Growlers now at Sam's Town Tunica's Smokey Joe's

Fill your's with 64 ounces of fresh beer straight from the tap

At Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall in Tunica, Miss.

By David Grisham

TUNICA RESORTS — Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall has great news for beer lovers. The casino now has a growler station at Smokey Joe’s.

For those who may not be up to speed, a growler is a large jug used to sell take-out craft beer from breweries, brewpubs and/or beer taps. The growlers from Smokey Joe’s are 64-ounce, amber-colored glass jugs and feature screw-on caps. Properly sealed, a growler can hold carbonation indefinitely. The growler’s darker glass protects the beer from excess light and UV, which breaks down the beer’s integrity. 

Alan Handler, Sam’s Town food and beverage director, said the growler station is a real plus at Smokey Joe’s. “You can take the finest craft beer home or to your room and enjoy it straight from the tap to your glass.”

Purchase the growler for $15 and fill it with domestic beer for $10 or craft beer for $20. Keep the growler and bring it back to refill it for the fill price. Crafted beers available include Redd’s Apple Ale, Ghost River Golden Ale, Lazy Magnolia Southern Pecan, Suzy B Dirty Blond Ale and Fat Tire. Domestics include Budweiser, Bud Light and Miller Lite.

While growlers may be more popular now than ever, the beer vessel dates back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. It is said that original growlers were galvanized pails with lids that made a rumbling sound caused by escaping carbon dioxide – hence the name “growler.” 

While you’re at Smokey Joe’s you’ll want something to go with your beer - especially if your stomach is “growling.” The eatery has plenty of options. Choose from 15 different sandwiches, ranging from burgers to clubs to barbecue to chicken salad and more, or try the classic BLT or the ever-popular Philly cheesesteak. Favorite non-sandwiches listed on the menu include chicken wings, fried shrimp, onion rings, barbecue nachos, chili and more. Is salad your thing? Try a fruit salad, a chef’s salad or the grilled chicken Caesar salad. And since Smokey Joe’s is open 24 hours, it’s a great place to grab breakfast. Enjoy ham, sausage or bacon biscuits or try the two-egg platter, which comes with ham, sausage or bacon with toast and tots. Smokey Joe’s menu also includes a hamsteak and egg platter with toast and tots, plus other breakfast options. Check out Smokey Joe’s on your next visit for your very own growler and tasty sandwich platter. It’s located across the Atrium from The Great Buffet. For more gambling news from Mississippi, read Jackpot! Magazine online.