When Denverites aren’t outdoors exploring the nearby mountains, you can often find them sampling some of the city’s best craft beers. This love of beer has created a robust taproom scene and these breweries are ones that you won’t want to miss. Whatever your drinking style and preferred profile, there’s something for you at these popular, award-winning, and experimental breweries.
Call to Arms Brewing Co.
Where? 4526 Tennyson Street
Call to Arms is an independent brewery located in Denver’s Berkeley neighborhood. Their offering ranges from seasonal styles to unique brews, and beers that you want to come back to again and again (and again). Whatever you order, you can rest assured that you’ll be greeted with genuine hospitality and a community-oriented experience. The taproom is inspired by an English pub, featuring exposed brick walls and floor-to-ceiling garage doors. There’s even a shuffleboard table and cozy nooks to settle in and enjoy your drink. The current tap list features The Shady Pony, a premium Canadian lager, Oak & A Pancake, an oak-aged Belgian dubbel with maple, and Janet Reno’s Dance Party, a hazy IPA. Whatever your style, Call to Arms strives to have something on the menu that excites you.
PRO Tip: While Call to Arms only has a few dedicated parking spots on their lot, there is plenty of street parking in the neighborhood. Keep an eye on the signs that designate 2-hour parking spots!
Our Mutual Friend Brewing
Where? 2810 Larimer Street
Our Mutual Friend Brewing is a well-loved Five Points establishment, dedicated to crafting the highest quality beer using local ingredients whenever and wherever possible. The taproom hours are 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM “EVERY DANG DAY.” The beer menu is regularly updated and includes a range of flavor profiles from hoppy, funky and sour, smokey, and light and crisp. Try the Baseglamp, a collaboration with Weldwerks that’s labeled as a stout with marshmallow and medianoche smoked malt. The Fizz is a 100% Colorado ingredient pilsner for those looking for the most local brew possible. Dogs are welcome to relax on the patio but must remain leashed. Kiddos 10 and under are welcome as well until 6:00 PM.
PRO Tip: Head to the brewery hungry, as Pit Fiend BBQ is located directly next door and offers an array of delicious eats that are perfectly washed down by a cold beer.
FlyteCo Brewing
Where? 4499 West 38th Avenue #101
FlyteCo is on a mission to share their love of aviation and of course, beer. This brewery is more than a brewery, in that they offer coffee and food as well — 7 days a week! Order a “flyte” starting at just $9 and sample some of your new favorites in 5 ounce quantities. On the light and crisp menu, you’ll find the Vets in Jets which donates $1 from each pint to support stripestobars.org, and the Papaya Flyte Lyte. If you’re looking for something darker, try the Ski Plane stout or the P-38 Pumpkin porter.
PRO Tip: Head to FlyteCo Brewing on Wednesdays for Randall Wednesday’s. This new beer infusion is exciting to try and gets you past the mid-week hump.
Cerebral Brewing
Where? 1477 Monroe Street
Cerebral Brewing has its original location settled in Denver’s Congress Park, as well as their newest spot in Aurora. The brewery was established in 2015 and has since been dedicated to its focus on quality and innovation. Their “scientific approach to beer” includes a precise methodology that ensures consistency across the board. This approach allows Cerebral Brewing to craft a range of styles, such as hazy and West Coast IPAs to Foeder lagers and beyond. The company also has a growing barrel collection, which allows them to feature creative brews that their loyal patrons are excited to try. On tap now are the Trade Winds fruited sour, the Cloud Types hazy DIPA, and the Character Reference Vienna lager — just to name a few!
PRO Tip: On cold winter evenings, try the mulled beer to warm you up! You can also opt for the featured flight that includes Standard Practice, Cryptic Message, Future Tense, and Corduroy Complex for $11 to sample a selection of the brewery’s flavor profiles.
Odell Brewing Co.
Where? 2945 Larimer Street
Whether you visit the Five Points brewhouse or the Sloan’s Lake brewhouse and pizzeria, you’re sure to enjoy the tap list at Odell Brewing Company. The space at Five Points has original brick and countertops from 1917, as well as an outdoor patio space with two fire pits and a partially covered rooftop. Over half of the tap list at Odell Brewing Company is dedicated to their experimental releases. If you find yourself unable to pick just one, order the flight with 4 ounce samples. The patio is dog friendly, so feel free to bring the pup along!
PRO Tip: Some of the Five Point exclusives being offered at the moment include the Funk Wizard, a farmhouse ale, the Captain Cashmere, an American IPA, and the Passion Fruit Sour brewed with real passion fruit puree. The Dear Gourd is a malty, spiced ale that’s been brewed with real pumpkin and is a treat for those who love seasonal flavors.
Great Divide Brewing Company
Where? 2201 Arapahoe Street
Great Divide has multiple locations in and around Denver, including at the airport! The brewery and taproom are located in the Ballpark District and fans will find the barrel bar and barrel cellar on 35th Street. The brewery has patio seating and limited indoor tables and is open daily beginning at noon. Great Divide Brewing Company was established in 1994 and has since worked its way up to being one of the state’s best brewers. Beer aficionados can take a tour of the brewhouse and try some of the 16 taps that are made up of seasonal offerings and year-round staples. Food trucks are on-site daily and you can stop by for beer to go if you don’t have time to stick around.
