Start with barbecue, end with pie at Colorado Springs’ Ivywild School | Dining review
Even though Bristol’s Spark Beer + BBQ is housed in a shipping container in front of Ivywild School, it’s very much part of the lively community happening indoors.
The same is true of Gold Star Bakery, except it’s inside and practically hidden in a small hallway off the main corridor.
We began with barbecue and ended with pie, although that traditional dining pattern isn’t a requirement to enjoy either one.
From Bristol’s Spark Beer + BBQ: quarter pound of brisket with barbecue beans and Gouda mac and cheese.
We ordered at the shipping container but got our food inside across from Bristol’s Pub. Spark’s menu is standard barbecue fare: brisket, pulled pork, chicken and ribs. Flavors are not ordinary, though. We were told the brisket and ribs are the most popular, so we went with a quarter pound of the brisket ($6; $11 for half a pound; $22 for a pound), which had been in the smoker for eight hours, plus an order of the ribs.
Hickory is the wood of choice, following the low and slow mantra. The brisket was fork tender with a sweet brown sugar and spice rub augmented by the two available sauces: Ivywild Red is sweet; the Axe & the Oak Whiskey Gold is yellow and tangy thanks to a mustard base. Both are exceptional.
Ribs are sold in three to an order ($11) and by the half or full rack ($20 and $30, respectively). The smaller amount is plenty since there’s a significant amount of juicy pork on each rib. The rub is the same as is used on the brisket and pulled pork. They’re a mess to eat, but worth every napkin needed.
From Spark is loaded waffle fries with pulled pork on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette)
We were intrigued by the loaded waffle fries ($15). They’re topped with a choice of brisket or pulled pork, cheddar cheese sauce, sour cream and green onions. It’s like a country version of nachos. The crispy, creamy fries pair well with the gooey toppings. This could be a meal in itself, but is easily shareable as a side.
Sides, like everything on the Spark menu, are made in-house (or in-shipping containers to be accurate). All are $3.50 each .
We opted for the barbecue beans and smoked Gouda mac and cheese. Corkscrew pasta is coated in a creamy, nutty sauce. It’s possible to order the latter topped with brisket or pork, which would take it beyond decadent, which I might go for on my next visit.
The beans, even with the sweet molasses flavor in each bite, were less impressive. Perhaps this is because the mac and cheese evoked such a wow factor.
For several years, Gold Star Bakery operated as a food truck. Now that it’s part of the Ivywild scene, you can have pie anytime.
From Gold Star Bakery is a slice of tart cherry pie on the left and German chocolate pie on the right.
Pies are sold by the slice. We ordered tart cherry, pumpkin ($7 each) and German chocolate ($8). Other flavors include Dutch apple, salted maple, wild blueberry and bourbon pecan.
The crusts are flaky and each substantial piece deserves more than a gold star. The cherry is, indeed, tart with a crumb topping.
From Gold Star Pies is the tart cherry pie on the left and the German chocolate pie on the right. Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette)
The pumpkin hit the holiday taste bud notes, but it’s the German chocolate that I’ll order again and again. It’s nutty, rich and is clearly related to the cake of the same name.
Bristol’s Spark Beer + BBQ
Low-and-slow barbecue
Contact: 1-719-633-2555; bristolbrewing.com
Prices: $5 to $30
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday
GOLD STAR BAKERY
Freshly baked pies and baked goods
Contact: 1-719-368-6106; goldstarbakery.co
Prices: $7 and $8
Hours: 3-8 p.m. Wednesday & Thursday; 3 -9 p.m. Friday & Saturday; 3-7 p.m. Sunday
Location for both: Ivywild School, 1604 S. Cascade Ave.
Details: Credit cards accepted. Alcohol. Wi-Fi. Outdoor seating.
Favorite dishes: Ribs and Gouda mac and cheese at Spark Beer + BBQ; German chocolate pie at Gold Star Bakery.
Other: Limited gluten-free and vegan options available at both locations.
From Spark is a 1/4 lb brisket with barbecue beans and Gouda mac and cheese and loaded waffle fries with pulled pork on Sunday, Dec. 26, 2023. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette)
