Denver’s collective love of brewing and craft beer is world-renowned. With over 400 breweries throughout Colorado, 150 of which are in the Mile High City, you’ll find plenty to experience in the world-class craft breweries in Denver!
From multi-award-winning brewhouses like Great Divide Brewing Co. to cozy neighborhood hangouts like the Strange Craft Beer Company, Denver’s buzzing craft beer scene has something for everyone.
Pair one-of-a-kind red ales with artisanal pizza at the Black Shirt Brewing Co. and Craft Pizza Kitchen. Sip scientifically mastered saisons at Cerebral Brewing. Kick back over complex barrel-aged beers in a former fire station-turned-brewery at Station 26 Brewing Co.
Keen to explore the Mile High City’s famous brewing scene? Sip beers and enjoy delicious pub grub at one of these top-rated Denver breweries!
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our Colorado Travel Guide for more tips & recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do on your vacation!
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Wynkoop Brewing Company
Start your ale adventures at one of Denver’s original craft breweries, Wynkoop Brewing Company. Housed in a beautiful old building on 18th Street in the Lower Downtown (LoDo) district, this historic brewery is a beloved part of Denver’s craft beer scene.
Named after Denver’s co-founder, Edward Wynkoop, Wynkoop Brewing Company crafts a diverse range of beers that cater to various tastes. Be sure to try the flagship beer, the Rail Yard Ale, and the cask-conditioned ales like the Churchyard Ale, Quinn’s Scottish Ale, and the Splatz Porter, each of which has a cult following among beer aficionados.
If you’re interested in the brewing process, check if they’re offering brewery tours. It’s a fun way to learn about the craft and the history of this Denver institution.
According to current head brewer Todd Bellmyer, “In 2016, after the sale of Breckenridge to Anheuser-Busch Inbev, the company installed a new brewhouse and new, modern, conical fermenters instead of the old open-top fermenters in the basement. This allows for much more precise quality control in our brewing and the ability to experiment with newer styles of beer.”
Pair your beer with some delicious pub fare. Their menu features classic brewpub dishes like burgers, wings, and nachos that make for perfect beer companions. Grab a table on the outdoor patio. It’s a great spot to soak up the Denver sunshine while savoring your beer and people-watching.
INSIDER INFO FROM HEAD BREWER TODD BELLMYER: “Nowadays, we are serving up a wide variety of beer styles, ranging from the common (lagers and IPAS) to the obscure (dark Czech pilsners, altbiers) to the obscene (Rocky Mountain Oyster Stout brewed with bull testicles) to the 2023 GABF Award winning Kurt’s Mile High Malt, a coffee lager brewed with a recipe given to us by Kurt Vonnegut.”
Great Divide Brewing Co.
Known for pushing the boundaries of craft beer and creating innovative brews, the award-winning Great Divide Brewing Co. in Downtown Denver is a must if you love good vibes and great beer!
Founded by Brian Dunn, who turned his passion for brewing into a full-fledged brewery, Great Divide Brewing Co. experiments with different beer styles and ingredients. This adventurous spirit has led to the creation of some truly unique and award-winning brews.
You’ll find a wide range of beer styles, from hop-forward IPAs to rich stouts and barrel-aged specialties on the menu. The Yeti series of imperial stouts has rich, complex flavors and high alcohol content and is legendary among craft beer enthusiasts. Be sure to try the Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti and the Mexican Chocolate Yeti, which garnered a cult following.
Sample a flight of different brews to find your personal favorite. Keep an eye out for exclusive beers available only in the tasting room. These limited releases are a treat for beer enthusiasts and often showcase experimental flavors.
Great Divide is dog-friendly, so bring your furry friends along. They even provide water bowls for your four-legged companions!
Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery
Located in the heart of the Central Business District, Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery is the perfect spot for a post-work brew or a weekend adventure.
A relatively new addition to Denver’s craft beer scene, Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery was founded in 2013 by a group of friends with a passion for brewing. Since then, they’ve been making waves with their innovative and adventurous approach to beer.
Jagged Mountain is known for its diverse and ever-changing beer lineup. They craft a wide range of beer styles, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, sour ales, and barrel-aged specialties. Their commitment to experimentation means you’ll often find unique and limited-edition brews on tap.
