Breweries
Denver area
Joyride Brewing Company: A great rooftop with the best views of Denver and the mountains; this is where we had our first date. Lauren recommends the Ice Cutter Kolsch and Joe recommends their experimental IPA on tap.
Odell Brewing Sloan’s Lake Brewhouse: Another great rooftop patio. If you venture here, you must try the smoked trout dip!
Cerebral Brewing: A tap house that has a scientific approach to beers. Along with the staples, expect to find something out of the ordinary on tap here.
Woods Boss Brewing: Everything you would expect from a Colorado brewery - especially good with hazy IPAs.
Breckenridge Brewery (Littleton): A setting that has everything for everyone. Sits on the South Platte River, outdoor entertainment, and great food!
Coors Brewery & Tour: Take a lap at the Coors brewery in Golden, Colorado. Be sure to make a reservation, but well worth a stop.
for the drive
Vail Brewing Co.: A mountain town vibe with two locations (one in Vail Village and a larger, more relaxed one in Eagle). Great selection of beer with great views.
7 Hermits Brewing: Sit in the middle of Vail Village and watch sports, have nachos, and drink a good selection of brew from Reds to IPAs.
vail valley
Westbound & Down Brewing Company (Idaho Springs): Located right off I-70 in Idaho Springs, about halfway between Denver and Vail. Great brewpub with a wide selection of brews and food in a beautiful mountain downtown.
Guanella Pass Brewery (Georgetown): Take a break at a quintessential Colorado brewery before heading over the continental divide!
Outer Range Brewing Co. (Frisco): After crossing the continental divide through the Eisenhower tunnel, it’s always good to take a break and take in the sights in the Frisco area, while having arguably the best beer in Colorado. While known for their IPAs they have a rooftop patio, a Korean Fried Chicken restaurant, and coffee shop to help refresh you for the rest of your drive.
Up North
New Belgium Brewing Company (Fort Collins): Frequently referred to as the best brewery tour in Colorado!
Oskar Blues Grill & Brew (Lyons): If you find yourself checking out Rocky Mountain National Park, be sure to stop in Lyons for the original Oskar Blues location to have a Dale’s Pale Ale or Mamma’s Yella Pils.
WeldWerks Brewing Company (Greeley): Frequent award winners in the Great American Beer Festival, contends for best beer in Colorado. Unfortunately not a contender for best location in Colorado.
Avery Brewing Co. (Boulder): Massive brewpub in a beautiful facility with great food. Beer is fantastic. Sours and darks are the name of the game for them.