First Look: Growler USA in St. Charles

St. Charles residents don’t need to travel far for their favorite St. Louis brews. Growler USA opened last week at 3833 Elm St., and is now pouring from more than 100 taps.

Co-owners Nicholas and Jody Hester have lived in the St. Charles area for 15 years and began the process of owning a franchise about a year-and-a-half ago when they came across the Colorado-based pub. “They don’t dictate any of the beers that are going to be on our tap. … It ultimately is the owner’s decision,” said Nicholas Hester. “We’re really into the local beer scene ourselves. We want those brewers to be here because a lot of our clientele can’t make it down there (to the breweries).”

Local beers include those from 4 Hands Brewing Co., Urban Chestnut Brewing Co., Civil Life Brewing Co., Perennial Artisan Ales and 2nd Shift Brewing Co. — just to name a few. As for the craft selection beyond the St. Louis region, guests can taste a variety ranging from the East to West Coasts with pours from brewers like Brooklyn Brewery, Tallgrass Brewing Co., Oskar Blues Brewery and Stone Brewing.

Alongside libations, the lunch and dinner menu offers pub food with “an elevated spin,” Hester said. Guests will find salads, ahi tuna, fresh hummus and chicken and waffles in addition to house-made wings, tenders and burgers.

The 2,300-square-foot space seats 73 inside, and another 50 when the outdoor patio opens. Growler USA is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Take a first look at St. Charles newest beer bar.

Caitlin Lally is a contributor to Sauce Magazine.