How to Find Breweries in Denver CO

Denver, Colorado, is widely recognized as one of the premier craft beer destinations in the United States. With over 150 breweries within the city limits and hundreds more in the surrounding metro area, the Mile High City has earned its reputation as “Napa Valley of Beer.” Whether you’re a local resident looking to explore new spots, a visitor planning a beer-focused itinerary, or a business professional researching the regional beverage industry, knowing how to find breweries in Denver CO is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to discovering, evaluating, and visiting the best breweries Denver has to offer—backed by data, real-world examples, and industry best practices.

The importance of mastering this skill goes beyond casual tourism. The craft beer industry in Colorado contributes over $2 billion annually to the state’s economy and supports more than 18,000 jobs. Understanding how to locate and assess breweries helps consumers make informed decisions, supports local businesses, and enhances the overall beer-drinking experience. Moreover, with the rapid evolution of brewery openings, closures, and seasonal offerings, having a reliable methodology ensures you’re always up to date with the latest trends and hidden gems.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Define Your Purpose for Searching

Before diving into tools or maps, clarify why you’re looking for breweries. Are you seeking:

• Large-scale production facilities with taprooms?
• Small, experimental nanobreweries with limited releases?
• Breweries with food pairings or live music?
• Family-friendly venues with outdoor seating?
• Historic or award-winning establishments?

Your purpose will determine which resources to prioritize. For example, if you’re interested in award-winning beers, you’ll want to cross-reference brewery listings with competition results from the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) or the World Beer Cup. If you’re seeking a casual afternoon outing, proximity to public transit or bike trails may be more relevant than accolades.

Step 2: Use Official City and State Resources

The City and County of Denver maintains an open data portal that includes licensed alcohol establishments, including breweries. Visit Denver Open Data and search for “Alcohol Beverage Licensees.” Download the latest CSV or Excel file, which includes brewery names, addresses, license types, and status (active/inactive). This is the most authoritative source for legal operating status.

Additionally, the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Alcohol and Tobacco Division publishes a searchable database of all licensed brewers in the state. Use the Colorado Alcohol License Search tool to filter by city (Denver), license type (Brewer), and date of issuance. This helps you identify newer breweries that may not yet appear on third-party apps.

Step 3: Leverage Crowdsourced Mapping Platforms

Google Maps is an indispensable tool for discovering breweries in Denver CO. Search “breweries near me” or “best breweries in Denver” and refine results using filters like “open now,” “wheelchair accessible,” or “outdoor seating.” Pay attention to the number of reviews (aim for 50+ for reliability), average ratings (4.0+ is strong), and recent photos uploaded by users.

Google’s algorithm prioritizes businesses with consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency across the web. Breweries with accurate, updated listings are more likely to appear in top results. Cross-check each brewery’s Google listing with its official website to verify details like hours, menu, and events.

Another powerful option is Yelp. While less authoritative than official sources, Yelp’s user-generated content offers rich context. Look for posts tagged with “beer flights,” “puppy-friendly,” or “live music.” These tags reveal amenities not listed on official websites. Sort results by “Top Rated” and filter by “Brewery” under “Category” to narrow your search.

Step 4: Consult Dedicated Beer Discovery Apps

Specialized beer apps are engineered for beer enthusiasts and provide data beyond what general mapping services offer. Three standout platforms include:

• Untappd: The largest social network for beer drinkers. Search “Denver” and filter by “Breweries.” Each listing includes check-in history, ratings, popular beers, and user comments. Untappd’s “Nearby” feature uses GPS to show you the closest active breweries with real-time taproom status. You can also sort by “Most Checked-In” to identify popular destinations.
• BeerAdvocate: Offers in-depth brewery profiles, beer ratings, and regional rankings. Use the “Breweries” tab, select Colorado, then Denver. Filter by “Top Rated” or “Newest.” BeerAdvocate’s community reviews often include tasting notes, ABV, and food pairing suggestions.
• TapHunter: Focuses on real-time tap lists. Search Denver breweries and view what’s currently on draft. This is invaluable if you’re seeking specific styles (e.g., hazy IPAs, barrel-aged stouts) or want to visit a brewery when its limited-release beer is available.

