Beer in Denver: How to Enjoy Denver's Delicious Beer Scene
If you've ever been to Denver or are a local, you know the beer scene is truly one-of-a-kind. If you're visiting Denver for the first time, you're in for a treat! In this guide, we'll share how you can discover the best beer in Denver (and nearby).
We'll take you on a tour of some of the best breweries and other fun ways you can enjoy delicious beer in and near the Mile High City, including a beer spa! Whether you're looking to give yourself a beer tour around the city or stop at a cool spot or two, we've got some fun ways to make this happen below.
You might also be interested in reading: The Perfect Day in Denver: A Complete Itinerary
The Best Beer in Denver: Breweries, Activities, and More
Denver is a beer lover's paradise! You're in luck even if you don't love beer but enjoy trying new and fun things. These breweries, activities, and more that highlight Denver's eclectic beer scene offer memorable experiences.
Denver Microbrew Tour
Denver Microbrew Tour offers a fun way to explore Denver's beer scene. They offer various tour options, each providing a taste of 10+ local craft beers. From a historical craft beer experience to enjoying craft beer with street art, there's something for everyone. They also offer private tours.
Crooked Stave
Crooked Stave is one of Denver’s most unique breweries because of their unconventional approach to brewing. By mixing art and science, they make progressive beers that are perfectly delicious.
[caption id="attachment_4805" align="aligncenter" width="580"]

Crooked Stave Denver Taproom; Denver, Colorado[/caption]
You can find Denver’s Crooked Stave in the Sunnyside Neighborhood. They have indoor seating and a large outdoor area, offering the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cold beverage. They also have regular food trucks.
Oskar Blues Grill & Brew
You may have heard of Oskar Blues Brewery, which brews a wide selection of delicious beer, including the iconic Dale’s Pale Ale. In fact, you can find their brewery in several locations – Austin, TX, Brevard, NC, and Longmont, CO.
[caption id="attachment_4806" align="aligncenter" width="580"]

Oskar Blues Brewery; Oskar Blues Grill & Brew; Denver, Colorado[/caption]
In Denver, we love Oskar Blues Grill & Brew, which is conveniently located downtown. Oskar Blues craft beer is paired with Southern-influenced American fare in a modern saloon. It's a great place to watch the game on one of the many TVs, and there's also an underground music venue downstairs.
Odell Brewing Brewhouse
Odell Brewery, located in Fort Collins, is the 23rd largest US craft brewing company. They’re known for their hoppy IPAs and also make other noteworthy beers.
In Denver, you can enjoy Odell beers at Odell Brewing Brewhouse in the historic Five Points neighborhood. Their outdoor patio with fire pits is a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a cold one. It’s even pet-friendly!
Cerveceria Colorado
Cerveceria Colorado is a Denver favorite! Their motto is "bridges, not walls," and they believe beer is inclusive, collaborative, and celebratory. This is evident in their use of Mexican ingredients, flavors, and processes to make some of the most innovative beer in Denver. They also brew beer with a passion for sharing with everyone.
[caption id="attachment_4807" align="aligncenter" width="580"]

Cerveceria Colorado; Denver, Colorado[/caption]
The brewery is located just outside downtown near many other great Denver breweries. Beer drinkers enjoy Cerveceria Colorado's relaxed atmosphere with board games, great music, and vibrant decor.
Wynkoop Brewing Company
For a bit of history in Denver's beer world, be sure to visit Wynkoop Brewing Company. This was Colorado's first brewpub and has been around since 1988. They've been brewing some of the rarest but most tasty beers since opening their doors. They've even put gummy bears and Rocky Mountain oysters in their brews!
Enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner with a cold brew at Wnykoop's brewpub. It's located in a pool hall with, you guessed it, pool tables. There's plenty of seating – inside, at the bar, and outdoors. Wynkoop Brewing is conveniently located in Denver's popular LoDo district next to Union Station.
Novel Strand Brewing Company
Novel Strand Brewing Company is known for laid-back vibes and hoppy, sour, and classic brews. This independently owned boutique brewery and taproom is located in Denver’s historic Baker neighborhood.
You can enjoy good beer, cool decor, and indoor and outdoor seating at Novel Strand Brewing Company. They also have regular events and food trucks. Pets are welcome, too!
Great Divide Brewing Company
Great Divide Brewing Company is the oldest and largest packing brewery in all of Denver! In fact, they've grown so much that they now have two locations in Denver to enjoy a cold one.
Try Great Divide's unique and delicious beer in the heart of downtown at the Ballpark District or the Barrel Bar in the eclectic RiNo neighborhood. It's easy to check out both locations as they're only about a mile from each other!
Great Divide Brewing Company's original location and taproom is a lively spot with food trucks, patio seating, and plenty of indoor space. Great Divide Barrel Bar is a quaint, vibrant brewery and bar that offers free tours, lots of seating, and an event space.
Oakwell Beer Spa
Oakwell Beer Spa is located just a short drive from Great Divide and offers one of Denver's most unique beer experiences. This new, modern-day spa combines beer and rejuvenation into one. It doesn't get much better than that!
[caption id="attachment_4809" align="aligncenter" width="580"]

