As the world goes to hell all around us, we've been given a remarkable gift: the California Alcoholic Beverage Control Department has issued new regulations that allow, for the time being, restaurants to fill growlers when they sell meals to go (see the ABC's website for the details). I live in the San Gabriel Valley and luckily, the two closest eateries to my place perform this service, so my sons and I have been able to start our twice-a-week session with fresh Modelo or Craftsman Poppyfields on tap. Unfortunately, some establishments choose not to perform this service; for instance, the Islands in Hastings Ranch and the Round Table in Monrovia won't fill growlers -- for reasons that leave me baffled. I haven't worked in the restaurant industry since I was in college, but it makes sense to sell the stock on hand rather than let it go to waste. Unless I'm missing something? I'd be interested to hear of places that fill growlers in the Pasadena area. For starters, I called Rudy's in Monrovia and they said they'll fill 'er up. My neighborhood joints are Paco's and Zelo in Arcadia. Any other suggestions?
Hello neighbor. Congregation in Pasadena fills growlers (you supply) as does Yardhouse (but stale older beer IMO), and Ogopogo Brewing in San Gabriel does crowler specials if you buy three. They are by far the best local brewery, and right here in SG, check them out!
The down side to this is that sometimes you have people filling growlers who haven't really been trained and don't know what they're doing. I got a fill from a restaurant a couple weeks ago and the bartender touched both ends of the fill tube before putting it in my growler, used a bar spoon to dig foam out of the growler, used a bar towel to wipe foam off the still-uncapped growler, and otherwise didn't leave me feeling like it would be safe to drink it.
Thanks for the tip, will definitely make another trip to Congregation... haven't been there in a year or so. Also plan to drop by Pacific Plate in Monrovia to check out what they've got in crowlers... btw, one of my kids likes Wingwalker (also in Monrovia), and that's on my list too. Another brewer worth checking out is RT Rogers in Sierra Madre, which does a pretty decent red ale. Cheers!
