There definitely is something happening in downtown Auburn, as the area continues to grow and position itself as a destination worth visiting rather than a hub of convenience.

Gritty McDuff’s recognized that and, in 2005, opened its newest brew pub on the Auburn side of the Androscoggin River.

The first thing you will notice as you walk up to enter this Gritty’s is the glass-enclosed storefront that exposes the working brewery to passers-by and curious patrons. The Auburn location brews the five flagship ales along with seasonal batches and an occasional small batch of location-exclusive ale.

Gritty’s Auburn borrows much of its interior design from the original location in Portland, which was modeled after popular English pub styles. The walls are brick, and the large 20-plus-seat bar in the center of the room is constructed of brick with a hammered copper top. The bar area has about 10 high-top tables and a half wall with a shelf for setting pints and accessories while standing and chatting with your friends.

During the nicer months of the year, Gritty’s Auburn also offers a large outdoor deck that overlooks the river. Boasting some of the best downtown views in the city, the deck is one of the most popular features of the Auburn location.

Gritty’s is, of course, known for its beer. Brewing most of the offerings right on site, drinkers are guaranteed a fresh pint glass each time they order.

Ranging from the Original Pub Style pale ale to the 21 IPA and the Black Fly Stout, the staple brews are only $4.

In addition to the five regular ales offered, Gritty’s also offers seasonal ales such as the Halloween and Vacationland, one of the most popular summer ales created by Maine breweries. While the Original Pub Style is the most popular order, the defined palates of mug club members tend to prefer the IPA or Best Bitter ales.

The mug club at the Auburn location is a devoted crew, as shown by the expansive forest of mugs hanging over the bar. If you are looking to make Gritty’s Auburn a semi-regular destination, the mug club is a must. For a $75 annual membership, you receive your own 21-ounce Gritty’s mug and $2 beers every night of the week. On Sundays and Tuesdays, members receive half-price brews all day.

Gritty’s also offers a full bar with well and signature drinks. While some prefer staples such as a Captain and Coke ($6) or a Washington Apple shot ($7.50), others prefer a more adventurous drink experience. That is why Gritty’s also offers a seasonally rotating menu of “signature drinks” that are created by the bartenders.

From Heather’s Dublin Cider ($7.50, Jameson, cranberry juice and Apple Pucker with Woodchuck cider) to Jen’s Warm & Fuzzy ($6.50, Disaronno and butterscotch vodka), the selections offer various blends of reasonably priced treats to try out.

Like any good brew pub, the food offerings here are one of the top reasons to come in. Paired with the perfect ale (for some entrees they offer suggestions right on the menu), Gritty’s takes the menu of most brew pubs and adds its own flair. Many appetizers and ale-battered plates — including shrimp cocktail ($8.99) and mushrooms ($6.99) — are infused with beer straight from the brewery.

In addition to the regular sandwiches, burgers and pizzas you will find at many brew pubs, Gritty’s also offers a selection of entrees known as the “Maine Course,” which will appeal to anyone who loves great American comfort food. Add ale-braised kielbasa ($4.99) to the pub mac and cheese ($5.99 half order, $7.99 full) for a delicious meal on a winter night.

Gritty’s Auburn also offers entertainment and activities during the week and live music on the weekend. Drink specials range from $9 pitchers on Sundays to $5 happy-hour drinks on Fridays.

On a Thursday night while I was sipping my beer, local band Velourousarous rocked out some Aerosmith tunes as the bartender began spinning pub glasses and dancing from one end of the bar to the other.

Elisa Doucette is a freelance writer who lives in Portland.