Top 11 Best Breweries in Denver, CO
Denver is a city known for its vast mountainous beauty, its charming and open-minded citizens, and legal weed.
But did you know that Denver has some of the finest local breweries in the entire nation?
So far, we’ve covered the best breweries Tampa, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Dallas. Now it’s time to unveil our picks for the Best Breweries in Denver, CO.
1. Oasis Brewery
3257 N. Lowell Blvd. Denver, CO 80211
(303) 317-4369
While desert motifs are in no shortage at this West Highland brewery, rest assured you’ve found a dependable watering hole at the aptly titled Oasis— a former church turned drinking establishment (does beer qualify for communion?) that has been slinging up a variety of Egyptian-inspired brews (such as its classic De Nile IPA) since 1991. If hoppy notes aren’t your thing, don’t fret. IPA’s aren’t the only thing on tap. Small batch seasonal flavors such as the refreshing Blueberry Ale and the floral yet spicy lightness of the Pero Pilsner draw in curious crowds, while year-round brews like the Tut Brown create loyal customers who sip like kings… er, pharaohs.
They offer a few different pub food options: fresh-baked pretzels from XLVII’s Bakery, pizza from Rocky Mountain Pizza, cheese boards provided by St Kilian’s Cheese Shop, and breakfast burritos provided by Dis Burrito. In case you’re craving another kind of bite, Oasis hosts food trucks every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday! If you’re there on other days, you can bring in food from any of their neighboring restaurants.
2. Blue Moon Brewing Company
3750 Chestnut Place, Denver, CO 80216
(303) 728-2337
Blue Moon Brewing Company (and yes, we mean Blue Moon as in the famously good with an orange slice Blue Moon) crafts a Belgian White that has become a fan favorite sold in more than 25 countries worldwide. While one of the most recognizable names in the industry today, this humbly invigorating libation had to get its start somewhere, and tourists and locals alike flock to the Rino District-based brewery for a pick-me-up and a photo op.
They’ve got a full menu jam-packed with some delicious options. Start with beer-brined wings and an ahi tostada then enjoy something hearty and delicious like the Tap House Chicken Sandwich or the Bison Burger.
Even though Blue Moon is world-renowned for their classic Belgian white, they still have plenty of pleasant surprises for you to discover.
3. Odell Brewing Co – Five Points Brewhouse
2945 Larimer STt, Denver, CO 80205
(720) 795-7862
Set to follow in the Blue Moon footstep is Odell Brewing Co; a beloved fixture in the Colorado scene with multiple locations and a long list of retailers nationwide stocking its craft brews. If it’s not on your radar, get it there soon. Offering everything from the Lugene (a chocolate milk stout) to the Mango Tree Shaker (a fruity mango IPA) to the Sippin’ Pretty (a delightfully guava-tinted sour) and the 90 Shilling Ale (a smooth amber ale for all you classic, no frills beer drinkers out there) Odell has something for everyone… including a recently debuted line of wines! Check out the Five Points location for Instagram-friendly murals and a rooftop patio.
Since its 1989 opening, Odell has been fostering love and friendship through its amazing people and spot-on beer.
4. Ratio Beer Works
2920 Larimer St. Denver, CO 80205
303-997-8288
Down for a little Denver breweries crawl? Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Odell’s Five Points location you’ll find the eclectic micro brewery Ratio Beer Works. Started by a group of DIY punk heads who honed in a passion for beer while touring, Ratio Beer Works is dedicated to celebrating the local arts and music scene while also pouring up delectable ales.
Their state-of-the-art 20-barrel system is innovative and consistent in delivering a perfectly crisp and flavorful pour every time.
5. Our Mutual Friend Brewing
2810 Larimer St. Denver, CO 80205
(303) 296-3441
Let’s keep the brewery crawl crawling, shall we? Just one block down from Ratio Beer Works you’ll stumble across Our Mutual Friend Brewing, an award-winning neighborhood taproom known for its funky sours. While the occasional porter or ale keep the menu balanced, it’s all about the tartness here. For a real summer treat, try the tantalizing Riot of Color— a tantalizing blend of both mango and lime that’ll have you coming back for seconds. (And maybe even thirds. Responsibly.)
If you’re craving something salty to go with your beer, their next door neighbors Owlbear BBQ sling some unreal grub from 11am until the food is gone.
6. Briar Common Brewery + Eatery
2298 Clay St. Denver CO 80211
(720) 512-3894
Everyone knows that you can’t drink on an empty stomach, and at Briar Common in Jefferson Park, the beer menu is just as tantalizing as the food menu. Who said bar food had to be boring? Buffalo cauliflower, duck tacos, and ahi tuna poke are just some of the ways that Briar Common offers to set your belly straight. Pair your meal with a hazy blood orange IPA or a dragonfruit kolsch and you’re good to go. (Feeling extra bold? Ask the bartender about one of their beer-infused cocktails!)
