The word “growler,” which etymologically dates back as far as the 1800’s, refers to any container that a person brings into a restaurant, bar, or brewery, to be filled with beer and taken off the premises for consumption. Before pasteurization and the advent of bottled beer, the use of growlers was common practice for drinkers who enjoyed the convenience of taking their beer home with them. More recently, here in Virginia, the practice has seen a reemergence as a result of changing laws on alcohol sales in the state.
The word “growler,” which etymologically dates back as far as the 1800’s, refers to any container that a person brings into a restaurant, bar, or brewery, to be filled with beer and taken off the premises for consumption. Before pasteurization and the advent of bottled beer, the use of growlers was common practice for drinkers who enjoyed the convenience of taking their beer home with them. More recently, here in Virginia, the practice has seen a reemergence as a result of changing laws on alcohol sales in the state. With the passing of Senate Bill No. 604 in January of last year, breweries without in-house restaurants can now sell closed containers of beer to their patrons to be taken out of the brewery for drinking.
The use of growlers, which generally come in 32 and 64 ounce varieties, is not only great for general consumers and craft beer enthusiasts, but is also a more environmentally friendly alternative to the use of throw-away glass bottles and aluminum cans. Several restaurants, bars, and breweries throughout the Richmond area sell growlers and growler refills, and many have routine specials offering discounted prices for patrons. We’ve included a list below.
The Cask Café, located at 206 S Robinson Street, runs a “Growler Hour” every Monday through Friday from 5pm to 6pm. Prices vary.
Station 2, located at 2016 East Main Street, offers 3$ off all growler refills all day every Thursday. The initial price for the growler is $8, while refill prices vary. Station 2 is also offering a holiday special which will feature a free growler with the purchase of a $40 gift card.
Strangeways Brewing, located at 2277 Dabney Road, offers a Grunt (32 ounce Growler) night every Thursday with prices ranging from $8-$14. The container itself is included for free.
Tarrant’s Café, located at 1 West Broad Street, offers growlers and growler refills all day every day, and will even deliver within a 3 mile radius. Prices are around $13 for a 32 ounce with a $6.75 refill, and $21 for a 64 ounce growler with a $13 refill.
Capital Ale House, located at 623 East Main Street, offers $5 off growler refills every Thursday. Containers are sold for $5 and Captial Ale House will fill any growler brought in by patrons. Prices vary.
Sedona Taphouse, located at 15732 WC Main Street, in the
Westchester Commons shopping center in Midlothian, offers 1/2 off growlers every Thursday. The initial growler is sold for $10 and prices vary from $17 and up for refills.
Sergio’s Pizza, located at 4824 Market Square Lane, offers $5 off growlers every Tuesday from 11am-9pm.
Mellow Mushroom, located at 3012 West Cary Street, offers 1/2 off growlers every Monday through Thursday from 3pm-6pm.
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We’re sure there are more deals out there than just these–if your restaurant has a growler deal that we missed, just email us (hello@rvamag.com), and we’ll update the list!
