Drinking the Blues at Oskar Blues Brewing Company

One conjures up images of the snow capped mountains, running streams and a cool breeze when thinking of the Rocky Mountains. You’ll get all of these and more when you meander through the area of Lyons, Colorado. Lyons is located a little south of Estes Park, Colorado at one entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. A beautiful area to be sure, and the icing on the preverbal cake is a must visit to the original Oskar Blues brewpub: Oskar Blues Grill and Blues.

It took a few minutes to find, but once I pulled in, you could tell from the patio outside that this was going to be one fun place to visit. Mountains in the background, music making its way through the place outside and folks talking it up on the patio. I grew up in Colorado and had been through Lyons many times, but never able to stop in. With Oskar Blues being one of my favorite breweries, I had to stop at the brewpub that started it all. They’re not just known for their beer though, all though they are somewhat recognized for kick starting the trend of canning again in craft beer. They are also known for their grub.

After a long and wonderful day spent with my kids and my Uncle Ron in nearby Estes Park touring the town, the famous Stanley Hotel, inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining and The Brown Palace Hotel in Denver, a much needed rest, food and a nice beer were in order. Upon walking in, I was immediately greeted by the decor of a mountain lodge with a splash f biker bar. Then the restaurant hits you. Mounted Elk heads on the wall and neon everywhere. The upstairs was beginning to fill up, so while my family looked for a place to sit, I explored.

The main floor upstairs has plenty of restaurant seating and a bar to belly up to. Heading downstairs, there was more of the same decor and more seating, but also a large area for live music. I love live music, it can not be beat. The music act for the night was setting up and practicing, so while I  arcade room with vintage 80’s games I was treated to some local blues.

Heading outside to the patio, I found my family at a table already having ordered their food and sipping on some of Oskar Blues fine malted beverages. I ordered a classic on the menu: The Beer Can Chicken, made with their Gordon double IPA. What a meal it was, and cooked with the beer can in the chicken! While enjoying this, I selected a favorite of mine, their Ten FIDY Imperial Stout. A really well balanced stout with chocolate and caramel notes.

A must stop for anyone who enjoys fine craft beer, great food and a wonderful atmosphere. All nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains.