Best of Denver
Best Restaurants in RiNo 🦏
Denver’s brewery scene is both a celebration of craft and a cornerstone of local culture. Hop between historic downtown brewpubs where local history meets inventive ales, then linger in vibrant beer gardens offering German-style lagers, New England IPAs, or Latinx-inspired brews.
Whether you’re seeking rotating food trucks, trivia nights, or skyline patios, the best breweries in Denver serve up more than great beer, they offer memorable spaces to connect and unwind.
🏆 Best Classic Brewpub: Wynkoop Brewing Company — Historic atmosphere, pool tables, and a wide craft beer selection.
🌳 Best Patio Hangout: Denver Beer Co. Platte Street — Dog-friendly outdoor beer garden with rotating food trucks.
🎶 Best Cultural Experience: Raíces Brewing Company — Latinx-inspired brews, live music, and vibrant community events.
Wynkoop Brewing Company, Denver’s first brewpub, offers a lively setting with pool tables and a historic backdrop. Bierstadt Lagerhaus stands out for its authentic German lagers and adult-sized games, while Raíces Brewing Company highlights Latinx-inspired craft beer and community events. These breweries combine creative brews with welcoming atmospheres, making them mainstays on any Denver craft beer tour.
Yes, many Denver breweries welcome dogs—especially on outdoor patios. Recess Beer Garden and Denver Beer Co. Platte Street both feature spacious, dog-friendly patios, while Ratio Beerworks is perfect for social pups in its lively courtyard. Be sure to check individual venue policies, as some may have time or day restrictions for canine guests.
Wynkoop Brewing Company serves New American pub fare, including burgers, pizzas, and sliders. Bierstadt Lagerhaus pairs German classics like pretzels and sausages with its lagers. Many spots—like Ratio Beerworks and Denver Beer Co.—regularly host food trucks, offering diverse bites that rotate weekly. Check each brewery for the latest food partnerships and kitchen hours.
Absolutely. Black Sky Brewery hosts live metal music and themed karaoke nights, while Ratio Beerworks presents comedy shows and concerts. Cerebral Brewing and First Draft Taproom & Kitchen draw crowds for weekly trivia. Raíces Brewing Company is also known for its lively schedule of Latin music and cultural gatherings—check event calendars for details.
Reservation policies vary. Wynkoop Brewing Company, First Draft Taproom & Kitchen, and Recess Beer Garden accept reservations, often recommended for groups or peak hours. Other popular breweries, like Ratio Beerworks and Denver Beer Co., operate on a walk-in basis, so early arrival is suggested if you want to secure a table during busy times.
🕒 Best Time for Pool: Visit during happy hour (3–6 PM) to find open pool tables and enjoy discounted drinks.
🍔 Late Night Eats: After 10 PM, indulge in their late night menu featuring handcrafted burgers and pizzas under the pool hall.
🐕 Dog Friendly Patio: The spacious patio welcomes dogs, creating a perfect spot for sunny Colorado days.
⚾ Game Day Deals: Enjoy $4 beers during Rockies games for a great viewing experience with wall-to-wall TVs.
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
🍺 Order from Your Table: Skip the line and use QR codes at your table to order food and drinks faster without waiting in line.
🦪 Helles on the Half Shell: Don’t miss the first and third Thursday events featuring fresh oysters and Maine lobster rolls paired with their cold lager.
🎲 Fun Adult Games: Enjoy large-scale games like cornhole and beer pong that add an interactive twist to your brewery visit.
🐕 Dog Friendly Patio: Bring your leashed, well-behaved dog to the outside patio, but dogs are not allowed inside due to local regulations.
🍺 Trivia Night Draws a Fun Crowd: Weekly trivia nights offer lively entertainment and great burgers for a perfect game night.
🌤️ Outdoor Patio Is a Hot Spot: The large patio with fire pits fills up quickly on sunny days—arrive early to snag a prime spot.
🕒 Kitchen Closes Earlier Than Bar: Food service typically ends by 9 PM, but the bar stays open late for drinks and socializing.
🐕 Dog-Friendly But with Restrictions: Dogs are welcome during the week, but Fridays after 3 PM have limitations, so plan accordingly.
🎯 Trivia Tuesdays: Join the popular trivia nights for fun and community vibes; expect a bit of a crowd but great energy.
☀ Patio Spot: The outdoor seating area is perfect for sunny days and dog-friendly visits.
🚲 Bike-Friendly: Plenty of bike racks make it a convenient stop for cyclists touring the city.
🍺 Ask for Brewer Insights: Staff and brewers are approachable and love sharing details about brewing techniques and beer profiles.
🍺 Try the RFID Card: Use the taproom’s RFID card system to pour samples by the ounce, perfect for tasting a wide variety without commitment.
🌞 Best for Outdoor Seating: Visit during warmer months to enjoy the spacious patio, ideal for groups and solo visitors.
