Over the last couple of decades, Colorado has made quite a name for itself among beer lovers worldwide. Often referred to as “The Napa Valley of Beer,” the number of breweries in the Centennial State is second only to California. That’s pretty amazing, considering their disparities in size and population. And for anyone staying in downtown Denver, the breweries are some of the best you’ll find anywhere. Thankfully, Effortless Stay has a complete collection of vacation rentals in the city’s beating heart.
What Makes Downtown Denver’s Breweries Spectacular?
Maybe the clear mountain spring water makes Colorado beer such a desirable commodity. As far as the Mile High City goes, the locals there will tell you it comes down to the brewing community’s grassroots effort and a gritty DIY work ethic. As a result, there are over 150 breweries in Colorado’s largest city. Here are a few frothy stops in the Ballpark District, LoDo, and Union Station/LoHi neighborhoods worthy of your Denver beer bucket list.
3 LoDo (Lower Downtown) Breweries
- Wynkoop Brewing Company is one of the scene’s first breweries to arrive in downtown Denver. Residing in the old Mercantile Building, Wynkoop’s selection is a testament to their motto, “Don’t drink boring beer.” And it’s hard to argue with such drafts as the top-selling “Rail Yard” and the unique “Patty’s Chile Beer.”
- What started as a relatively small gastro-brew pub that now has 17 locations across the nation, Rock Bottom Brewery holds several awards with their “always fresh” suds. The excellent bar food is arguably Rock Bottom’s most appealing aspect.
- Denver Chop House and Brewery is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a more “gourmet” experience when it comes to the eats. Their brewed in-house selections are an eclectic bunch available in 16 and 10-ounce servings.
3 Union Station/LoHi (Lower Highlands) Breweries
- Denver Beer Company offers an ultra laid-back atmosphere, complete with a German-inspired beer garden at their Platte St. spot—between Lo-Hi and Union Station. And if you’re looking for an Earth-friendly brewery, DBC utilizes solar power at all locations. Denver Beer Company has a nice selection of year-round brews but also carries seasonals and even seltzers.
- Zuni Street Brewing Company usually has 15 to 20 beers and boasts an inviting patio teeming with yard games. Their wide range of beers, from crisp blonde ales to hearty stouts, are great to pair with offerings from the food truck. They also carry barrel-aged varieties.
- Prost Brewing is a Denver staple specializing in German lagers and ales. Their equipment came straight from Deutschland and has led to an assortment of rare drafts that have won many awards. Prost Brewing is well-known for its wheat variety, Weissbier.
3 Ballpark District Breweries
- Great Divide Brewing Company strives to create “uniquely balanced, flavorful beers.” What started as a single microbrewery run by Brian Dunn and a team of part-timers has since grown into one of Colorado’s most recognizable beer brands, with locations in Ballpark, RiNo, DEN Airport, and Castle Rock, Colorado. They craft so many brews yearly that they have an official release calendar.
- Woods Boss Brewery is set apart by its alpine decorations and handcrafted woodwork. Many patrons liken it to a cabin in the city. They also have an event space if you’re looking for somewhere to host a party or celebration.
- Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery is known for its experimental flavors like Watermelon Sour High, Wolf Dragon, and Super Soaker. They also have a rotation of nightly food trucks and private event hosting.
The Best Places to Stay in Denver to Live Like a Local
Now that you have an idea of some of the best downtown Denver breweries, you’ll want to give them a try! With several places to post up throughout, Effortless Stay is your go-to base camp for exploring some of the city’s hidden gems en route to living like a local. Browse our site to find out more and discover our collection of Denver vacation rentals.