These apps often sync with each other. For example, if you check in on Untappd, your rating may appear on BeerAdvocate. Use them together to build a well-rounded view of each brewery’s reputation and offerings.

Step 5: Explore Neighborhood-Specific Clusters

Denver’s breweries are not randomly distributed—they cluster in distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character. Mapping these clusters saves time and enhances your experience.

Golden Triangle / RiNo (River North Art District): The epicenter of Denver’s craft beer scene. Home to giants like Great Divide, Crooked Stave, and Ratio Beerworks. This area is walkable, with many breweries within a 10-block radius. Look for murals, industrial-chic interiors, and food truck partnerships.

LoDo (Lower Downtown): A historic district with breweries like Wynkoop Brewing (Denver’s first microbrewery) and Crooked Hand. Ideal for tourists due to proximity to Coors Field and Union Station.

East Colfax: A rising hub with breweries like Tractor Brewing and The Pug. More affordable, less touristy, and often family-friendly.

Northwest Denver (North Park / Berkeley): Emerging scene with smaller, experimental breweries like Banded Oak and Oskar Blues’ Denver location. Great for those seeking innovation over volume.

Use Google Earth or Mapbox to overlay brewery locations with neighborhood boundaries. This helps you plan efficient routes and avoid backtracking. Consider grouping visits by neighborhood to maximize your time.

Step 6: Check Event Calendars and Seasonal Offerings

Breweries in Denver frequently host events that influence accessibility and experience. These include:

• Brewery tours (often free but require reservations)
• Beer release parties (e.g., barrel-aged stouts in November)
• Live music nights and trivia
• Collaboration taps with other breweries

Visit each brewery’s official website and look for an “Events” or “News” section. Many also post on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to newsletters from popular breweries like New Belgium, Odell, and Ratio to receive updates on limited releases.

Seasonal events like the Denver Beer Week (held annually in June) and Colorado Craft Beer Week (October) feature special brewery openings, pop-ups, and discounted tastings. Plan your search around these periods to access exclusive experiences.

Step 7: Verify Operational Status and Hours

Never assume a brewery is open. Denver’s breweries operate on varied schedules. Some close on Mondays; others open at 11 a.m. on weekends but not weekdays. Many have limited hours during winter months.

Always verify hours via:

• The brewery’s official website (most reliable)
• Google Business Profile (updated in real-time by the business)
• Untappd’s “Open Now” filter

Call ahead if you’re traveling from out of town. Some small breweries do not staff phones during off-hours, but a voicemail may prompt a callback within 24 hours.

Step 8: Use Public Transit and Ride-Sharing to Plan Access

Denver’s RTD light rail and bus system connects major brewery clusters. The 15th Street Station (serving the G Line) is near RiNo. The 16th Street Mall Shuttle connects LoDo and downtown. Use the RTD Trip Planner to map routes from your hotel or starting point to multiple breweries.

If driving, use ParkMe or SpotHero to find parking options near brewery districts. Many breweries offer free parking, but spaces fill quickly on weekends. Consider ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft to avoid parking hassles and enjoy tastings responsibly.

Best Practices

Practice Responsible Beer Tourism

Denver’s brewery culture thrives on community and sustainability. Respect these principles:

• Never drink and drive—use designated drivers, public transit, or ride-sharing.
• Support local by purchasing growlers, merchandise, or beer to-go instead of just tasting.
• Ask before taking photos of staff, other patrons, or proprietary taproom designs.
• Leave reviews on Google and Untappd to help others discover quality spots.

Verify Information Across Multiple Sources

Third-party apps can be outdated. A brewery may have moved, rebranded, or closed. Always cross-reference at least two sources: the official website and Google Business Profile. If they conflict, trust the official site. If neither is updated, contact the brewery directly via email or social media.

Understand Beer Styles and ABV

Denver breweries are known for bold, high-ABV offerings. A “Double IPA” can range from 8–10% alcohol. Always check the ABV on tap lists or menus. Many breweries offer half-pours or taster flights—use them to sample without overindulging.