Oakwell Beer Spa; Denver, Colorado[/caption]
Oakwell Beer Spa offers local craft beer (and other beverages) and one-of-a-kind spa services, including Beer Bath Hydrotherapy. Each month, Oakwell Beer Spa features a Colorado brewery and 5 of its best brews. In fact, Oakwell Beer Spa has partnered with several breweries in this guide.
You can either book a spa day appointment and enjoy craft beer while you relax or stop by and hang out in the cozy taproom oasis and enjoy as many or little brews as you'd like.
The Great American Beer Festival
We can't talk about beer in Denver without highlighting The Great American Beer Festival. This annual beer festival is hosted by the Brewers Association, usually in late September or early October. We recommend all beer-loving locals and travelers attend this unforgettable event at least once.
The Great American Beer Festival represents the most extensive collection of US beer ever served, bringing together brewers and beer drinkers from all over the nation. Enjoy beer tastings and competitions for an entire weekend. The event takes place at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.
Red Rocks Beer Garden
Just outside of the city is the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater. Whether you're attending a show or an event or not, we definitely recommend visiting the Red Rocks Beer Garden. Not only do they serve an excellent selection of beer, but they've also been voted as "top 10 patios."
Red Rocks Beer Garden supports the community by serving all Colorado-made food, beer, and wine. The beer garden is situated at the base of the amphitheater in an 1800s cottage with an open-air patio. It's the perfect spot to enjoy beer and pizza. Bring your pets, too!
Note: The next and last 3 breweries are all located just outside of Denver, about 30 miles from the city center. We're including them because they're some of our favorites in the area, and they're all located close to each other, making for the perfect adventure and self-guided brewery tour outside the bustling city.
Sanitas Brewing Company
"Building community through patios and pints." We love how accurate this tagline is. Sanitas Brewing Company is located in Boulder and has one of the best pet-friendly outdoor patios in the area. Enjoy good beer, tacos, and the occasional event at Sanitas.
Avery Brewing Company
Also located in Boulder, Avery Brewing Co. serves a variety of beers, including offbeat styles. They've even earned several awards at brewing competitions and festivals for their year-round and seasonal brews. The brewpub offers a full food menu, a pet-friendly patio, and brewery tours.
[caption id="attachment_4810" align="aligncenter" width="580"]

Avery Brewing Company; Boulder, Colorado[/caption]
Left Hand Brewing Company
Left Hand Brewing Company is located just outside of Denver in Longmont and is well worth a visit if you're looking for a delicious, fun experience. They serve their unique nitro beer and a wide variety of other tasty brews.
Fun Fact: Left Hand Brewing Company invented nitro beer in a bottle! Head over to the brewery to try it for yourself!
Their tasting room and outdoor patio offer a relaxed vibe. You can also enjoy a complimentary brewery tour and special events and music at Left Hand Brewing Company.
Enjoy Beer in Denver
The Mile High City's vibrant beer scene is one reason we love Denver so much. We hope this guide for enjoying the best of Denver's beer has inspired you to create your own self-guided beer tour or plan your next delicious activity!
You might also be interested in reading: 10 Fun & Unique Things to Do in Denver, Colorado