What Are the Best Craft Beer Microbreweries to Visit in Denver?

Denver, a city known for its vibrant culture and legendary scenery, has become a microbrewery hotspot. With 85 craft breweries, the Mile High City is a craft beer mecca, providing visitors with various brewery options to choose from. From nano-breweries to larger establishments, this article will cover the best microbreweries in Denver to visit and sample a variety of craft beers. When planning your next Denver brewery trip, consider these outstanding craft beer spots so you can begin your beer tasting journey while discovering some of the best brews in the city of Denver.

1. Denver Beer Co.

Denver Beer Co. is a popular spot located in downtown Denver, offering craft beer lovers a huge selection of ales and lagers. This brewery has a spacious and inviting atmosphere with its open garage-style doors, outside patio and frequent live music. Additionally, the bathrooms are covered with graffiti and feature a few couches for relaxing. On their taps, you can find many seasonal beers such as the Propagate Prospector Pale Ale, carefully crafted by the co-founders Patrick Crawford and Charlie Berger. With frequent beer releases from their canning and bottling facility, Denver Beer Co. makes sure to offer something special and unique every time you visit.

2. Great Divide Brewing Company

Another must-visit spot in Denver is the Great Divide Brewing Company. Founded in 1994 by Brian Dunn, Great Divide has become one of the most respected craft breweries in Denver. With over 25 years of craft brewing experience behind it, Great Divide stands as one of the most renowned establishments in Denver in terms of offering quality beer. The brewery is well known for its acclaimed Yeti Imperial Stout, as well as many barrel-aged beers like their barrel-aged Nitro Series. In addition to their award-winning beers, they also offer an array of their year-round releases like their Denver Pale Ale and Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout.

3. Rackhouse Pub

Once known as C Squared Cidery, Rackhouse Pub is an establishment located in the Santa Fe Arts District of Denver. This unique pub allows visitors to try ten unique beers on tap while enjoying classic pub food. What makes this spot so special is their barrel-aged program which consists of beers brewed in wine and whiskey barrels. Another great feature at this pub is their cider academy where you can learn about their house-made ciders and how they are made from all-natural ingredients. This special brewery should not be overlooked if you are a fan of craft beers or ciders.

4. Prost Brewing

Located in the LoHi District of Denver, Prost Brewing is a pocket brewery offering an eclectic range of German-inspired beers from traditional Pilsners to classic Dopplebocks and Weizens. The philosophy at Prost Brewing focuses on creating a diverse selection of styles ranging from light to heavy so that every guest can find something suitable for their palates. The menu is constantly changing with new offerings such as their Keller Pilsner, Schwarzbier, and their ever popular Marzen Lager. So whether you’re looking to sample something different or stick to old favorites, Prost Brewing has a little something for everyone’s taste.

5. Wit’s End Brewing Co.

Wit’s End Brewing Co., located in the Highlands area of Denver, is a pub style brewery which specializes in Belgians and creative American styles. With a cozy atmosphere and an inviting staff, Wit’s End Brewing Co. provides visitors with a relaxing craft beer experience not found anywhere else. Some of their fan favorites include their Breakfast Stout, Garcon de Ferme Saison, and their Ryecat Rye Ale. They also offer an array of special one-time releases with each batch being carefully crafted to perfection for a truly extraordinary experience that can only be found here.

Whether you’re looking for tried and true staples like porters or you’d like something out of the ordinary like barrel-aged ales and ciders, there’s something suitable for everyone in Denver’s craft beer scene. For an extra memorable trip, you can even book Denver: LoDo Craft Beer Guided Walking Tour, an activity perfect for beer lovers looking to visit all the top spots while also learning more about craft beer history and culture. So don’t hesitate to check out some of these amazing craft beer spots when you’re in Denver – you won’t regret it!

Insider’s Guide: Discover the Authentic Charm of Denver

When you think of Denver, what comes to mind? Skyscrapers, highways, and crowded tourist hotspots? Think again. While it is a bustling city, Denver also has a unique and charming side that only the locals know about. From hidden gems to off-the-beaten-path suggestions, here is an insider’s guide to discovering Denver’s authentic charm.

Local Attractions: Discover Denver’s Hidden Gems

Sure, the Denver Botanic Gardens and the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre are popular tourist spots, but there is so much more to Denver than meets the eye. Dive deeper into the city’s history with a visit to the Molly Brown House Museum, once home to the “unsinkable” Titanic survivor. For a different kind of cultural experience, check out the Five Points neighborhood, once known as the “Harlem of the West,” where you can find jazz clubs, soul food restaurants, and African American history.

For outdoor enthusiasts, skip the crowded hiking trails at Mount Evans and head to the lesser-known Matthews/Winters Park, just 30 minutes from downtown Denver. Here, you can hike, bike or horseback ride through the stunning red rock formations and enjoy views of the Front Range.

Dining Spots: Taste the Authentic Flavors of Denver

Denver’s dining scene has a unique blend of Southwest flavors and global cuisine. Start your day with a breakfast burrito from the legendary Santiago’s, a local favorite, or head to Sam’s No.3 for an indulgent brunch featuring green chili-smothered dishes. For something more upscale, try Mercantile Dining & Provision for seasonal, farm-to-table eats.

Don’t leave Denver without trying the city’s iconic dish, the Rocky Mountain Oysters (hint: they’re not really oysters). Hit up the Buckhorn Exchange, the oldest restaurant in Denver, for a taste of the city’s frontier past and their famous “bull fries.” Lastly, end your night with a Denver craft beer at Falling Rock Taphouse, which has over 2,000 beers to choose from.

Cultural Experiences: Embrace Denver’s Vibrant Traditions

Denver is a melting pot of cultures, and it shows through the city’s vibrant traditions and festivals. Join the celebration at the Denver Cinco de Mayo Festival, where you can watch Latin American dancers and taste authentic cuisine. In July, hit up the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, where you can browse through 265 artists’ works and street performers entertain visitors.

For music lovers, don’t miss the weekly bluegrass jam at the Highland Tap & Burger or the Monday Night Menagerie shows at Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox. Art enthusiasts should take a stroll through RiNo Art District, known for its murals and street art, or visit the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Local History: Discover Denver’s Fascinating Past

Denver has a rich history, dating back to the Gold Rush days. At the Larimer Square Historic District, you can take a guided tour to learn about the city’s beginnings and 19th-century architecture. Head to the Molly Brown House Museum, mentioned earlier, for a glimpse of Denver’s high society in the early 1900s.

For a more mysterious look into the city’s past, visit the Cheesman Park neighborhood. The park was once a cemetery, which was later moved, but some say that a few restless souls still roam the area. Take a ghost tour and learn about the park’s eerie history.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Go Beyond the Conventional

Looking for something truly unique? Take a trip to Casa Bonita, a Mexican restaurant that doubles as an entertainment venue. Watch cliff divers, puppet shows, and arcade games while enjoying your authentic Mexican cuisine. For a more adventurous outing, take a hot air balloon ride over the beautiful Colorado scenery.

Lastly, head to the Great Divide Brewing Company for a guided walking tour through Denver’s craft beer culture, led by an insider. You’ll learn the history of brewing in Denver and sample some of the city’s best craft beers.

Denver may seem like a typical big city, but dig deeper and you’ll uncover its authentic and unique charm. From hidden gems to iconic dishes and cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone in Denver.