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When asked to describe her bar, owner Chrystal Snider of Platte Valley Taphouse said “it is a relaxed environment for enjoying a good beer or cocktail, laid back, in a college town but not necessarily a college bar.” For those very reasons are why Platte Valley Taphouse has been a staple in Kearney for the last decade. Chrystal says her favorite part about owning a business is the regular clientele. “Getting to know the community and the amazing people in it. Those are the people who help us keep the lights on, they are our family.”
Platte Valley was originally opened in Kearney in 2004, but ownership changed in 2016 when Chrystal took over. Chrystal has worked for the company since 2010 so when the discussion of selling the business arose, she knew it was meant to be. With the ownership change, a few other changes happened as well, but nothing too major. Platte Valley still has the same comfortable feel that it always has. One of the changes that took place was the location of the brewing. Chrystal wanted to ensure that even though the beer is brewed off-site at the Gottberg Brewery in Columbus, Nebraska, it is still the same 4 original recipes from when the Daake’s owned the bar. “The flavor is all still there, it’s just the brewing location that has changed.”
Here is a description of each of those 4 beers according to Chrystal. She says, “we have a beer for everyone, we don’t judge you for your choices. I own the place; I drink Busch Light exclusively.”
S.O.P.(South of the Platte)- This is always the first suggestion to new customers wanting to try our beers. It is a light Mexican style lager, similar to a Corona but with a better finish.
Red Rock Wheat- Easy drinker, similar to a sweet wheat.
Oatmeal Stout- This is our dark brew, it is an ‘every man’s’ beer.
Adams Pale Ale- This is our hoppiest beer. It is a more complex flavor, but still an easy drinker for those just starting to branch out with their palette.
When asked why someone should visit Platte Valley, Chrystal said, “because we are a taphouse we have our 4 original brews, but we also carry a lot of local beers and fan favorites such as O’Dell’s Brewing as well as domestics. We are a bar for everyone, we carry a great craft selection.” Chrystal also wanted to mention their cornhole tournament which is every Wednesday evening at 7:00pm, with tournament sign up beginning at 6:00pm. Or if spectating is more your style, grab a delicious bite to eat, a beer, and enjoy the free entertainment.
In case you were wondering why we are sharing all this info; we are gearing up for Oktoberfest and will be sharing the background of each of our breweries and food vendors attending. Chrystal shared that Oktoberfest has a special place in her heart because it is where the first discussion about her buying Platte Valley happened. She will never forget the excitement that came with that night. She said she also loves the event because of how it gets Platte Valley’s name out into the community. “And it is just a fun way to serve beer in a different environment.”
Now you need to know how you can attend Oktoberfest!
Oktoberfest is October 19, 2019 from 5-11pm at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds Expo Building.
VIP Tickets are $40
General Admission tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
Pre-sale tickets will also be available for members at a discounted rate.
Beer and food vendors will be in attendance as well as many fun games, activities, and live music from Soca Jukebox!
See you in Oktober!