Oskar Blues
Thank goodness that Oskar Blues Restaurant & Brewery doesn’t suck. It would be a waste, given that the rather small town of Lyons, Colorado is so cool - with a couple of wonderful breakfast spots, friendly stores to rummage through for old books and other stuff you might not really need, Rocky Mountain National Park just up the road, and great music festivals (next up: Rocky Mountain Folks Fest).
Oskar Blues is already guaranteed a historic marker when somebody organizes a National Craft Beer Trail, because it was the first brewpub to can its own beer. Hard to believe that was less than two years ago. Fortunately, you don’t have to go just for the history.
- The beer’s excellent, although the One Nut Brown Ale clearly was off (an infection or the lines needed clearning). The server replaced it with the always dependable Dale’s Pale Ale.
- The decor is sensational. If there is a spot on the walls (and ceilings) that hasn’t been decorated with music, beer and Louisiana stuff we didn’t see it. Lots of Elvis.
- It’s an outstanding music venue, with an inimate music room downstairs that major (well, we think Pinetop Perkins is major) artists like to play.
- The food’s excellent and abundant.
- It’s kid friendly. Really friendly. Sierra ordered the kids pizza, then the server brought the ingredients to the table so she could assemble it (complete with pineapple) before it was baked.
