When I got word a German-inspired beer garden was opening less than a mile from my house (0.7 miles to be exact), I was elated. This was immediately followed by a brief period of depression after I thought of what it may do to my waistline… then straight back to elation. As the months passed by it seemed that the structure couldn’t be finished quick enough. Lucky for me (and other residents in the Lowry area), the Lowry Beer Garden was completed on schedule and I was invited to attend the Grand Opening on Monday night.

Located in the new Hangar 2 district (Hangar 1 houses the Wings Over the Rockies Museum), the 8,000 sq. ft. space is gorgeous. In true Colorado fashion, the entire thing is openair - with an overhang that encompasses about half of the beer garden in the case of inclement weather. A live band was playing, beer was flowing, and European-style food was being served up to jubilant patrons.

As for the beer, the Lowry Beer Garden has 15 beers on tap and a bottle list of over 30 beers and ciders. Of the 15 taps, 12 were pouring Colorado beer. No, don’t reach for you calculator, I’ll do the math for you - that’s 80%! Pretty damn good if you ask me. There was a heavy emphasis on Avery and Odell, but they didn’t forget the small guy as Copper Kettle was represented with their Bavarian Helles. One beer that I would have expected to see, or at least one I would designate a permanent handle to if I had any say, is Dry Dock’s Hefeweizen. That beer is meant to be consumed outside, on a picnic table, with friends.

Moving on from the beer, it’s time to talk about the food. It’s fantastic. From the Super Giant Pretzel (which our waitress said was meant to feed 6-8 people) served with 5 different kinds of house-made mustards to the huge variety of brats, burgers, and appetizers, we left very full. As if that wasn’t enough to blow your mind, rather than having to wait at the counter for your food as you stare longingly at your friends who are laughing like they just heard the funniest joke of all times, they will send you a text when it’s ready.

The Lowry Beer Garden officially opens today (4pm-12am) so head on over and let me know what you think!