🎉 Weeknight Trivia and Live Events: Trivia nights and live performances add energy midweek, drawing a fun crowd.
🍔 Plan for Food Timing: Food orders can be slow during busy times; consider visiting during off-peak hours if dining is a priority.
🍕 Try the Burning Blood Pizza: A fan-favorite with cream cheese, pepperoni, and jalapeno, highly recommended by regulars.
🎶 Metal Karaoke Nights: Experience unique metal-themed karaoke events that locals rave about and regularly attend.
🍺 Explore Beer Variety: Sample the Bloodsucker Ale made with beets or the floral Petal to the Metal for a distinct experience.
🎯 Pinball and Jukebox Fun: Enjoy classic entertainment options alongside your meals and drinks for an authentic pub vibe.
🍺 Try the King of Carrot Flowers Saison: This unique saison is a crowd favorite readily recommended by locals for its distinct flavor.
🐾 Bring Your Dog: Enjoy the dog-friendly courtyard with games for a relaxed and social outdoor experience.
🎤 Check Out Live Events: Regular comedy nights and live music add an entertaining touch to your visit, making it more than just a brewery stop.
🍎 Sample the Fruited Sours and Boozy Teas: Fans rave about the refreshing hard seltzers and creatively brewed boozy teas like chai and hibiscus.
🍺 Try the Signature Princess Yum Yum: This popular brew is a favorite among locals, with tropical notes that refresh on a sunny day.
🐾 Dog Friendly Patio: Bring your furry friend and enjoy the extensive shaded outdoor beer garden, perfect for warm weather visits.
🚗 Parking Tips: Street meters charge $2/hour with a max of 2 hours, but an $12 all-day lot is available nearby for convenience.
🌮 Food Trucks Rotation: Check out the on-site food trucks that frequently change, offering a variety of tasty eats to pair with your beer flight.
🍻 Try the Horchata Beer:The standout brew here, known for its creamy, smooth texture and sweet but balanced flavor—don’t miss it.
🎶 Live Music Nights:Check their calendar for live band performances, especially on Fridays and Saturdays when the energy is high and the dance floor is lively.
🌮 Food Trucks Galore:Arrive early or on weekends to enjoy a variety of rotating food trucks offering authentic Latin flavors that pair perfectly with their beers.
♿ Accessibility Included:Fully wheelchair accessible with entrance, parking, and seating to ensure everyone enjoys the experience comfortably.
🌞 Enjoy the Patio Views: Arrive early in the afternoon for a relaxed seat on the patio with beautiful Denver skyline scenery.
🍺 Sample the Signature Hefeweizen: Recognized as one of the best in Denver, the Hefeweizen is a must-try for authentic Bavarian flavor enthusiasts.
🌮 Check Food Truck Schedule: Food is served by rotating trucks; check the brewery's website for daily offerings to plan your visit accordingly.
💳 Prepare for Service Fee: Be aware of the mandatory 18% service fee added to your bill, which supports the staff’s wages directly.
Wynkoop Brewing Company, Denver’s first brewpub, offers a lively setting with pool tables and a historic backdrop. Bierstadt Lagerhaus stands out for its authentic German lagers and adult-sized games, while Raíces Brewing Company highlights Latinx-inspired craft beer and community events. These breweries combine creative brews with welcoming atmospheres, making them mainstays on any Denver craft beer tour.
Yes, many Denver breweries welcome dogs—especially on outdoor patios. Recess Beer Garden and Denver Beer Co. Platte Street both feature spacious, dog-friendly patios, while Ratio Beerworks is perfect for social pups in its lively courtyard. Be sure to check individual venue policies, as some may have time or day restrictions for canine guests.
Denver Beer Co. Platte Street is known for its large, shaded beer garden and picnic tables, ideal for sunny days. Prost Brewing Company offers a spacious patio with a striking city skyline view, while Recess Beer Garden features outdoor fireplaces and a lively game-friendly layout. Arrive early on weekends to secure a favorite patio spot.
Wynkoop Brewing Company serves New American pub fare, including burgers, pizzas, and sliders. Bierstadt Lagerhaus pairs German classics like pretzels and sausages with its lagers. Many spots—like Ratio Beerworks and Denver Beer Co.—regularly host food trucks, offering diverse bites that rotate weekly. Check each brewery for the latest food partnerships and kitchen hours.
Absolutely. Black Sky Brewery hosts live metal music and themed karaoke nights, while Ratio Beerworks presents comedy shows and concerts. Cerebral Brewing and First Draft Taproom & Kitchen draw crowds for weekly trivia. Raíces Brewing Company is also known for its lively schedule of Latin music and cultural gatherings—check event calendars for details.
Reservation policies vary. Wynkoop Brewing Company, First Draft Taproom & Kitchen, and Recess Beer Garden accept reservations, often recommended for groups or peak hours. Other popular breweries, like Ratio Beerworks and Denver Beer Co., operate on a walk-in basis, so early arrival is suggested if you want to secure a table during busy times.