If you’re new to Jagged Mountain, start with a flight of tasters. It’s a great way to sample their diverse offerings and discover your favorite style. Keep an eye out for limited-release and seasonal beers. These gems may not be around for long, so it’s worth trying them while you can.
On sunny days, relax in the outdoor seating area. It’s a pleasant spot to enjoy your beer and soak up some Colorado sunshine.
Woods Boss Brewing Company
Whether you’re a seasoned beer explorer or just looking for a relaxed spot to enjoy a pint, Woods Boss Brewing Company is a great spot to taste some innovative brews.
Nestled in the vibrant and historic Five Points neighborhood, the brewery takes its name from the forest rangers and firefighters, often known as ‘woods bosses,’ who protect and care for Colorado’s wilderness. This theme of stewardship and adventure runs through everything they do.
Woods Boss Brewing has a rustic and woodsy interior, with a cozy fireplace perfect for chilly Colorado evenings. Expect a creative and adventurous beer lineup. They craft diverse styles, from hoppy IPAs and robust stouts to sour ales and experimental brews. They’re not afraid to try new things, so you’ll often find unique and limited-edition beers on tap.
Take a moment to appreciate the local art on display. Woods Boss Brewing is known for supporting local artists, and their rotating art exhibitions add an extra layer of character to the brewery.
Our Mutual Friend Brewing
Fondly called OMF by locals, Our Mutual Friend Brewing is a fantastic spot to immerse yourself in Denver’s craft beer culture. Founded in 2012 by a group of friends who share a passion for craft beer, Our Mutual Friend is one of the oldest breweries in RiNo.
Boasting a carefully curated combination of industrial chic and hipster cool, this award-winning outfit has won two Great American Beer Festival awards in three years. Our Mutual Friend Brewing roasts its own malt and offers a diverse and innovative lineup, from hoppy IPAs and barrel-aged sours to rich stouts and experimental brews. Be sure to try the West Coast IPA and the experimental IPA series Wave Motion.
Our Mutual Friend Brewing is deeply connected to the RiNo neighborhood and hosts community events. Look out for art shows, live music, and other gatherings happening at the brewery.
Black Shirt Brewing Co. and Craft Pizza Kitchen
Artisanal pizza, craft brews, and live music sound good? Head to the Black Shirt Brewing Co. and Craft Pizza Kitchen in Denver’s River North Arts District (RiNo).
Black Shirt Brewing Co. is a family-owned and operated brewery that’s been crafting beer for over ten years. Their mission is simple: to brew excellent beer that brings people together. Craft Pizza Kitchen joined forces with them, making it a one-stop spot for beer and pizza lovers.
Known for its creative and well-crafted beer lineup, Black Shirt Brewing specializes in red ales, characterized by their rich maltiness and balanced hop character. You’ll find a red ale for every palette, from red saisons and kölsches to red porters and IPAs.
The brewery has a rustic-industrial charm, communal tables, and a friendly, laid-back vibe. It’s the perfect place to unwind, chat with friends, and enjoy a cold one with a slice of delicious pizza. If you find a beer you love, consider getting a crowler (a large, sealed beer can) to take home with you. It’s a great way to enjoy their beer beyond the brewery.
Cerebral Brewing
If you like a scientific approach to beer, visiting Cerebral Brewing is a must! Situated in Denver’s Bluebird District, this award-winning neighborhood brewery uses scientific methodology to create top-notch brews.
Cerebral Brewing was founded in 2013 by a group of friends passionate about science and beer. The brewery’s name reflects this unique blend as it approaches brewing with a scientific and creative mindset. Since then, they’ve garnered a reputation for crafting innovative and delicious brews.
Kick back with a flight of tasters in the brewery’s tasting room, which is sleek, light, and airy. Sample an inventive lineup of mixed-fermentation Saisons, hoppy beers, sours, and barrel-aged stouts. Try the ‘Local Traffic Only,’ an all-Colorado Saison, and ‘Cheat Code,’ a high-alcohol IPA brewed with flaked oats and wheat.
Grab a bite from a rotating lineup of food trucks and listen to live Bluegrass music every Tuesday.
Strange Craft Beer Company
Despite the unusual name, Strange Craft Beer Company is a hidden treasure within Denver’s craft beer community, showcasing inventive brewing in a cozy and welcoming ambiance.
