“It’s aligned with our mission,” DiFabio said. “For Ben’s to win that recognition over the rest of the state really helps get the word out about what’s going on with craft brewing in our region.”
Readers who voted for Ben’s Bottle Shop praised the abundance of great craft beer options, friendly service and good food. One reader praised it for “friendly staff, great local (and beyond) rotating taps, and endless cooler of bottles of goodness.”
Ben’s Bottle Shop co-owner Tim Augustin said he is honored that the shop made the list.
“This is my dream since I decided to make my career in the beer industry while working for the Brown Derby International Wine Center in Springfield, Mo., during graduate school,” Augustin said.
“It has long been my dream to visit many of the bars that make this list and possibly work for or with some of them,” Augustin said. “So to have co-founded a place to make such a list, in such a competitive state with legendary bars around every corner is an absolute dream come true. We have been extremely lucky to have such a great staff and neighborhood to support us and hope to do beer at the highest level in Vancouver for many years to come.”
‘A vibrant beer city’
Augustin doesn’t feel that he and his partner, Ben Christly, are solely responsible for the success of Ben’s Bottle Shop.
“We also owe a small army of hardworking, talented suppliers, other wholesalers, importers and brewers a great deal of gratitude for our success in providing a large, interesting selection of both local gems and international treasures,” Augustin said. “Vancouver’s beer community is nothing short of amazing, as well — from brewers to other retailers and even institutions like Great Western Malting, it all works together to create a vibrant beer city.”
For the complete list of Great American Beer Bars and other information about craft brewing, visit CraftBeer.com.
Rachel Pinsky can be reached at couveeats@gmail.com. You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram @couveeats.
If you go
What: Ben’s Bottle Shop.
Where: 8052 E. Mill Plain Blvd., (The Mill), Vancouver.
Hours: Noon to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, noon to midnight Friday and Saturday.
Contact: 360-314-6209 or BensBottleShop.com
