Best Breweries in Denver

When I first moved to Denver, I was blown away by how many breweries there were. I went to college in Atlanta, and it seemed to be around the time that going to breweries became a popular activity. We spent a lot (too much?) time at Monday Night, Orpheus, and SweetWater. So, new to Denver and on a beer kick – I was on a mission. Keep reading to learn more about some of the best breweries in Denver! For some more inspiration or to complete your day check out my favorite brunch spots and restaurants around Denver.

Breweries in Denver by Neighborhood

RiNo

If you want to hit as many breweries as you can in one day, the River North (RiNo) Art District should be first on your list. This neighborhood is just northeast of the ballpark and downtown. The area is very walkable and fun to explore. It’s definitely worth parking your car and leaving it for the day or taking an Uber.

• Denver Beer Company
• Great Divide
• Odell Brewing
• Epic Brewing
• Our Mutual Friend
• 14er Brewing
• Ratio Beerworks
• River North Brewery
• Black Shirt Brewing Company
• Mockery Brewing
• Blue Moon
• Stem Ciders
• Rino Beer Garden
• 10 Barrel

South Broadway

Another fun area with a handful of breweries to spend a day exploring with plenty of restaurants nearby is South Broadway. You can walk along Broadway between I-25 and Speer Boulevard and explore some of the best that Denver has to offer.

• TRVE Brewing Company
• Baere Brewing
• Banded Oak Brewing
• Counter Culture Brewery
• Novel Strand Brewing Company

Park Hill / Central Park

East of downtown Denver, you’ll find the Park Hill area and then just past, there’s the neighborhood known as Central Park. Both have less of a downtown vibe and more of a young professional / young family vibe.

• Cerebral Brewing
• Cohesion Brewing
• Fiction Beer Company
• Long Table Brewhouse
• Cheluna Brewing Company
• Station 26 Brewing

the Highlands

Across I-25 from downtown, you’ll find the Highlands. Nearby, the neighborhoods of Sunnyside and Sloan’s Lake will expand your options. These eight breweries in addition to the other bars and restaurants in the area will make you want to spend more time in Denver.

• Briar Common Brewery
• Zuni Street Brewing Company
• Prost Brewing
• Oasis Brewery
• Joyride Brewing
• Hogshead Brewery
• Flyte Co Brewing
• Diebolt Brewing

Southeast Denver

Near Cherry Creek State Park, in Aurora, you’ll find a few more options worth trying. These breweries have patios and are a great option for a summer afternoon activity.

• Comrade Brewing
• Copper Kettle Brewery
• Dry Dock Brewing Co

North of Denver

Within an hour of Denver, there are two great options if you’re looking for a large scale brewery tour. North of Denver, about an hour, in the town of Fort Collins is New Belgium. The tour of the brewery is free, and their taphouse has a lot of options that you can’t always find in liquor stores.

Northwest of Denver, in the college town of Golden, you’ll find the original Coors Brewery. It’s another free tour with a lot of interesting information. Since it’s Coors, it can get busy but you do get a free beer from what I remember!

• New Belgium
• Coors Brewery

Idaho Springs

About 45 minutes west of Denver, you’ll find the old mining town: Idaho Springs. This would be a great option if you’re looking to hike first, since there are so many options nearby. As far as breweries or places to grab a beer, there are a few:

• Westbound and Down
• Clear Creek Cidery
• Tommyknocker Brewery