegas and grocery stores. On the other hand, the market has to be nearing saturation. Consider that just a week before the new Growlers shop on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard opened this spring, Fred Meyer next door put in its own taps. The Growler Guys (816 SE 8th Ave., Suite 109, 971-255-0715, thegrowlerguys.com) come in late, but strong. The Bend-based chain can pour you a pint from 48 taps at its bare-walled, shiny-floored space next to Grand Central Bowling on Southeast Morrison Street. And the tap selection includes unusual stuff, like Ninkasi's HBC-366 pale ale or Mutton Buster brown ale from Boise's Payette Brewing ($10). Most important, they top off your glass with CO², which will keep your brew just as fresh as the capped stuff for several weeks. Unlike other growler-station pressurization systems, this one actually works pretty well. With Cascade Barrel House, the Green Dragon and Hair of the Dog all within an easy walk, this corner of Buckman has long been spoiled on beer. Now, thanks to these Guys, the beer won't spoil.
WWeek 2015