How to Experience the Denver Beer Trail - Travel Like a Local with Our Top Brewery Spots
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Tbh, it’s quite easy to lose a day checking out the vast beer scene in Denver. I would suggest splitting the visit over the course of three days so you’re not rushed, and you can truly take in the scene and the vast flavors of craft beers.
If you’re anything like me, you’re a fanatic for details and want to have a sense of the neighborhoods prior to making your trip. IMO there is a lot to see in Denver! The city is comprised of many parts, however my favorite to visit are easily Lower Downtown (LoDo) and the River North (RiNo).
Related: Our Travel Inspo!
LoDo is a bustling downtown neighborhood known for its trendy shopping and dining scene. It’s easy to lose the time of the day while in LoDo as there is so much action around. The neighborhood is comprised of trendy boutiques, sleek restaurants, colorful lounges, and not to mention Union Station, a arts-style transport hub that has super cool and trendy bars and restaurants inside, a trendy farmers market, and not to mention a slue of summer events and concerts.
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It may be best to start your journey with the oldest tap room in Denver, Wynkoop Brewery.
The first brew pub in historic downtown Denver since Prohibition. Wynkoop delivers on a bit of history with an insane amount of craft brews. This unique and well-established brewery offers freshly brewed-onsite beer and hearty pub fare, live comedy in the basement, and a BCA-sanctioned billiards parlor upstairs. A local favorite. After you fill up on some great brews, check out Union Station across the street.
Wynkoop Brewery:
1634 18th St.
Denver, CO 80202
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I’ll address the elephant in the room. From the looks of it, Denver Chophouse is an upscale restaurant and at first glance is immediately disregarded as having really good craft brews. This is a perfect example of not judging a book by its cover. The Denver ChopHouse is that rare restaurant where great food comes in an affordable package AND there is an amazing selection of craft brews. It’s a casual place that is worth a quick drop-in. Don’t spend TOO much time here as there is plenty to see!
Denver Chophouse & Brewery
1735 19th St., Ste. 100
Denver, CO 80202
The 1UP Arcade Bar in LoDo and ViewHouse Ballpark may not be your typical “brewery,” however be sure to stop in for a great view and classic video games!
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Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery - the closest taproom to the Convention Center and located in downtown Denver - offers a fine selection of traditional ales, while pushing the boundaries on what craft beer enthusiasts think is possible in specialty craft beer.
Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery:
1139 20th St.
Denver, CO 80202
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Located in the heart of the RiNo district, 10 Barrel Brewing features more than 10,000 square feet of space that includes an award-winning brewery, as well as full kitchen. The brewery boasts a 20 barrel brewing system, and 24 freshly brewed beers on tap.
10 Barrel Brewery:
2620 Walnut St.
Denver, CO 80205
Epic Brewing:
Epic Brewing is a craft focused, boutique brewery, with a portfolio of 39 plus, distinctly different, small batch beers. Its comfortable taproom, located in the River North area, offers a neighborhood atmosphere where beer and conversation go hand in hand. Arrange a tour and learn what makes us so unique.
Epic Brewing:
3001 Walnut St.
Denver, CO 80205
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The Odell RiNo Brewhouse & Taproom features 16 taps and a 10-barrel pilot brewhouse. The taproom in RiNo is their first brewhouse in Denver! It’s safe to say there are some tried and true staples that make this establishment a local favorite.
Odell Brewing Co.:
2945 Larimer St.
Denver, CO 80205
Rock Bottom Brewery:
You haven't hit Denver until you've hit Rock Bottom! Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery offers an innovative menu complemented by fresh, handcrafted beers, brewed on premise. Handcrafted food, great beer & fun. Serious about their food and not to mention crazy about the beer, Rock Bottom Brewery has it all. Leave enough room to grab some scrumptious bites with one of the many great beers of Denver!
There are more than 60 breweries in Denver more than 100 in the metro-area, and more than 350 throughout the state — welcome to the mecca! There is no better place in the world for a self-guided brewery crawl! Next time you make your way to Denver, try out a few top places from the list and let us know your favorites!