The Bolder Life: The Fork in the Road

Most times in life, we are forced to pick a path when we reach the fork in the road, but at the Fork in Lyons, CO—the choice is simple—take the path of least resistance and head inside to the bar.

The Lyons Fork is a restaurant, Beer Union and local hang out located in Downtown Lyons at the end of Main Street where Highway 66 splits and gives way to two of the areas busiest mountain roads, traveled by thousands of Rocky Mountain National Park visitors each year. Opened in 2010 by Lyons locals, Wayne and Debbie Anderson, the Lyons Fork is quickly making a name for itself in the budding Colorado foodie scene.

Over a century ago, the sandstone structure at 450 Main Street housed the McAllister Saloon. Today, the building is still home to one of the most popular bars in town—but instead of moonshine and whiskey, the Lyons Fork is serving their customers some of the best brews coming from the craft beer nation. From local favorites, Avery Brewing Co. and Left Hand Brewing, to nationally acclaimed breweries such as Stone Brewing (CA), Port Brewing (CA), and Victory Brewing Co. (PA), the Fork is offering up specialty, aged, oaked, drinkable and unique brews that make up their ever-changing and diverse beer list.

With over twenty years of combined sales experience in the craft brewing industry, it’s no surprise that Wayne and Debbie Anderson take special measures to offer their customers the best of the oldies and goodies of craft beer. These days, the Anderson’s are also educating their guests on the craft beer world as well, by holding Beer Dinners every few months with a representative from a guest brewery pulling out all the stops, bringing in popular and specialty beers from their brewery and introducing each beer that is carefully paired with a menu created by Executive Chef, and beer/food pairing genius, Ian Rubenoff.

Although Fork Beer Dinners typically consist of five-courses paired with five beers, I was lucky enough to snag one of the last seats to the three-course, Stone Brewing Bastard Series Beer Dinner held last Thursday. I dined on duck confit with an orange marmalade sauce, smoked pork loin stuffed with Haystack mountain goat cheese, herbs, (and a little bit of heaven), a sweet potato mash, and a toffee crusted, coconut, almond and chocolate torte that left the entire group speechless for the majority of the dessert round. Representatives of Stone Brewing walked guests through the brewing process and history of each brew which included the Arrogant Bastard Ale, an Oaked Arrogant Bastard and a 2010 Double Bastard.

As usual, I left the Lyons Fork with a full belly, a better knowledge of craft brewing and new friends. If you haven’t been to a Beer Dinner at the Lyons Fork, I suggest you hurry up and sign up for the December 13^th, five-course dinner with Boulder’s newest microbrewery, Upslope Brewing. Tickets are $60.00 and always sell out fast. Sample one of the Fork’s popular margaritas before dinner, say hello to Wayne and Debbie and enjoy one of the best meals that you’ve ever eaten with forty-five of your newest friends and craft beer converts.

The Lyons Fork is located at 450 Main St. and offers dinner service from 4:00-9:00 p.m., Monday-Friday and brunch from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Click here for more information on the Upslope Beer Dinner.