PRO Tip: Reservations are not required for tours, though they’re highly encouraged. Tours are limited to the first 10 guests and cost $10 per person. Closed-toe shoes are required and safety glasses will be provided.
Blue Moon Brewing Company
Where? 3750 Chestnut Place
Now a beloved national brand, Blue Moon began in Denver back in 1995. The brewery and restaurant in Denver’s River North is a great spot to hang out and enjoy a drink and a meal. Taste limited-edition Blue Moon beers or imbibe with a flight. Simply grab a flight card and write down the four beers you’d like to sample! Happy hour runs from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Tuesdays through Thursdays and deals include $4.50 pints, discounted barrel-aged beers and half-priced growler fills all day on Wednesdays. Those who want to enjoy the ambiance but don’t want to catch a buzz can opt for a Rowdy Mermaid kombucha, a cup of coffee, or another N/A option from the menu.
PRO Tip: Those looking to try a Southern Colorado staple can order the Blue Moon Slopper. This open-faced burger is topped with green chili, cheese, and onions and served with chili fries.
Ratio Beerworks
Where? 2920 Larimer Street
Ratio Beerworks has two Denver locations, one in the RiNo District and the second on South Cherokee Street. The brewery has been crafting brews since the ’90s and has since honed their skills as being one of the most recognizable breweries in the city. Whether you’re looking for a juicy IPA, a Mexican-style lager, or a chocolate rye scotch ale — Ratio has something on tap just for you. Try one of their collaborations, such as the Vol. 13 Hazy IPA with Crosby Hops for a taste of something uniquely local. Other notable Ratio beers include the King of Carrot Flowers, which won a gold medal at The Great American Beer Festival in 2023. Head to the RiNo brewery on Wednesdays for a free comedy show at 8:00 PM or the Overland location on the 3rd Tuesday of the month for some punk rock trivia.
PRO Tip: Ratio Beerworks creates seasonal brews, such as the Fairytale of Denver. This Christmas Ale has a 7.5% ABV and tastes like the holidays in a glass.
Wynkoop Brewing Company
Where? 1634 18th Street
Wynkoop is Denver’s very first brewpub and has been around the scene for over three decades. From brewing handcrafted beers underneath Denver’s biggest pool hall or becoming a fixture in the neighborhood and transforming the city’s industry — Wynkoop is securely on the list as one of the must-visit breweries in the area. Check out the brewery’s happy hour menu, which includes crispy shrimp tacos, chips and dip, and pulled pork sliders, all for $5 an order! Wynkoop has something for everyone, from their New England IPA, the Denver Lotus, to the Rail Yard Ale American Amber and the Cowtown Milk Stout. If you want to enjoy some friendly competition, head to the brewery between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Thursday for free billiards.
PRO Tip: If you’re looking for a personalized experience that’s sure to delight any beer lover, schedule a private tour at Wynkoop. See how the magic happens and you’ll have an even greater appreciation for the brew in your hand afterwards.
Renegade Brewing Company
Where? 925 West 9th Avenue
Opened in 2011 in Denver, Renegade Brewing Company is included on many lists when it comes to notable breweries in the Mile High City. A few of the beers on tap currently include the Palisade Peach Sour, the 505 Hatch Chile Pale Ale, and the Buffalo Street Brown. The brewery has a revolving list of food trucks and exciting events such as yoga and trivia nights. You can even snag a pint to go for $6. Renegade can make any of their beers on tap available to go in a 16 ounce crowler, as well as a 32 ounce and a 64 ounce if you’re so inclined. If you have your own growler, bring it in and they’ll fill it up!
PRO Tip: Renegade Brewing Company has a welcoming dog policy that only asks that they remain on a leash and out of main walkways. They even sell plush toys for your pup to include them in the good times.
Strange Craft Beer Company
Where? 1330 Zuni Street Unit M
Self-proclaimed as “Denver’s Best Biergarten,” you won’t want to miss out on the selection on tap at Strange Craft Beer Company. The operation is open Monday through Thursday from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM and on the weekends beginning at noon. This brewery was the first in Denver to brew one barrel of beer at a time and has since become an award-winning member of Denver’s competitive craft beer scene. Strange Craft Beer Company hosts food trucks and events throughout the month, which are kept updated on their calendar.
PRO Tip: If you’re looking for something big and hoppy, try the Strange Pale Ale which is crafted with three malts for added complexity. Those looking for something to sip on that’s fruity and spicy will want to order the Le Bruit Du Diable Farmhouse Ale — which can sneak up on you with its easy drinkability and high alcohol content.
Little Machine Beer
Where? 2924 West 20th Avenue
Little Machine Beer features dog-friendly patios for all your fur kids to come along, as well as a daily food truck schedule. The brewery secured silver in the 2016 and 2018 World Beer Cup, making it an award-winning Denver staple. Don’t worry about parking, there’s plenty of it! Little Machine Beer is open every day of the week, with hours fluctuating slightly on weekdays and weekends. A few interesting pours on tap at the moment include the Concrete Paradise pineapple IPA and the Rave Bunny blueberry blonde. The company boasts new beers released every Friday, so stop in at the end of the week and try something fresh.
PRO Tip: Order the Hoppy Flight at Little Machine Beer, which features four of their hoppiest pours — Million Dollar, Source Code, YaFi, and the VIP Future Champion. Those with a sweeter tooth may want to try the Fruit Salad Flight, featuring some of the brewery’s fruitier blends.