Nestled at 116 N Santa Fe Ave, Salina, Kansas, Blue Skye Brewery and Eats is a vibrant local hotspot that uniquely blends a microbrewery, wood-fired pizza, and a casual friendly eatery atmosphere—all under one historic roof. Since opening its doors in 2013, this establishment has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of locals and visitors alike with its rustic-industrial vibe, in-house craft beers, and creative eats
1. A Storied Beginning & Community-Driven Roots
The story behind Blue Skye is one of revival and community spirit. Monte Shadwick—a longtime entrepreneur, former Salina mayor, and county commissioner—set out to breathe new life into a historic downtown building that once housed Anderson Leather and was severely damaged by fire. Through a labor-intensive restoration spanning a year, powered by a vision and backed by community loans (from Salina Downtown and the Chamber of Commerce), Monte and his architect wife Jannell transformed the charred remains into what we know today
Every design choice reflects this history: salvaged wood tables from the original floors, a striking wood-fired oven, and the 7-barrel brewery system set under the open — and aptly named — Blue Skye. It’s not just a restaurant—it’s a labor of love and a testament to downtown Salina’s resilience.
2. Craft Beer Brewing: From Grain to Glass
At the heart of Blue Skye is its in-house brewing operation. Utilizing a 7-barrel brewing system from Oregon’s Portland Kettleworks, Monte and master brewer John Taddigan craft batches of beer that yield over 7,000 12-oz servings per brew. The brewing process is impressively local and sustainable:
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Malted grains (sourced locally when possible) are milled and mashed.
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The resulting wort is boiled with hops, then fermented in tanks affectionately named John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
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After fermenting, the beer matures and joins their rotating lineup, which features staples like Red Penny, Blonde, and Engine Red, along with seasonal favorites
Plus, spent grains get repurposed—donated to local ranchers as cattle feed. It’s craftsmanship with care for the community and sustainability.
3. Wood-Fired Pizza & Mouthwatering Menu Highlights
If Blue Skye’s beer program is the heart, the wood-fired oven is its soul. As the only wood-fired pizza in Salina, their pizzas are truly a rare treat. Monte went the extra mile—installing a secondhand oven from McPherson, rebuilding it onsite, and enduring the extra labor and planning to deliver that iconic crust.
The menu is also packed with creative comfort classics and twists—including:
Hot Buttered Soft Pretzels, Chili Relleno Bites, Totchos, Dirty Double Sticks, and Fried Avocado Bites.
Standout burgers like the legendary Peanut Butter Burger (with pepper jack, bacon, chipotle aioli, and PB), Texan, Am, and Mac & Cheese burgers.
Fresh salads like Santa Fe Ranch, Blue Skye Chop, Strawberry Fields, plus hearty eats like Chicken & Waffles and Fish & Chips (beer-battered in their own Engine Red brew with green chile tartar)
Innovative weekly specials—like rotating “egg roll of the week” and unique pizzas (e.g., Hot Honey, Thai)—keep the menu fresh and buzzworthy
4. Ambience That Brings People In
Walking into Blue Skye Brewery and Eats, you’re immediately drawn into a warm, communal experience. Reviews on MapQuest rave about the cozy, welcoming atmosphere, calling it the “urban gem” where locals gather for great beer and food. Yelp patrons echo that sentiment—loving the friendly vibe, reasonable prices, and overall solid experience.
Its downtown location, housed in a beautifully restored historic structure, adds charm and authenticity to every visit. Whether you’re coming for brunch, dinner, or just a flight and slice, the atmosphere invites lingering conversations and connections.
5. Recognition & Local Cultural Impact
Beyond being a local favorite, Blue Skye Brewery and Eats has stepped into the spotlight. In July 2024, it was selected for a feature on America’s Best Restaurants (ABR)—a prestigious roadshow highlighting top independent eateries. The episode focused on signature dishes like the peanut butter burger and fish & chips, and showcased interviews with owners Monte & Janelle—highlighting how this place is more than a restaurant; it’s a proud community centerpiece
Awards such as Best of Salina year after year underscore its reputation for consistent excellence.
6. Operational Info & Community Connection
Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit:
Hours: Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM–9 PM; Sunday brunch only, 9:30 AM–1:30 PM; Closed Mondays.
As a brunch favorite, they’re first-come, first-serve—with no reservations
It’s the only brewery in Salina and holds a unique position as a historic, locally owned gathering place where family, employees, and community align
Conclusion
Blue Skye Brewery and Eats isn’t just a place to eat or drink—it’s a Salina story. From Monte’s vision of revitalizing a historic building to firing up that beloved wood-fired oven, this place serves neighborhood pride on every plate and pour.
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Taste the care in every craft beer made onsite.
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Delight in the creativity of wood-fired pizzas and inventive menu offerings.
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Feel the historic warmth in the restored building.
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See the community reflected in every detail—from salvaged wood furnishings to local grain sourcing and repurposing spent brewing ingredients.
If you’re looking for downtown Salina’s best casual dining experience, where craft beer, bold flavors, and local pride come together—this is it. Ready for a visit? The sky’s literally the limit here.
