Best Places for a Brew in Denver

In this news series, the DU Newsroom introduces readers to the world outside campus by exploring Denver and the near beyond.

Friday, Aug. 2, is International Beer Day. With Colorado home to the second-most breweries in the nation — several owned by alums of the University of Denver — we thought it fitting to feature some of the best places around Denver to grab a brew.

Great Divide: Barrel Bar & Packaging Hall

Located in Denver’s River North (RINO) neighborhood, the Barrel Bar is the second taproom location for Great Divide (the original location is four blocks east of Coors Field). This location serves a full lineup of Great Divide beers but also features several barrel-aged brews on tap.

In addition to the taproom, this facility houses Great Divide’s state-of-the-art packaging facility and canning line. They have the ability to fill 360 cans per minute and 75 kegs per hour. From this location, Great Divide beer is distributed to 30 different states and seven countries. Free daily tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at the entire process. While the taproom does not provide food service, food trucks are parked outside on nearly a daily basis.

Great Divide, which opened in Denver in 1994, is the brainchild of University of Denver alumnus Brian Dunn (MEPM ’92).

Falling Rock Tap House

For any true beer connoisseur, Falling Rock is a must-visit establishment. Located at 19th and Blake, this tap house features more than 75 beers on tap and 130 more in bottles. The collection of beers rotating through the menu makes it one of the best places in Denver to find a large selection of unique beers.

For 20 years, Falling Rock has operated just steps away from Coors Field. The location features a large outside patio and two indoor levels providing plenty of space for customers. If you get hungry while enjoying a brew, Falling Rock offers a full menu.

Breckenridge Brewery

If you’re looking for a little more space to stretch out while enjoying your favorite brew, Breckenridge Brewery in Littleton is the perfect spot. With 12 acres of land, their farm-inspired campus features a barrel brewhouse, a barrel-aging room, a new packaging facility, dedicated tour staff and the Farm House restaurant.

The relaxing atmosphere makes this a great location to enjoy any of the more than 50 beers on offer. Also, if you go with friends or family, you can enjoy their fire pits, bocce ball courts or games of corn hole.

Lowry Beer Garden

With more than 9,000 square feet of outdoor space, the Lowry Beer Garden is another great location to get outdoors and enjoy a drink. The garden has 16 different options on tap and more than 30 beers to choose from in a can or bottle, nearly all focused on Colorado’s craft beer industry. The large space and arrangement of picnic tables can accommodate up to 500 people.

An added benefit to the Lowry Beer Garden is that it’s located next door to the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. Before or after enjoying a brew, you can stop in and check out the 182,000 square feet of hanger space featuring iconic aircraft, space vehicles, artifacts, military uniforms, flight simulators and much more.