The Growler Offers Hand-Crafted Experience to Oxford Beer and Whiskey Drinkers

By Anna Grace Bolen and Brooklyn McHugh
Hottytoddy.com interns
agbolen@go.olemiss.edu; bqmchugh@go.olemiss.edu

Located across from the Lafayette County Chancery Building is a small beer haven where the beer is cold and everyone knows your name.

The Growler originally opened in Oxford five years ago and the current owners, Stephen and Kristi Chrissy took over the business three years ago. It has the look of a small coffee shop, with its dim lighting, dark wooden accents, and comfy seating arrangements. It also has the welcoming and entertaining atmosphere of a neighborhood bar.

The beer board at the Growler reflects beers from across the region. Photo by Anna Grace Bolen.

“The best thing about The Growler is the comfort of it because you can go inside and sit on the couch and talk to your friends like you’re at someone’s house. If the weather is nice, you can sit outside in the breezeway and enjoy a beer,” customer Phillip Embry said.

The Growler offers 30 rotating craft beers on tap, as well as wine, whiskey, moonshine, scotch, and, to fulfill the current seltzer craze, Truly Hard Seltzer. There’s also a kitchen that offers a full gourmet menu. From samples to pairings and flights, the brewpub offers a variety of options for customers. 

Owners at the Growler even make their own craft beer by infusing flavors into beer such as real raspberries or even Sour Patch Kids.

“It’s like eye candy to people,” Chrissy said.

The main thing that makes The Growler stand out from its competition is the knowledge the Chrissys have about crafting their beer and alcohol.

“Other places sell craft beer, but we specialize in it. We do samples here, and I’m pretty good at judging people on what they would like to drink when they walk in,” Chrissy said.

The sitting area at the Growler allows customers to play board games and watch sporting events on TV. Photo by Anna Grace Bolen.

Good old-fashioned competition is a regular occurrence at the bar. They provide a variety of board games for their customers, and Jeopardy is always on the TV screen. There is a Bible study group that meets every week, as well as students who come in to work on projects, and professors who come in just to relax.

The Growler sponsors many events throughout the year with the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council.

“We often provide beer for nonprofit groups,” Chrissy said. “We try to do what we can for the community.”

Whether customers want to meet new people and try a new beer, have a game night with the family, or just sit and study, The Growler can often be the place to do so.