Beer isn’t the only good thing at Twisted Spur Brewing

What’s good here?

The beer, which is the main intention of Twisted Spur Brewing – with its microbrewery of 15 tanks, 11 serving vessels, and 12 taps.

Thus, there are often 12 different beers available; all are made with the freshest ingredients. Each beer is described to give patrons an opportunity to decide which might suit particular palettes. Plus, there are suggested food pairings with each beer.

One summer beer for example, the Strawberry Blonde, is made from local fresh strawberries and is suggested as an accompaniment with lighter fare, including salads. Great White Buffalo IPA has four types of American hops and a hint of orange peel and coriander.

Yet, this establishment is not without its culinary delights.

There is a host of grilled items: arguably some of the area’s best grass-fed beef steaks, spice rubbed kebobs, burgers, and chicken. Each menu item is unique. For instance, the Twisted and Dipped sandwich is a grass-fed, grain-finished grilled filet and peppered bacon on a bakery-fresh baguette spread with a rosemary garlic confit and topped with fresh spinach and a beer mustard au jus.

There is beer cheese dip, beer mac and cheese, and a Hefeweizen vinaigrette.

Among interesting dishes is a Yellowfin & Watermelon Nachos starter: seared tuna with jack and Roussas feta cheese, pickled jalapenos, ginger, lime, cilantro, and watermelon poke topped with citrus sour cream – all served over tortilla chips. There is also a raw bar with a variety of oysters.

How did Twisted Spur get its start?

In late spring, owner Chris Baldwin opened the doors of his 5,000-square-foot establishment in what is part of Architect Scott Garvin’s revitalization of former warehouses.

Baldwin, a native of Columbia, chose the pre-Civil War brick building with re-milled and re-installed original flooring as a distinct environment for his microbrewery/restaurant concept.

Baldwin became interested in brewing when he worked as a bartender; his knowledge as a brewer came from working for Gordon Biersch Brewing Company.

What does the place look like?

The interior and exterior of Twisted Spur marries the old with the new: exposed brick punctuated with shiny tabletops, lighting, and massive brewing tanks.

Seating is for more than 150 total either inside or outside on a covered patio.

Who eats here?

Beer aficionados, foodies, and everyone in between.

Twisted Spur is part of a group of new establishments serving to energize and draw attention to the Vista area.

This story was originally published August 3, 2016 at 12:08 PM with the headline "Beer isn’t the only good thing at Twisted Spur Brewing."