By Kristen Kuchar

A dinner and a show in Denver just got a lot cooler. At least that’s what the new operating partner for Oskar Blues Grill & Brew has to say. Michael Gleason was brought on to bring more life to the venue.

Under the direction of founder and owner Dale Katechis, Gleason is working to continue to build the Denver location, which opened in 2017, as a go-to for live music and craft beer downtown.

“Starting upstairs with great food matched with 40 taps of Colorado's best craft beer is perfect fuel for round two,” Gleason says. For round two, head downstairs to The Black Buzzard. “The Buzzard is an intimate and soulful venue providing an eclectic lineup of shows for fans of all different genres, and of course, pair that with the same selections of amazing craft beer,” he adds. “Great night out in my book.”

Oskar Blues has always been about craft beer and live music, Gleason says. Among the 40 craft beers on tap, you’ll find Oskar Blues staples available, such as Dale’s Pale Ale, Ten FIDY Imperial Stout, Oskar’s Lager and Mama’s Little Yella Pils. There’s also rotating local brews available – Holidaily Brewing Co., Bootstrap Brewing, River North Brewery, Our Mutual Friend Brewing Company – and national breweries, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Cigar City Brewing, Rogue Ales and more.

To accompany the beer, a Cajun-inspired menu is available, which is fitting because Gleason started his hospitality career in the French Quarter (and has more than a decade of growing the Barcelona and Bartaco brands). Fried pickles, catfish bites with a house-made remoulade, Cajun chicken pasta and house-smoked pulled pork are just a few of the favorites.

There’s also plenty of traditional pub grub, including smoked wings, burgers, a toasted pretzel with beer cheese and spicy mustard and beer-battered fish and chips, plus a kid’s menu.

Once it’s time for the show, guests can head down to The Buzzard, which has a capacity of 300. A variety of performers take the stage three or four nights a week.

“The room provides for an up close and personal band interaction that is hard to find anywhere,” Gleason says. “We're stoked to bring that kind of energy to the heart of downtown.” To select the musicians, Gleason works closely with Bandwagon Presents to book a mix of quality Colorado and national touring artists, from a variety of genres.

Oskar Blues Grill & Brew is located on Market Street, walking distance from 16th Street Mall. It opens daily at 11 a.m., and is also available for take-out or large groups and events. For more information, visit oskarbluesfooderies.com. Click here to see a list of upcoming live music and buy tickets.