Their goal of offering balanced beers and unique pub food has been realized in full, consistently being recognized as one of the best breweries in Denver. Briar Common also offers weekend brunch, and you should definitely start your tailgate there (be warned: the bottomless mimosa is not available on Bronco gamedays).
7. Fiction Beer Company
7101 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80220
(720) 456-7163
Quick game of fact or fiction: this brewery is one of the coolest of all the Denver breweries. Fact. Despite this taproom’s name, it is a very real and very visitable place, and while this establishment may celebrate the imaginative figments of some of history’s most notable writers, Denver celebrates that this literature-themed brewery is no figment at all, but a brick-and-mortar hangout concocting literature-inspired booze. Sip on a carrot cake sour or toasty lager while relaxing at the bar made out of real books, or one of the many tables engraved with quotes from famous authors. Take home a six pack, and if you feel so inclined, take home a book from the brewery’s lending library. Bibliophiles cerevisaphiles rejoice!
And don’t forget to put all that reading you’re about to do to the test and go to their monthly book clubs or the weekly trivia!
8. Great Divide Brewing Co.
2201 Arapahoe St, Denver, CO 80205
(303) 296-9460
If beer is on your party’s mind, there’ll be no divide in feelings if this beloved spot makes it onto the itinerary! Great Divide Brewing Co. has been honing in on their craft since 1994, and year-round favorites such as the Car Camper (a fresh pale ale with hints of cantaloupe) and the Velvet Yeti Nitro (roasty notes of caramel and toffee completed by the telltale smooth mouthfeel of a nitro pour) prove it. Got a member of the group that just can’t do the taste of beer? Not to worry! Great Divide Brewing Co. has their own host of craft hard seltzers too (the cocktail-inspired Mojito seltzer is not to be missed) so everyone can partake in the fun!
Take that fun to the next level with their event calendar, including Geeks Who Drink trivia and weekly pilot releases and food trucks!
9. FlyteCo Brewing Co.
4499 W 38th Ave #101, Denver, CO 80212
(720) 772-7319
The journey all started back in 2008 when a gifted home-brewing kit turned into an unexpected passion. Founders Eric and Jason were both engineering students and aviation lovers attending the University of Colorado in Boulder, and beer making just happened to offer a similar scientific nerdiness that paralleled their love of engineering. Now touting the motto “by pilots, for pilots”, the entrepreneurs continue their love of engineering through engineering yummy new pours like their Vets In Jets cream ale and the hibicus-infused kombucha shandy Ginger Radler. Can’t choose? Sample several pours in a flyte.
The magic doesn’t stop with drinks! They have a full breakfast and lunch/dinner menu. Start your day right with a bagel sandwich and a cold brew!
10. Little Machine Beer
2924 W 20th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 284-7893
Little Machine Beer is a futuristic bar serving up a myriad of tasty brews to you right here in the present, in the not-so-far-away galaxy known as Denver’s Jefferson Park neighborhood. With plentiful parking, dog-friendly patios, and an industrial-hip interior decked out with robot-referencing art, it’s easy to see how Little Machine Beer ranks so highly with all who pass through. Whether it’s stout, nitro stout, lager, porter, ale, IPA, or a saison that you crave, Little Machine has something for everybody. We recommend the Razz Against the Machine and Concrete Paradise. The brewery frequently hosts food trucks at their site, so be sure to check out their events calendar if you’re looking to grab takeaway ramen or flavorful fish tacos to pair with your brew.
With all this action, you’re going to love your time at the self-proclaimed “raddest brewery in Denver.”
11. 10 Barrel Brewing Co.
2620 Walnut St, Denver, CO 80205
(720) 573-8992
It’s beer-thirty in RiNo! From brewmaster Kay Witkiewicz comes a brewery with a constantly rotating set of beers on taps and tremendous pub food to boost.
Whether you’re basking in the sunlight on the rooftop with a 360-degree view of RiNo, or enjoying a quieter time sipping an IPA, Ten Barrel will be a hit.
There’s a major lineup of homebrewed beers on tap, though Apocalypse is the flagship IPA. If you can’t make up your mind, they’ve got you covered with the 10 Series Sampler, a roster of ten of the staff’s favorite beers. If ten beers seems daunting, you can also just get the 5 Series Sampler, where you can choose your own beers. If you’re hungry, throw in an order of 10 Barrel Nachos with half fries and half Cajun chips or the Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts. Even the hot and fresh Pretzel is fantastic, with cheese sauce and mustard. It’s hard to find something that pairs much better with beer than these.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on July 9, 2021 and last updated on June 8, 2022. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
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