Walking Tour Of Denver's Best Breweries
(credit: Denver Beer Co.)
Take a walking tour of Denver's best breweries and pubs. The downtown brewery nightlife was probably sparked by the creation of the LoDo (Lower Downtown) area of Denver. Sip the flavor of what has become the Napa Valley of breweries by starting near Coors Field and ending across the Platte River in the new Riverfront area. Also popular is an art district walking tour of the city.
Wynkoop Brewing Company
1634 18th St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 297-2700
www.wynkoop.com
Co-founded by former Denver Mayor and now Governor John Hickenlooper, the Wynkoop Brewing Company is a bit of a LoDo landmark. The ideal place to start a walking brewery tour of Denver, Wynkoop offers amazing ales, lagers and a delicious variety of food. While many breweries offer appetizers and snacks to complement their brews, Wynkoop actually excels at serving up amazing food such as tasty fish and chips, vegetarian choices, fish tacos and super special mac n cheese. Its beers are made right there on site with offerings like the house Red Ale, Uber Lager and a delightfully bitter Colorojo. Plan to set aside a little extra time with this first stop as it offers dart boards, pool tables and sports bar-like TVs.
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Breckenridge Brewery
2220 Blake St.
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 297-3644
www.breckbrew.com
Breckenridge Brewery doubles nicely as a sports bar as it offers a raised area that boasts TVs and lots of seating for the game. Along with its famous Vanilla Porter, its sinful spicy mac n cheese and mouthwatering pulled pork sandwich will pair perfectly with the amazing brews. Added bonus - Breckenridge Brewery serves up a nice selection of other local beers to offer a huge selection to choose from. For those taking a tour of Denver with friends or family, this spot has plenty of space for large parties and great food. Be sure to order the delicious soft pretzel appetizer to snack on while tasting the large variety of beers.
River North Brewery
2401 Blake St.
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 296-2617
www.rivernorthbrewery.com
The River North Brewery is the stop on the walking tour that is all about the beer. There are no TVs and no distractions. No food is served here although most nights a food truck pulls up to offer bites to eat. The brewery also allows guests to bring in their own food. North River Brewery is cozy and comfortable. This place is one of the most laid-back tap rooms in Denver in which to hang out and try amazing microbrews. The bartenders are very knowledgeable, friendly and offer nice sized pours. Whether you desire one of the amazing Belgium-style beers or are looking for something unique, the staff will help you make tasty choices.
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1001 16th St.
Denver, CO 80265
(303) 534-7616
www.rockbottom.com
If a spacious and fun sports bar is on the agenda, then the Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery is just the spot. Its food is always good and the beers are flavorful. Well known as a downtown favorite brewery, Rock Bottom has personality. Hang out in the back part of the bar and sip some of the Belgium White Orange or Buffalo Gold brews. On warm days, this is the ideal spot to chill on the patio and people watch. Start off with pizza, wings and a cold one, and then take a stroll down the 16th Street Mall to check out downtown Denver's fun shops and culture.
Denver Beer Co.
1695 Platte St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 433-2739
www.denverbeerco.com
Keep the party going by traveling just a short walk from LoDo to Riverfront and check out Denver Beer Co. With hand-crafted brews called Incredible Pedal pale ale and its award-winning Graham Cracker Porter, there is no doubt this place will satisfy. IPA fans will find the offerings full of flavor. Denver Beer Co.'s atmosphere is full of fun with a seating area in the Barrel Room or out on the patio when the weather is nice. This brewery focuses on the beers and not on the food, although there is often a food truck that stops out front. For those who cannot get enough, DBC has a special event staff available to create the ideal large party.
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Colleen Bement is a freelance writer covering all things Denver. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.