Why: Grapes ‘n Growlers offers a snack and panini menu to accompany 54 rotating brews, ciders, kombucha and wines. Firmly established in the Riverstone Marketplace on Southeast 192nd Avenue, the family-friendly, locally-owned growler fill station and restaurant is well into its second year of business
What I tried: My dining companion and I started with the meat-and-cheese plate, and we sampled the Righteous Roast Beef and Albuquerque Turkey paninis, which each were served with a pickle spear and potato chips.
The meat and cheese plate featured two types of artisan salami, one traditional and the other spicy; tiny pickles; green apple slices with fig chutney; a wedge of white cheddar cheese; triple cream cheese; and rosemary crackers. The presentation was attractive and a superb pairing for any of the beverages on the menu.
The paninis were expertly grilled and not overly stuffed. The roast beef panini consisted of thinly sliced roast beef and Boar’s Head horseradish cheddar cheese, and the turkey panini consisted of roasted turkey, avocado, mozzarella cheese and green chile.
Dining Out review
Grapes ‘n Growlers
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday. 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Where: 3425 S.E. 192nd Ave., Suite 105, Vancouver.
Contact: 360-719-2828 or www.grapesngrowlers.com. Grapes ‘n Growlers is also on Facebook, where it posts information about upcoming events.
Health score: Grapes ‘n Growlers received a score of 0 in January. Zero is a perfect score, and Clark County Public Health closes restaurants with a score of 100 or higher. For information, call 360-397-8428.
Of the two, I preferred the turkey panini. The inclusion of the chiles really kicked it up a notch. The roast beef panini was tasty, with the horseradish cheddar lingering on each bite, but the beef was not quite as lean as I would have liked.
Atmosphere: The space had an upscale, Pacific Northwest industrial feel achieved with metal and wood surfaces and exposed concrete floor. In addition to bar seating, there were tables and chairs in the front and back of the establishment, as well as a furniture arrangements for casual lounging.
A multiscreen display above the long row of taps, opposite the bar, listed beverages by number and included name, origin, alcohol content and cost. A large chalkboard menu had snack items and special offerings handwritten in several colors. A few TVs provided entertainment, and there were landscape paintings hung about, adding a touch of warmth.
Menu highlights beyond what I tried: The TAC panini combines turkey, apple and cheddar. The Italian Stallion panini is made with Genoa salami, bacon, Roma tomatoes and mozzarella. I thought the Vancouver PBJ sounded intriguing. This panini is made with sunflower butter, mixed berry preserves, bacon and creamy goat cheese. Snacks include a hummus plate, a cheese plate, a caprese salad and a meat plate. Pretzels are served with beverages.
Other observations: The service was friendly, prices are fair and the food is fresh. The atmosphere is very comfortable and clean. There is a selection of growlers on hand for purchase. Root beer also is available.
Cost: Snacks cost $7.95 to $16.95. Paninis are $9.95. Gluten free bread is available for an additional $2. Bacon may be added for an additional $1. Brews are $5 and up.