Time Your Visits Strategically

Weekend afternoons (2–6 p.m.) are the busiest. For a quieter experience, visit on weekdays between 3–5 p.m. or early Saturday mornings. Many breweries open at 11 a.m. or noon and close by 9 or 10 p.m. Avoid arriving after 8 p.m. unless you’re certain they stay open late.

Engage with Staff

Brewery staff are often brewers, owners, or passionate beer advocates. Ask questions: “What’s your most popular beer this season?” or “Do you have any new experimental batches?” This not only enhances your experience but also supports the local economy by encouraging personal connections.

Track Your Visits

Use a spreadsheet or app like Notion or Google Sheets to log:

• Brewery name
• Location
• Visited date
• Beer tried
• Rating (1–5)
• Notes (atmosphere, food, service)

This helps you remember favorites, avoid repeats, and build a personal beer journal. Many enthusiasts turn these logs into blog content or gift guides for friends.

Tools and Resources

Official Databases

• Denver Open Data Portal – denvergov.org/opendata
• Colorado Alcohol License Search – colorado.gov/pacific/revenue/beer-licenses
• Colorado Brewers Guild – coloradobrewersguild.org – Lists member breweries, events, and industry news

Mapping and Discovery Apps

• Google Maps – Search “breweries in Denver CO” + filters
• Yelp – Filter by “Brewery” + “Top Rated”
• Untappd – Real-time check-ins, ratings, and tap lists
• BeerAdvocate – Detailed reviews and regional rankings
• TapHunter – Live tap list updates
• RTD Trip Planner – Public transit routes to brewery districts

Event and News Platforms

• Denver Beer Week – denverbeerweek.com
• Colorado Craft Beer Week – coloradocraftbeerweek.com
• Denver Post Food & Drink – denverpost.com/tag/craft-beer
• Westword (Breweries Section) – westword.com/food

Community and Social Media

• Reddit: r/DenverBrewery – Active local forum with real-time updates
• Facebook Groups – “Denver Beer Lovers,” “Colorado Craft Beer Enthusiasts”
• Instagram – Search hashtags:

  DenverBrewery, #RiNoBeer, #DenverCraftBeer

Books and Guides

• Colorado Craft Beer: A History of Brewing in the Centennial State by Michael J. McAvennie
• The Ultimate Beer Lover’s Guide to Colorado by Tom Acitelli
• Denver’s Craft Beer Scene: A Visual Guide by Denver Beer Co. (available at select taprooms)

Real Examples

Example 1: Finding a Hidden Gem in North Park

A visitor from Texas wants to explore beyond the typical RiNo and LoDo spots. Using Google Maps, they search “breweries near North Park Denver.” One result, Banded Oak Brewing Co., appears with 4.7 stars and 120 reviews. They visit the brewery’s website and see it opened in 2022, specializes in sour ales and barrel-aged stouts, and hosts monthly live jazz nights.

They cross-check on Untappd and find that its “North Park Saison” has 1,200+ check-ins with an average rating of 4.3. They use TapHunter to confirm it’s currently on tap. They take the RTD bus (Route 15) to the North Park station, arrive at 4 p.m. on a Tuesday, and enjoy a quiet tasting flight. They leave a detailed review on Google and add the brewery to their personal beer log.

Example 2: Planning a Brewery Tour for a Group

A group of six friends from Chicago plans a 3-day Denver trip. They use the Colorado Brewers Guild map to identify 12 breweries within 10 miles of downtown. They eliminate ones with no food options or closed on Sundays. They use Google Maps to plot a route: Wynkoop (LoDo) → Great Divide (RiNo) → Ratio (RiNo) → Odell (Fort Collins, day trip).

They check each brewery’s website for tour availability. Only Great Divide and Odell offer guided tours—both require reservations. They book two tours and plan the other two days for self-guided tastings. They use Untappd to track what each person tries and create a shared Google Sheet for ratings. On day three, they attend the “Denver Beer Week Kickoff” at the Colorado Convention Center.

