As the mecca for American craft beer, Denver is a must-visit for any beer enthusiast! There are over 148 breweries in the metro area, with 92 of them being in the city of Denver alone, so you will never run out of new places to grab a cold drink!
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About Denver Colorado
Denver is the most populous city and the capital of Colorado, with a population of about 715,000. Located in central Colorado, Denver is nestled in the South Platte River Valley, about 12 miles east of the Rocky Mountain foothills.
Denver lives up to its nickname, “the Mile High City,” as the city actually resides at a mile high. While Denver can be cold in the winter, it is generally a very sunny area, and with 300 days of sunshine per year, it is one of the sunniest cities in America.
While there is plenty of attractions and things to do in Denver, this beer city is best known for its vast selection of craft beer. If you are short on time, check out Denver’s RiNo district, home to over 20 breweries alone.
13 Best Denver Breweries
From German-style beer gardens to no-nonsense taprooms and everything in between, you can find all kinds of breweries in Denver! Keep reading to discover the 13 best Denver breweries.
Bierstadt Lagerhaus
Bierstadt Lagerhaus is a German-style brewpub and one of my absolute favorite Denver breweries. Located in an industrial-style warehouse in the heart of the RiNo district, Bierstadt makes amazing German lagers in a large, grungy industrial warehouse atmosphere.
This brewpub is most known (and loved) for its slow-pour Pilsner. Personally, I cannot come to Denver and not get one of these beers. Expect a few minutes of waiting for one. This beautiful crispy boy lives up to its name, but is well worth the wait.
Website | Address: 2875 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205
Black Shirt Brewing Co and Craft Pizza Kitchen
With a spacious beer garden, delicious pizza, and live music, Black Shirt Brewing Co. is one of the best breweries in Denver. This taproom and restaurant features an indoor space that opens up to the urban neighborhood outside.
The beer list seems to be crafted for those who love Red Ales or IPAs, but those who need a break from the beer can also order kombucha. While the pizza here is fantastic, don’t forget to try an order of garlic knots, which happen to be a local menu favorite.
Website | Address: 3719 Walnut St, Denver, CO 80205
Blue Moon Brewing Company – RiNo
Thanks to Blue Moon Brewing Company, many beer lovers have fallen in love with craft beer. Yes, I know that this might be a “big beer” company, but it’s definitely one of the most renowned Colorado breweries.
Located in RiNo, this taproom is one of the most beautiful Denver breweries, featuring ultra-high ceilings, massive lighting fixtures, and large windows where you can peak into their brewing process. While you’re here, check out the vast list of small-batch brews that you won’t find anywhere else.
Website | Address: 3750 Chestnut Pl, Denver, CO 80216
Cerebral Brewing
Cerebral Brewing, one of the hottest Denver breweries, is at the top of the “Don’t Skip” list in a town with DOZENS of craft breweries.
Known for its award-winning beers, this brewery focuses on mixed-fermentation, Saisons, hoppy beers, and big bark-aged brews. Their taproom is small, but dog-friendly, and usually full of local and travel beer lovers.
Website | Address: 1477 Monroe St, Denver, CO 80206
Crooked Stave Denver Taproom
Serving plenty of funky farmhouse ales, I always say that Crooked Stave is Denver’s version of one of my favorite Austin breweries, Jester King. This taproom is in a fun area, surrounded by other local businesses with an outdoor-market atmosphere.
If you’re in Fort Collins, make sure to check out Crooked Stave’s newest location!
Website | Address: 1441 W 46th Ave Unit 19, Denver, CO 80211
Great Divide Brewing Co
Located in the Ballpark District, Great Divide Brewing Co has been serving cold beers since 1994, making this business one of the first renowned breweries in the Denver area. Great Divide is a true Denver staple and is recognized in many places throughout the United States.
This brewery has a year-round beer list, featuring American lagers, fruity ales, pale ales, nitro stouts, and more, while also providing a rotating seasonal menu. You can also visit their two other locations, plus one in Castlerock.
Website | Address (3 locations): 2201 Arapahoe St, Denver, CO 80205 – 1812 35th St, Denver, CO 80216 – 8500 Pena Blvd, Denver, CO 80249
Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery
Located near Coors Field, Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery boasts a no-nonsense industrial space with a variety of housemade Denver craft beers.
