The Lady of the Tap: Lady Falconburgh's Barley Exchange

July 7, 12:17 PMColorado Springs Craft Beer ExaminerEli Shayotovich

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Who knew the Lady of the Tap resides in Durango?

Sometimes you find the best things in the oddest places.

This past 4th of July weekend I had the pleasure of hanging out in Durango, Colorado. Amazingly, four breweries exist in this small (but "real") town filled with history and beer culture -- Ska, Carver, Steamworks, and Durango.

We were down there filming the 101st celebratory episode of Taste Buds on Beer Tap TV and got to hang out with some of craft beer's illustrious rock stars -- Dave Thibodeau, Bill Graham, and Matt Vincent (founders of Ska Brewing Company), and another fellow who you may know -- Greg "I Am a Craft Brewer" Koch ( founder of Stone Brewing Company).

Dave and the rest of the gang at Ska were nothing short of the world's most gracious hosts. We spent the whole day at their new World Headquarters chatting and drinking about beer, catapulting people (Dave) into crane baskets, running across rooftops, and moshing with the band. Go to the Beer Tap TV website to see all the shenanigans, but stay for Dave and Greg's insights as they discuss each other's beer (Modus Hoperandi from Ska and Imperial Russian Stout from Stone). 

After much hilarity (and beer drinking) we all loaded up and headed to Lady Falconburgh's Barley Exchange, where Greg and Dave were attending the tapping of several Stone brews.

And that's where I stumbled onto one of the best beer bars in all of Colorado.

Old West meets Belgium... with a view!

Garrett Smith owns the basement dwelling beer bar in the heart of downtown (640 Main Avenue) Durango. This brick and wood adorned tap room simultaneously hearkens back to the Wild West while drawing inspiration from Belgian beer bars of yore, yet maintains a modern openness attributable to the 2 - 3 story atrium directly above one side of the seating area. Needless to say, it's one of the most unique beer bars we've been to.

Upon descending the stairs from street level you are immediately greeted by the vast bar which holds 38 different beers on tap. If you can't find something here... sorry for you. Fortunately, they also have a vast bottle selection from which to pick and choose. Oh, and they also have a few Das Boots to liven up the evening.

Food doesn't take a backseat at this gastropub, with fare ranging from exceptionally well prepared pub grub to Penne Regato Alfredo. Let me suggest the Guinness BBQ Rib Bucket.  If that doesn't get your taste buds moist... nothing will!

This was my first time in Durango, and I was supremely impressed with not just the history and avid beer culture of the town, but with the people. Lady Falconburgh's Barley Exchange is a great beer bar replete with top notch beers and fantastic ambiance, but the thing that struck me the most was that it didn't matter if you were a resident, student or tourist... everyone's a friend when you take a seat with The Lady. This place is (appropriately) called "the 'Cheers' of Durango" for a damn good reason.

If you're looking for a place to stay within walking (or stumbling) distance of all these great beer attractions... the historic Strater Hotel is the place. As luck would have it's almost directly across the street from Lady Falconburgh's. Built in 1887, this hotel was the premier landmark of the day back in the Old West. Today it sports 93 true to the era Victorian rooms (minus the television, AC and clock radio of course). As we meandered through the lobby we found some hidden compartments, which according to one hotel staff worker, were used to conceal handguns. Speaking of... there are still bullet holes in the walls. Now that's authentic!

A few blocks down is Carver Brewing Company, home to some great artisanal beer and "Durango's Best Breakfast." The blueberry cheese blintzes are to die for. And after sampling their Bloody Mary (made from secret ingredients), it's also home to one of the best morning hangover beverages I've ever had.  

So the next time you're in Colorado's far southwest (aka Four Corners) be sure to swing through Durango for a beer or two. It's definitely worth the trip.