There are dozens of impressive breweries to discover across Denver to discover — the possibilities of exploring the area’s craft beer scene seem practically endless. But these half dozen spots can be a solid place to start if you want to get a sense of Denver’s best beverage hangout spots in a single afternoon.
Denver Beer Company, Denver
A longtime local favorite, the Denver Beer Company, has five locations to sit and sip across Greater Denver. Its original location on Platte Street in Northwest Denver is a fantastic spot to grab a brew and chill on the patio while soaking in the Colorado sunshine (which is fantastic, as this business is actually 100% solar-powered, in addition to a myriad of other sustainability efforts). They bring together the community through hosting regular events such as “run club” every Tuesday, and one-time fun like a “pumpkin patch and paint party” event at all five taprooms on October 19. Drawing inspiration from beer gardens of Bavaria but serving a diverse lineup of in-house-made ales, seltzers, and IPAs alongside seasonal sips, it’s never the same experience twice, while also serving as a staple in the community for locals and visitors alike.
Westbound & Down, Denver (and beyond)
Westbound & Down features a few locations across Colorado and is currently planning to expand and open a new tasting room in Wheat Ridge, in Northwest Denver, by late 2026 or early 2027. This brewery has been a part of the Centennial State’s scene since 2015, and focuses on creating craft beer with “deep Colorado roots, that aims to infuse the spirit of the West into everything they create.” Don’t miss trying two of their year-round classics like the “Juice Caboose,” a New England / Hazy IPA with notes of juicy pineapple, cara cara oranges and mango Hi-Chew candy — or the Coloradan, a crisp and refreshing Mexican Lager.
Great Divide Brewing Co., Denver
Dating back to 1994, Great Divide Brewing Company is known as Denver’s oldest and largest packaging brewery (and it has won more awards than any brewery in America). Although the original location in the Ballpark district of downtown Denver has since ceased serving as a taproom (they still brew the beer there, though), Great Divide has expanded to offer folks the chance to enjoy a craft brew at five locations across Greater Denver—even including the airport for those who are truly just in town for a layover at DEN (there’s no excuse to miss trying this beer, now). And those who are attached to the feeling of grit and vigor of the original location in downtown Denver can visit the new “Our Barrel Bar” location in the artsy, eclectic RiNo neighborhood, just a mile down the road from the original Denver brewery. (Author’s note: My favorite things to indulge in at Great Divide are their barrel-aged craft brews. Don’t miss this year’s seasonal creation, “Laws x Great Divide” — a version of the existing Yeti Imperial Stout, but which has been aged for at least 12 months in whiskey barrels from their neighbor and another favorite Denver local business, Laws Whiskey House.
Wynkoop Brewing Company, Denver
Known as “Colorado’s first brewpub,” Wynkoop Brewing Company has been hosting visitors for handcrafted beer and hearty pub fare to Denver locals and visitors for almost three decades. This business is intertwined with Denver’s mining and railroad history, and is actually credited for helping revitalize the LoDo neighborhood of downtown Denver from its days as an abandoned warehouse district. The business lives in the historic Brown & Bro. Mercantile Building, which dates back to the late 19th century, serves as the largest mercantile company in the western United States (and its President and founder, J. S. Brown, is partially responsible for the completion of Union Station, an iconic Denver landmark still welcoming trains today). When “Wynkoop Billiards,” the first craft brewery in Denver, opened in 1988 with just two pool tables and a bar near the building’s old vault, beer lovers were known to travel here for a beer and a bite. Today it carries out its legacy as a local and visitor favorite place to sit and sip upon arrival into Denver’s Union Station, or before a Rockies game, as Coors Field is just a stone’s throw away.
Avery Brewing Company, Boulder
You can’t talk about craft beer and Colorado without talking about the legendary, Boulder-based Avery Brewing Company. This well-decorated brewery and award-winning brand features a tap room and restaurant in Boulder, offering more than 30 taps of year-round beers, along with an enormous outdoor (dog-friendly) space. Whether you hail from Massachusetts, Minnesota, or Minturn, Colorado, you’ve likely heard of Avery, because its craft creations are distributed across the country. The White Rascal, a Belgian-style white ale and Ellie’s Brown Ale are two of their most known creations, but seasonal brews like The Kaiser, a limited release Imperial Oktoberfest Lager, make every season feel special. Avery’s beers are tasty, and their taproom serves great food and even better beer as a fun place to hang out—what more could you ask for?