With three categories of brews, including Trailhead Beers (for easy drinking), Basecamp Beers (for those who love creative brews), and Summit Beers (for the most adventurous drinkers), there is something here for everyone! From Wednesdays through Sundays, you can find a different local food truck here every night, so if you get hungry, no worries!
Website | Address: 1139 20th St, Denver, CO 80202
Our Mutual Friend Brewing
Our Mutual Friend Brewing is another one of my favorite Denver breweries. Their building has one of the brightest and most extraordinary murals you’ll ever see, with geometric pink, blue, red, and green patterns, so this is definitely a Denver must-stop! The taproom features a variety of brews, ranging from light and crisp to dark and malty.
This joint is one of the top dog-friendly Denver breweries, which you know I always appreciate! Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio, decorated with string lights- a fun place to hang out on a warm evening.
Website | Address: 2810 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
Prost Brewing Co. & Biergarten
If you love a classic German beer garden atmosphere, Prost Brewing Co. & Biergarten is the spot for you. While I was here, I felt like I had been transported to Munich, and their copper brewing equipment was even shipped from Germany. As a bonus, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the Denver skyline from their taproom.
Website | Address: 2540 19th St, Denver, CO 80211
Ratio Beerworks
Nestled in the heart of the RiNo District, also known as the River North Art District, Ratio Beerworks brews a wide variety of styles, ranging from the classics to more experimental brews.
Ratio’s co-founders have roots in the punk rock music scene, which is reflected in the eclectic atmosphere of the space. The large industrial-style taproom is a fun environment, but the dog-friendly courtyard featuring murals and games is equally playful.
Website | Address: 2920 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
Strange Craft Beer Company
As the first small taproom brewery to open in Denver, Strange Craft Beer Company was a pioneer in Denver’s craft beer scene. Only a 15-minute walk from the Denver Broncos stadium, this taproom has over a dozen award-winning beers. If that’s not enough, they also offer rotating food trucks, live music, and a spacious outdoor area.
Website | Address: 1330 Zuni St Unit M, Denver, CO 80204
Tivoli Brewing Co. Tap House
Tivoli Brewing Co. opened in 1859, making this one of the oldest and most iconic Denver breweries. At the time of their opening, they actually supplied beer to gold rush pioneers!
Tivoli’s incredibly cool, historic building makes this a perfect tap house for history lovers. Nestled next to the Auraria Campus, Tivoli is only a short walk from the Pepsi Center and Larimer Square.
Website | Address: 900 Auraria Pkwy Suite 240, Denver, CO 80204
Wynkoop Brewing Company
Situated in the historic LoDo neighborhood, right across from Union Station, Wynkoop is one of the most beloved Denver breweries. This brewery is known for putting just about anything in their beer, so this is a great spot for those who love experimental brews.
Wynkoop’s Rocky Mountain Oyster Beer might be one of their most unique brews, made with base malts, roasted barley, seven specialty grains, and most notably, freshly sliced and roasted bull testicles! Yum!
Website | Address: 1634 18th St, Denver, CO 80202
Where to Stay in Denver
During my stay in Denver, I was hosted by The Curtis Hotel, which did not disappoint! Located in Downtown Denver, I loved that this hotel was in a very central and accessible location.
I stayed in the video-game-themed room, which was a ton of fun. Boasting a ton of colorful decor, board games, and an arcade game, this room made me feel like a kid again. The Curtis Hotel has plenty of other themed rooms, including Disco, Barbie, Star Trek, and Talladega Nights.
The Curtis Hotel is dog-friendly hotel in Denver, which I always appreciate. Every room features flat-screen TVs, iPod speakers, mini-fridges, and more. The lobby boasts playful cartoons, a local art collection, and an old-fashioned 5 & Dime store. This is definitely one of the most unique hotels in Denver!
Rates at The Curtis Hotel typically range from $150-$250 per night, depending on the room and the time of booking.
Looking for More Help Planning Your Beercation? Check Out These Guides!
With taprooms of every size and brews in every category, there is a Denver beer for every kind of palate! If you are looking for more things to do in Colorado, check out the other travel guides below!
- Head to Fort Collins to Stay in the Beers and Bikes Suite at The Elizabeth Hotel
- In town for the Great American Beer Festival? Check out this helpful guide.
- Driving to Colorado? It’s a trip I’ve done several times.
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