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| - Can't believe it has taken me this long to review Growlers. Though NoDa has added several new watering holes, Growlers is by far my favorite. From the free organic popcorn, beer cheese and array of beers, it's definitely now a NoDa staple.
Came in with some friends on a Tuesday night and grabbed a booth. All of which are fashionably adorned with vintage, wooden doors. Started off with the chips and beer cheese. Pure, bar-friendly heaven. How you could say no to this glorious treat escapes me. So good. Followed by Growlers' incredible popcorn, I was a happy camper. I don't know what it is about their popcorn, but goodness gracious it's amazing.
I ordered the beer brat with juniper kraut. Can't say I was in love with it. Pretty salty, bun was really soggy and the kraut was just....kraut with juniper berries. Not a bad combo, just needs some tweaking. My wife tried the pimiento grilled cheese. Not too shabby. A little on the weak side and piled with pimientos and scallions. I'm a fan of subtle pimiento flavor, but it was still sufficient.
The bar also houses a "beer engine" that has been refurbished from 1936. One of the coolest aspects of the establishment, in my opinion. Makes me want to slick my hair back, wear a bowler hat, and wear suspenders. Another fun fact is that Jeff, one of the owners, is a Cicerone. A certified beer guru. One of the few in NC. Pretty much he knows everything there is to know about beer(s). This place: legit.
Best humdinger of a win? $1 PBRs. My hipster counterparts would rejoice with me and joyfully raise their glasses. Cheers for cheap beer, says I. Even if it is hipster champagne. I'm a happy camper at Growlers!
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