For owners Tyler and Jenny Sherman, the decision to open Odyssey Gastropub in downtown Colorado Springs was driven by a simple desire: “We wanted to create a place where we would want to go!”
It’s easy to see why customers are drawn to the welcoming atmosphere, eclectic vibe, and diverse crowd at 311 North Tejon Street. Everything from the music selection to the handmade maps covering the tables and the upcycled wood fencing on the front of the bar feels comfortable.
Upscale Pub Fare with a Twist
Since its beginning in 2014, Odyssey Gastropub fills a niche that didn’t exist downtown by offering approachable, comfort food.
The menu offers something for everyone, with a wide range of cuisine including Mexican, Asian, southern-inspired and vegan dishes, along with traditional pub favorites like wings and burgers. For the Shermans, the goal was to create a menu full of familiar, upscale pub fare with a twist like the fish and chips that are made with mahi-mahi fried in five-spice batter and served with waffle fries, Asian slaw and their house-made sweet chili tartar sauce. The large selection of small bites and shareables leave plenty of options for happy hour, a light meal, or a late-night snack.
In addition to a surprisingly robust menu, the drink selection is also driven by variety. Choices include unique handcrafted cocktails, a solid range of wine, about 70 bottles and cans from local and global microbrews and six rotating drafts to choose from. There are plenty of intriguing options for anyone looking to find something you can’t get everywhere.
A Creative Collaboration
The Shermans’ creativity and passion for designing a cozy space and an interesting menu that keeps people coming back shows through in every detail. They are continually looking for new ideas and trying new recipes. Twice a year, they change about 30 percent of the menu based on demand and a strong collaboration with kitchen staff and managers.
According to Tyler, “Our menu is wider ranging than you might expect for a restaurant of this size. If you want a burger and a beer, we’ve got you covered. If you want something nicer or have some dietary issues, we’ve got you covered. It’s easy for everyone at the table to find something that they want.”
And beyond the food, the 110-year-old building itself and the friendly staff welcome you in. Everything from the exposed brick to the upside-down lamps used for lighting and artwork from local artists add to the ambiance.
Jenny says, “My favorite thing about running a restaurant is having an impact on somebody’s day. For me, service is what I’ve always loved and enjoyed about the restaurant industry, so if somebody comes in and I can make them feel welcome and at home here, it’s very rewarding.”
The Shermans say they love being here and feel very supported by the tight-knit downtown restaurant community. Odyssey Gastropub will be participating in the Taste of Pikes Peak event on July 27 along with more than 60 other local restaurants, breweries and distilleries.
And the Odyssey Gastropub logo? The Shermans say it's an interpretation of the rose compass that’s broken because, “Following a broken compass may lead you beyond where you planned to go.”
Certainly, they have succeeded in taking the typical pub experience and elevating it to something beyond the ordinary.
Website: https://www.odysseygastropub.com/
Facebook + Instagram: @odysseygastropub
