Growlers USA, a Denver, CO-based franchise operation which was founded in Eugene, has opened its first Portland location downtown with 100 tap lines. Growlers USA - Portland is a similar operation to The Growler Guys, but with a full kitchen and more seating. The new Growlers USA PDX also may have a built-in audience; it's literally located inside Portland State University's Karl Miller Center School of Business at SW 6th and Harrison. With a street entrance on SW 6th and an entry from the lobby of PSU's school of business, and being just 2 blocks from PSU's Farmers Market and 1 block from the PSU MAX station, the location should equal big crowds at Growlers USA Portland. Though more does not necessarily mean better, the 100 draft lines should keep folks coming in, plus the wide menu selection with lunch and dinner served 7 days a week does not hurt. The large menu even has a whole page of gluten-free options. The food options aren't super adventurous but aim to please, from soups and salads, to burgers, wings, brats, pretzels, and dip. The re is even a seared Mahi-Mahi plate and or chicken & waffles, and the back of the menu features a beer and food pairing guide.Though the name may be Growlers USA, this spot obviously caters more towards the sit down and enjoy a pint taproom crowd than encouraging customers to fill up a growler to go; in fact, there were not even any growlers in-sight on my recent visit. A couple of flat screen TVs and a good amount of bar seating and dining areas marks a welcome respite from the high-traffic, heavy commuter streets outside. Another way that Growlers USA tries to stand out from the crowd is by requiring all of the front of the house staff to be at least intro level Cicerone certified, so beer knowledge is important and you shouldn't just have a PSU student trying to make a buck by serving between classes unless they really know what they are talking about.

Growlers USA Portland, OR is set to soft open to the public this Thursday, May 3rd and will be open 11am - 11pm thereafter. There already is an updated taplist and venue listing on Taphunter and Untappd. Growlers USA (Portland, OR)615 SW Harrison St. Suite BPortland, OR 97201 (503) 227-5338Follow on FB:  https://www.facebook.com/growlerusaportland/Follow on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/growlerportland/