Example 3: Locating a Brewery for a Business Meeting

A sales rep from Atlanta needs to meet a client at a professional yet relaxed venue. They search “breweries in Denver with private rooms” on Google Maps. Ratio Beerworks appears with a “Private Event Space” tag. They visit the website, confirm availability for a 3 p.m. meeting on Thursday, and email to request a menu. They also check Yelp reviews mentioning “business meetings” and find consistent praise for the quiet atmosphere and knowledgeable staff. They arrive early to confirm setup, order a flight of their flagship beers, and impress the client with local knowledge.

Example 4: Avoiding a Closed Brewery

A tourist reads a 2022 blog post recommending “The Brass Rail Brewery” in Five Points. They arrive on a Saturday afternoon and find the building boarded up. A quick Google Maps search reveals the brewery closed in 2021. They check the Colorado Alcohol License Search and confirm the license was revoked. They then use Untappd to find a nearby replacement—Tractor Brewing—which is open and has a 4.6 rating. They avoid wasted time and discover a new favorite.

FAQs

How many breweries are there in Denver?

As of 2024, Denver has over 150 licensed breweries within city limits. The exact number fluctuates monthly due to new openings and closures. The Colorado Brewers Guild lists 168 member breweries in the metro area, with the majority based in Denver.

What is the best time of year to visit Denver breweries?

June (Denver Beer Week) and October (Colorado Craft Beer Week) offer the most events and special releases. Spring and fall provide ideal weather for outdoor seating. Winter is quieter but great for barrel-aged stouts and cozy taprooms.

Do Denver breweries allow children?

Most breweries permit children in common areas but may restrict them from bar seating or areas with alcohol service. Always check the brewery’s website or call ahead. Family-friendly spots include Tractor Brewing, The Pug, and Ska Brewing’s Denver location.

Can I buy beer to-go from Denver breweries?

Yes. Colorado law allows breweries to sell up to 144 ounces (1.5 gallons) of beer per person per day for off-premises consumption. Most offer growlers, crowlers, or 6-packs. Some also sell merchandise like glasses and apparel.

Are there brewery tours available in Denver?

Yes. Major breweries like Great Divide, New Belgium, Odell, and Ratio offer guided tours lasting 45–90 minutes. Tours often include tastings and behind-the-scenes access. Reservations are required and typically free, though some charge $5–$15.

Which Denver brewery has the most awards?

Great Divide Brewing Company has won over 100 awards at the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup since its founding in 1994. Other top award-winners include Odell Brewing, Crooked Stave, and Ratio Beerworks.

Is there a Denver brewery pass or discount card?

Yes. The Denver Beer Card (available at denverbeercard.com) offers discounts at over 50 participating breweries. It’s available as a physical card or digital app and costs $30 for 30 days of savings on flights, food, and merchandise.

Do Denver breweries serve food?

Many do. Some have full kitchens (e.g., Wynkoop, Great Divide), others partner with food trucks (e.g., Ratio, Crooked Stave), and a few offer only snacks. Always check the brewery’s website or call ahead if food is essential to your visit.

How do I know if a brewery is still open?

Check the brewery’s official website, Google Business Profile, or Untappd for real-time status. If all sources are outdated, call the number listed on their website. Avoid relying on third-party apps alone.

Can I bring my dog to Denver breweries?

Most outdoor patios allow dogs, but indoor areas typically do not. Look for “puppy-friendly” tags on Yelp or Google. Popular dog-friendly spots include The Pug, Tractor Brewing, and Crooked Hand.

Conclusion

Finding breweries in Denver CO is more than a simple search—it’s an exploration of culture, innovation, and community. By combining authoritative data sources with community-driven platforms and strategic planning, you can transform a casual outing into a meaningful journey through one of America’s most vibrant beer scenes.

The key to success lies in preparation: define your goals, verify information across multiple channels, respect local customs, and engage with the people behind the pints. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned beer enthusiast, the methods outlined in this guide ensure you’ll discover not just breweries—but stories, flavors, and connections that define Denver’s craft beer identity.

As the industry continues to evolve—with new breweries opening, styles shifting, and events expanding—your ability to navigate this landscape will only grow more valuable. Bookmark this guide, update your tools regularly, and keep exploring. The next great beer in Denver is waiting for you.