LITERARY LOCALS: Oldspeak Bar

After weeks of trying, my wife and I finally got our act together enough to check out one of the Treasure Valley’s newest establishments, Oldspeak, a “book beer bar.” Now the first two words of that description are among my favorites in the English language–so I was pretty sure I was going to have a good time.

And I was right.

It’s a quiet place, a low buzz of conversation, there was a table of people playing a board game, a few tables of people just talking and drinking, a couple of people reading. There’s a very booksih vibe to it all (as you’d expect). There’s a coziness to it, so you could take out the books, and it’s still the kind of place I’d want to hang out. Still, better idea to leave the books.

So this is the bulk of their selection–I didn’t get a picture of the shelves in another room, or a small table display near the door. The other room features books in translation–from Chinese, Japanese, and French. Maybe some others, I didn’t get that much time to look around there.

These–carefully curated–shelves above feature some big-name books, best sellers—and almost as many indie press novels (one of which I’ve featured here, which made me feel pretty good). There are some local authors, and other assorted bits and pieces. The non-fiction section is almost as big. I particularly enjoyed the “History” section right next to “History, but with Women” (or words to that effect, it made me chuckle).

While small, it was a very nice selection. I’d love to know how the books there are selected (the staff I asked wasn’t sure).

Lastly, of course, we need to talk about the beer. They sell a few things from other breweries, but most come from their own Alliteration Ales. This Borealis Baltic Porter was pretty darn tasty. As was the Carters Classic Märzen. I’d have probably appreciated the Märzen more if I drank it first—that was my mistake.

I should mention there are several other kinds of beverages available–there are mocktails, various teas and coffees, and whatnot. Their “Are You There God, It’s Me Margarita” mocktail seemed tasty, and Mrs. Irresponsible Reader enjoyed it.

I liked the names of their drinks–the aforementioned nod to Blume, the C.S. Brewis English Pale Ale, and so on.

All in all, we had a great time, picked up some good looking books, and we’ll be back. Local folks—go check it out.