Founded in 2010 by Tim Myers, Strange Craft Beer Company was Denver’s first nano-brewery. What began as a small brewing endeavor in a garage has blossomed into a cherished award-winning brewery celebrated for its innovative beers.
The brewery might be compact, but it’s packed with character. Communal tables and a laid-back vibe are perfect for kicking back over a few brews with friends. Sample a range of creative crafts, from traditional ales and lagers to one-of-a-kind experimental brews. Try the Breakfast Grapefruit IPA, 1,000 Barrels IIPA, or Cherry Kriek.
Check their event calendar for trivia nights. Test your knowledge while bonding with fellow beer lovers!
Renegade Brewing Company
If you’re exploring the dynamic and artsy Art District on Santa Fe neighborhood, pop into Renegade Brewing Company for a few craft brews. The locally-owned brewery is known for pushing the boundaries of brewing creativity and challenging the status quo.
Established by Brian and Khara O’Connell during the summer of 2011, the brewery’s initial ‘deliciously bold’ brews were a product of their homebrewing passion. Renegade Brewing Company is all about doing things differently.
They have a knack for experimenting with unique flavors and ingredients. One sip of their flagship offering, the Redacted Rye IPA, and you’ll be sold – the combination of zesty hops and spicy rye is simply irresistible.
Order a flight of tasters and soak up some Colorado sunshine on the outdoor patio while sipping your brews. Keep an eye on their calendar for special gatherings and live music nights. Have a few laughs on Saturday nights with their weekly Open Mic Comedy Night.
Station 26 Brewing Co.
Tucked inside a former fire station in Park Hill, Station 26 Brewing Co. is hailed for its original craft brews. It’s named after the historic Denver fire station where it resides, a beautiful historic building that adds a unique touch to its character.
Station 26 Brewing Co. is known for its IPAs, stouts, and unique creations like Lemondrop wheat and Tangerine Cream. From light and refreshing lagers to rich and complex barrel-aged beers, there’s something on the menu for every beer enthusiast.
Their beers have received awards and accolades at prestigious competitions like the Great American Beer Festival, solidifying their reputation as a top-notch brewery in Denver.
A spacious and family-friendly taproom with plenty of seating is a comfortable spot to sample some of the brewery’s top tipples. If you prefer being outdoors, hit the south-facing patio to soak up some rays and grab a bite from one of the food trucks. Furry, four-legged friends are welcome!
Call to Arms Brewing Company
Enjoy award-winning craft beers in a traditional English pub-inspired craft brewery at the Call to Arms Brewing Company. You’ll find this community-driven brewery on Tennyson Street in the historic Berkeley neighborhood, and it won’t disappoint!
Founded in 2015 by three friends who share a passion for crafting exceptional beer, Call to Arms Brewing Company offers a diverse selection of world-class beers with the utmost emphasis placed on quality. An impressive range of 14 rotating taps spans craft beer styles from award-winning IPAs, nationally recognized lagers, sours, barrel-aged beers, and everything in between.
Grab a flight of tasters or sample some of their unique brews like the popular Clintonian Pale Ale or refreshing Khores Ballroom Beer. Kick back, relax on the large dog-friendly patio at community-style picnic tables, and enjoy live Bluegrass music on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month.
14er Brewing & Beer Garden
14er Brewing & Beer Garden combines the best of Colorado’s adventurous culture with the joys of craft beer. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just looking for a laid-back place to enjoy a pint, 14er has something for everyone.
Established in 2016, 14er Brewing & Beer Garden combines a passion for mountain adventures with a love for craft beer. The brewery is named after Colorado’s famous 14,000-foot mountains, which inspire their adventurous approach to brewing.
14er Brewing & Beer Garden is known for its commitment to crafting quality beer with a Colorado twist. You’ll find a range of styles, from hoppy IPAs to easy-drinking lagers, inspired by the outdoors and created to offer a taste of Colorado’s adventurous spirit.
Head to the spacious beer garden with picnic tables and a cozy, welcoming vibe. It’s an ideal spot to unwind, chat with friends, or soak up some sunshine while sipping one of the 31 draft handles, house-made seltzers, or slushies.
