Growler Express

Description

Let me tell ya about one of Arizona’s most beloved craft beer destinations that’s totally changed the game for beer enthusiasts like myself. Having visited countless taprooms across the Southwest, I can honestly say the Growler Express stands out with its unique approach to serving up stellar brews. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by this incredible wall of taps – we’re talking dozens of rotating craft beers that’ll make any beer lover’s heart skip a beat.

The place has this really cool industrial-modern vibe going on, but it’s still super welcoming and casual. I especially dig how they’ve managed to create this perfect balance between a serious beer sanctuary and a laid-back hangout spot. It’s definitely not your typical bar scene – it’s way more focused on the craft beer experience and getting folks to discover new favorites.

Key Features

• Massive selection of rotating craft beers on tap
• Growler fills available in multiple sizes
• Digital tap list that’s updated in real-time
• Knowledgeable staff who actually know their stuff about beer
• Comfortable seating areas perfect for sampling flights
• Regular tap takeovers and special release events
• Clean, well-maintained draft lines (trust me, this makes a huge difference)
• Temperature-controlled storage to keep every beer at its prime
• Crowler canning system for take-home convenience
• Flight boards for sampling multiple brews

Best Time to Visit

From my experience, weekday afternoons tend to be perfect for chatting with the staff about different beers and getting personalized recommendations. But if you’re after the buzziest atmosphere, Thursday through Saturday evenings are when things really come alive. They often host special tapping events mid-week, which I’ve found are awesome opportunities to try limited-edition brews without fighting weekend crowds.

Pro tip: Sunday afternoons are surprisingly chill and often less crowded, making it ideal for serious beer tasting sessions. If you’re planning to fill multiple growlers, try to swing by during off-peak hours when the staff can give you their undivided attention.

How to Get There

The Growler Express is super easy to find in the East Valley area. You’ll spot it in a modern shopping complex with plenty of parking – such a relief compared to some downtown spots I’ve struggled with! If you’re taking a rideshare (which I definitely recommend if you’re planning to sample several beers), just tell them it’s near the major intersection and they’ll know exactly where to go.

Tips for Visiting

Okay, here’s the inside scoop from someone who’s probably spent way too much time here. First off, bring clean growlers if you’ve got ’em – they’ll fill any clean growler, not just their own. But if you’re new to the growler game, they’ve got plenty you can purchase.

I always recommend starting with a flight to sample what’s new on tap. The beer menu changes pretty frequently, and you don’t wanna miss out on something amazing just because you stuck to your usual.

Download their app before you go – it’ll show you what’s currently on tap and how much is left of each beer. This has saved me from disappointment more than once when I had my heart set on a particular brew!

If you’re planning to take beer home, bring a cooler with some ice packs, especially during our brutal Arizona summers. Nothing worse than having your carefully selected craft beer get warm on the ride home.

And here’s something most folks don’t realize – they’ll usually let you sample a small taste before committing to a full pour or growler fill. Just don’t go crazy with the samples, ya know? The staff are super knowledgeable and pretty much beer encyclopedias, so don’t be shy about asking for recommendations based on what you typically enjoy.

One last thing – they sometimes have food trucks parked outside on weekend evenings, but it’s totally cool to bring in your own snacks or order delivery from nearby restaurants. Just remember to stay hydrated between beers – the Arizona heat is no joke, and craft beer can sneak up on ya!

Location

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