Holidaily Brewing Company, Golden
Gluten-free folks never have to worry about feeling left out of beer-drinking festivities, again—or limiting themselves to a seltzer, if they’re craving something hoppier. Holidaily Brewing Company in Golden is a 100% certified, dedicated, gluten-free brewery. It’s one of only 16 of its kind in the United States—and the only certified woman-owned brewery in the United States. Their team brews and packages all their beer on-site, which undergoes a carefully orchestrated gluten-free certification process to ensure it’s a safe, gluten-free product. There are three year-round styles and three rotating seasonals. Whether you’re indulging in one of the classics—the Favorite Blonde, Fat Randy’s IPA, or the Fruited Blonde—or a seasonal specialty like the Riva Stout, Patchy Waters pumpkin ale, or BuckWit Belgian. Sit outside and sip on the patio or their taproom in Golden, and grab a bite from one of the gluten-free food trucks at the Golden Taproom every Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. It’s a 100% fear-free destination for those with dietary restrictions to wholly enjoy themselves in both bites and beverages.
Horse & Dragon Brewing Company, Fort Collins
The family-run and proudly local Horse & Dragon Brewing opened its doors in May 2014, founded by Tim and Carol Cochran after years of planning and dreaming. This down to Earth b business is guided by a few simple, meaningful principles: brew great beer, treat people well, reduce environmental impact, and invest in the community. Their beer lineup spans a wide range of styles and flavors, ranging from crisp pilsners to hoppy IPAs as well as the ever-popular Sad Panda (a delicious coffee stout). There’s even a non-alcoholic golden root beer and rotating sparkling water flavor on the menu.
But what makes Horse & Dragon stand out isn’t just the impressive beers they craft–-it’s their community-centric values, and people-focused energy behind it. Their Fort Collins taproom feels like a casual, welcoming space meant to drive visitors and locals alike to foster conversation and connection. The business supports neighborhood nonprofits and community initiatives year-round, making good on their belief that beer can be a bridge between people. Tours (which are mainly focused on sustainability) are available on request, and guests can always expect a warm welcome alongside a taste of their thoughtfully brewed pints.
Odell Brewing Company, Fort Collins
This brew business was founded back in 1989 by Doug Odell, his wife, Wynne, and his sister, Corkie—and is still known as a Fort Collins “OG,” with a deep commitment to its independence, quality, and community values. The story all started in a renovated 1915 grain elevator—and while their footprint has expanded significantly since then, the family’s values to give back and stay humble are still true today (they are now 100 percent employee owned).
Odell is known for balancing “innovation with intention”—from small-batch releases to flagship favorites like their 90 Shilling, this brand isn’t afraid to take risks while also ensuring the classics aren’t going anywhere. Odell is also known as a leader in sustainability in the brewery community, and recently installed Colorado’s largest CO₂ recapture system (operating with one of the most water-efficient brewing processes in the industry).
Odell offers hour-long brewery tours Fridays through Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. for $10, in which guests can walk through the brewmaster’s grain-to-glass process and enjoy a few beer samples, of course.
New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins
Founded in 1991 by Kim Jordan and Jeff Lebesch in Fort Collins, New Belgium Brewing was a purpose-driven beer right from the start. And it all started with a simple idea—could a craft brewery be not just about drinking beer, but also a “force for good?” The business was inspired by a bike trip through Belgium and a love for flavorful, Belgian-style ales. The team unknowingly launched what would become one of the most influential craft breweries in the U.S., while prioritizing sustainability, community, and progressive business practices—becoming one of the first breweries to adopt wind power. New Belgium’s flagship “Fat Tire Ale” is a craft beer icon, which is sold and revered across all of America—but it’s their mission-driven ethos that still defines the company, today. Visitors to the New Belgium campus in Fort Collins can take a free 45-minute “Tour Teaser,” or opt for a full 90-minute Production Tour for $15, which includes a guided walk-through and curated beer tastings. At New Belgium, it’s not just a glass of beer, it’s an experience.
