Colorado's Best Brewpubs: Where the Kitchen Matches the Taproom

By Colorado Micro Breweries

2026-06-16

When most people think of brewpubs, they picture serviceable pub food and a solid beer list. But Colorado's best brewpubs operate on a different level entirely. Here, the kitchen isn't an afterthought—it's an equal partner to the taproom. Whether you're looking for après-ski comfort food in the mountains or a craft-forward dinner in Denver, Colorado's brewpub scene delivers meals that match the quality of the beer in your glass.

<h2>Wynkoop Brewing: Denver's Legendary Original</h2>

No conversation about Colorado brewpubs begins anywhere but Wynkoop. Opened in 1988 in Lower Downtown Denver, Wynkoop isn't just Colorado's original brewpub—it's a cultural institution. Walking through those doors feels like stepping into Colorado beer history.

The space itself is massive: two full stories, a sprawling billiards hall, and enough room to host everything from wedding receptions to brewery tours. But what keeps locals coming back is the genuine commitment to both beer and food. The kitchen turns out reliable pub classics with real skill—think perfectly executed burgers, cured meats, and seasonal specials that respect ingredient quality. Their Fish and Chips are justifiably famous, and the sandwiches consistently punch above typical brewpub fare.

On the beer side, Wynkoop brews a solid range of styles. Their flagship Railyard Ale is a balanced amber that's been a Colorado staple for decades, while their seasonal and limited releases show the brewhouse knows how to experiment. In summer, their lighter ales and kolsch-style brews are perfect for warm Denver evenings on their patio.

Visit: 1634 18th Street, Denver. Open daily from 11 a.m. Best visited late afternoon on weekdays if you want to avoid the dense weekend crowds. The billiards hall upstairs is excellent for groups.

<h2>Bristol Brewing: Colorado Springs' Schoolhouse Gem</h2>

If you're heading south to Colorado Springs, Bristol Brewing deserves a significant portion of your time. Built inside a historic schoolhouse near the Old North End, this brewpub captures something essential about Colorado's mountain character.

The building itself is stunning—exposed brick, soaring ceilings, and genuine architectural bones that make you feel like you're eating and drinking in a real place with a real past. But it's their beer that earned Bristol its reputation. The Laughing Lab, their wildly popular IPA, is the kind of beer that defines modern Colorado hoppiness—balanced, drinkable, and absolutely delicious. Summer visitors should hunt down their seasonal offerings; Bristol experiments with lighter styles that shine in warm weather.

The food program matches the beer's ambition. The kitchen sources from Colorado suppliers and constructs dishes that feel thoughtful without being pretentious. Their pizzas are excellent (wood-fired, with inventive toppings), and their entrees show real culinary care. This is food designed to pair with beer, but never feels like an afterthought.

Bristol also hosts a fantastic outdoor patio, which makes it particularly appealing during Colorado's long, sunny summer. The energy here is welcoming and genuinely local—you'll see families, cyclists, and groups of friends equally comfortable.

Visit: 1313 South 21st Street, Colorado Springs. Open Tuesday–Thursday 3–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m., Sunday 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. The outdoor patio is exceptional in June and July.

<h2>Lariat Lodge Brewing: Arvada's Elevated Mountain Retreat</h2>

Arvada's Lariat Lodge Brewing proves that Colorado brewpubs don't need to be downtown to deliver serious food and beer. Housed in a historic 1970s mountain lodge aesthetic (complete with genuine wood beams and lodge charm), Lariat commands impressive views across the foothills.

What sets Lariat apart is the deliberate elevation of their food program. This isn't standard brewpub fare—the kitchen takes pride in locally sourced proteins, seasonal vegetables, and preparation techniques that would hold up in any restaurant. Their game meats are particularly noteworthy; if they're featuring elk or bison, order it. The lodge atmosphere creates an odd but appealing vibe: part après-ski comfort, part upscale dining, entirely Colorado.

The brewery focuses on balanced, approachable styles alongside more adventurous releases. Their coffee stout is excellent, their IPAs are solid, and their seasonal rotating taps keep the list fresh. Summer is prime time for their lighter kolsch and pilsner releases, which pair beautifully with Lariat's food-forward menu.

Lariat also excels as a destination location—it's worth planning an entire evening around. The views, the food, the beer, and the lodge atmosphere combine to create something genuinely special.

Visit: 10500 West 44th Avenue, Arvada. Open Wednesday–Thursday 4–9 p.m., Friday–Sunday 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Reservations are smart on weekends. The views are best during the golden hour, so summer evenings are ideal.

<h2>Our Mutual Friend Brewing: Denver RiNo's Small-Plate Paradise</h2>

Denver's River North (RiNo) neighborhood is ground zero for Colorado's modern craft beer movement, and Our Mutual Friend Brewing represents the new generation of brewpub thinking. Here, the food program isn't just serious—it's adventurous.

The taproom doubles as an intimate restaurant, and the kitchen operates on a small-plates philosophy. This means you can explore multiple dishes across a meal, pairing each with a different beer from the rotating taps. It's the kind of food-and-beer collaboration that only works when both kitchen and brewery are equally skilled.

The beer list emphasizes interesting, well-made craft styles. Their seasonal releases are particularly inventive, and they're not afraid of experimental ingredients or techniques. You'll find hoppy beers, dark beers, lighter styles, and always something surprising. The taproom itself has that distinctly Denver-modern aesthetic: clean lines, local artwork, visible brewery equipment, and genuine hospitality.

Summer at Our Mutual Friend means shorter waits on weekday afternoons, which is prime time to explore their food and beer menus without pressure. The small-plates format is perfect for June evenings when you want something lighter than a full meal.

Visit: 2612 W. 32nd Avenue, Denver. Open Tuesday–Thursday 4–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Plan for a leisurely visit; small-plates dining rewards exploration.

<h2>Glenwood Canyon Brewpub: Mountain Views and Honest Pub Food</h2>

If you're making the drive to Glenwood Springs—Colorado's iconic mountain town and gateway to the White River—Glenwood Canyon Brewpub sits perfectly between relaxation and quality. Built to respect the spectacular natural setting, this brewpub delivers exactly what Glenwood visitors need: good beer, solid food, and views that remind you why you drove here.

The food emphasizes mountain comfort: burgers, steaks, sandwiches, and items that pair naturally with cold beer and elevated Colorado weather. Nothing pretentious, everything well-executed. Their patios capture the canyon landscape beautifully, making summer evenings here genuinely memorable.

The brewery produces traditional styles with Colorado character—hoppy beers that reflect the region's reputation, darker styles for cooler days, and seasonal releases that respect the mountain calendar. You won't find experimental weirdness here, but you will find reliable quality and genuine local craftsmanship.

Visit: 402 7th Street, Glenwood Springs. Open daily from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. (extended during summer). The patios are exceptional from June through August. Consider combining with a visit to Glenwood Hot Springs or an afternoon hike.

<h2>Colorado Brewpub Culture: A Genuine Tradition</h2>

What ties these five brewpubs together is something distinctly Colorado. It's the mountain comfort-food culture—the understanding that après-ski dinners and summit views deserve serious beer and equally serious food. It's the commitment to sourcing locally, whether that means game meats from Colorado ranches or produce from nearby farms. And it's the genuine hospitality that says: you're welcome here, and we respect your time enough to give you both excellent beer and excellent food.

This summer, whether you're planning a Denver evening, a Colorado Springs trip, or a mountain escape, consider making a Colorado brewpub the centerpiece. These aren't just places to grab lunch—they're destinations that represent the best of Colorado's food and beer culture, where the kitchen matches the taproom, and every visit tells you something true about why people love this state.