Denver, Colorado, is the 5th best city in the US for visiting and tasting beer. The Denver beer culture features around 150 breweries, brewpubs, and taprooms in the metro area. Beer production in Denver started brewing back in the 19th century, along with the Gold Rush movement. People were searching for Gold and missed their gold drink of choice. Since beer could not have made the journey with them, the opportunity and demand were wide open to quench the thirst of those gold beer seekers. Since then, Denver has blossomed into a bustling city of exceptional brews and pints.
Here are seven brewhouses in Denver to check out the next time you’re looking for a place to unwind with a craft beer and a few good friends.
Aviation-themed FlyteCo Tower brewpub opened in the historic – now defunct –Stapleton International Airport in August 2022. The 20,000-square-foot space includes six bowling lanes, 18 holes of minigolf, a full arcade, and family-friendly lawn games. FlyteCo is one of the earliest open breweries in the state, opening at 7 a.m. FlyteCo offers wine and spirits, a full food menu, a kid's menu, and happy hour.
The Barrel Bar tap room is located in Denver’s vibrant RiNo Art District. Founded in 1994, the Great Divide Brewing Company is Denver’s oldest and largest packaging brewery and one of the most decorated breweries in America.
‘Bold Character’ isn’t just a catchphrase. It’s the philosophy behind what The Great Divide brews, how they think, and what they believe.
Briar Common Brewery and Eatery is not Your Average Brewery. A Jefferson Park Brewery-Restaurant focusing on classic beer styles with an eclectic and well-paired food menu. Offering craft beer & modern, bistro-style fare in an airy, urbane two-story setting with a terrace.
El Rancho Brewing Company, home to Bonanno Concepts, has over 70 years of beer history. Serving Colorado-mountain cuisine and incredible front-range views since 1948. El Rancho is more than just a brewery; also an iconic restaurant and music venue.
Dry Dock Brewing Co - South Dock
Opening its doors in 2005, Dry Dock Brewing Company was the first craft brewery in Aurora. In addition to Dry Dock’s twelve-tap tasting room, the Canoe Room, there is an 18-hole disc golf course on the property for customers to enjoy.
In 2013, Dry Dock nearly quadrupled its production numbers, jumping from 3,200 barrels to 12,000 in just one year. With the increased demand for craft beer came the purchase of a 30,000-square-foot production facility and a second brewery tasting room known as North Dock (see below). This allowed Dry Dock to expand and brew more than 20,000 barrels of beer a year and distribute it across the entire state of Colorado.
Dry Dock Brewing Co - North Dock
North Dock is the second brewery and taproom to the parent brewery Dry Bock Brewing Co (see above). North Dock is connected to the Brew Hut, the homebrew supply shop, where you can sign up for classes, get recipes, and event rent brewing equipment
Acreage cider house and eatery Stem’s first culinary venture was born out of an inspiring landscape and a dynamic team. Acreage brings the urban cider house experience found in its RiNo Taproom to the countryside. Acreage is a full restaurant and bar focused on Stem Ciders’, cider, and Howdy Beer.
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