Growler USA opens in St. Charles

There’s good news for craft beer lovers who reside in St. Charles County and have a difficult time regularly making it to their favorite breweries in the city: Growler USA is now open at 3833 Elm, near Highway 370 in St. Charles.

Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Nick and Jody Hester, Growler USA's St. Charles location features 100 taps, including brews from St. Louis and beyond. Local labels 4 Hands, Civil Life, Old Bakery, and 2nd Shift will be among the staples. Current highlights include 2nd Shift’s Art of Neurosis IPA; Sump’s Coffee Stout; and Perennial’s Prodigal, an American Imperial oatmeal stout with notes of fudge and vanilla. Patrons can even enjoy Kaldi’s nitrogenated ("nitro") cold-brew coffee.

“We don't really focus on macro-beers here,” says Nick, who's been an avid home brewer for nearly 20 years.

Instead of attempting to open his own brewery, the Hesters decided to highlight the vast array of craft beer available. Though the Colorado-based business is a chain, the Hesters say the company allows plenty of autonomy, so the St. Charles location can cater to the St. Louis metro market. “We’re given free-rein to develop our beer lists and choose our own taps,” Nick says.

That kind of freedom also extends to the full kitchen, where head chef Doug Sayles puts a regional focus on signature menu items. Start off with the Short Rib Queso, one of the appetizers, served with toasted croutons. For lighter fare, the Pilsner Cobb Salad is a refreshing option, made with thick cut bacon, blue cheese, and chunks of avocado and Pilsner chicken. A likely favorite is the Inferno Burger, topped with roasted green chilies, jalapeños, and a thick slice of white cheddar.

Or try a sweet and savory plate of Chicken and Waffles, with two Belgian waffles, crispy chicken breasts and a fried egg. And there’s more on the way. “I’ve got some really good plans for future offerings, like a Schlafly pork steak sandwich and some beer-braised t-ravs,” Sayles says.

Growler USA opened to the public on Monday. It will host a grand opening March 9.