Beer in Colorado is epic, and we’ve got some of the best breweries in Denver listed for you right here!
Visitors arrive in Colorado, many of them specifically heading to Denver, solely to visit the breweries here. With over 400 hundred in the state, around 100 of them being in Denver, how can one not pay a visit to Denver’s breweries?
But how do you choose where to go? It’s time to head to the River North Art District in Denver, better known as RiNo. Some of the best breweries in Denver are the RiNo breweries. No Denver brewery tour is complete without visiting this eclectic neighborhood.
Denver Brewery Guide to RiNo Breweries
With over ten breweries, all within two miles of each other, this RiNo brewery list provides immensely walkable brewery hopping opportunities. Getting to all of these Denver breweries in one day may be feasible, but definitely not recommended. Especially if you’d like to continue liking yourself the next day.
We feel it’s important to slow down when visiting breweries. You’ll get a chance to experience more of the real vibe of a brewery and the community it serves. So, on that note, you may want to stick around RiNo for at least two days. Or simply choose a few breweries to really explore and then come back another time for another round… or two. There are plenty more breweries to experience. You are, after all, in Denver.
Denver’s Best Breweries (Our Favorites in RiNo)
We’ll tell you what breweries in RiNo that we recommend (really all of them are worthy) and our favorites based on beer, ambiance, and more. What we won’t tell you is where not to go. Everyone has differing opinions on what creates a favorite place for them and there are so many subjective components that come into play when choosing favorite breweries or elsewhere.
Our favorite breweries in River North (as of now) include: Our Mutual Friend, River North, Black Shirt, and Great Divide.
You’ll have to embark upon your own RiNo brewery tour to figure out your favorites. We’re simply here to get you started with a listing and brief description of all of the RiNo breweries, which also happen to be some of the best breweries in Denver and Colorado.
RiNo Breweries
RiNo, short for River North, is an arts district known for its graffiti-style murals, art galleries, and breweries and eateries, all within walking distance of each other. Located just northeast of downtown Denver proper, it’s comprised of four historical neighborhoods: Globeville, Elyria- Swansea, Five Points, and Cole.
RiNo is quickly becoming a top Denver tourist destination, especially for those looking to experience some of Denver’s finest breweries.
Complete Listing of Breweries in the River North Art District
Click the links below to take you directly to the brewery you want to know more about.
- Our Mutual Friend Brewing 🍺
- Ratio Beerworks
- Odell Brewing Company
- Bierstadt Lagerhaus
- 14er Brewing Company
- River North Brewing Company 🍺
- Great Divide Brewing Company Barrel Bar 🍺
- Dewey Beer Company
- Black Shirt Brewing Co and Craft Pizza Kitchen 🍺
- Blue Moon Brewing Company
- BrewDog Denver
- Left Hand Brewing Company
- Finn’s Manor (We all need food – and more beer!)
(🍺 personal favorites)
Our Mutual Friend Brewing
Our Mutual Friend
2810 Larimer St.
Denver, CO
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been to Our Mutual Friend (OMF) yesterday or two years ago, this brewery gives you that same warm, fuzzy feeling every time you walk in the door. Isn’t that how friends are? It doesn’t matter how long it’s been since you’ve seen each other, you can pick up right where the relationship left off.
And having finely-tuned and crafted beer helps, too. You’ll find the classics, but you’ll also find beer the likes of a Norwegian Smoked Dark Strong Ale or a Wine Barrel Fermented Farmhouse Ale, to name just a couple.
With a diverse list of beers and a crowd with just as much diversity, Our Mutual Friend has the beer, the ambiance, and everything that ranks for us to have this cozy taproom be one of our top RiNo breweries.
They also happen to have one of the best tasting BBQ food trucks by their side.
Ratio Beerworks
Ratio
2920 Larimer St.
Denver, CO
This is one of those breweries that we needed to give a second chance before we made a full decision that it’s a great place. Everyone raves about Ratio, so when we first went it just didn’t hit the vibe we were expecting from a brewery.
Don’t get me wrong they have great beer. It was the nightclub type of atmosphere that just didn’t fit our style of the quaint little taproom. I guess that’s what we get for going there on a Friday night.
We decided to go again and finally understood what all the fuss was about. Yes, it’s not cozy and quaint but the almost industrial-like feel works for the neighborhood. It greets you properly and you feel like you are in an artsy district. Which you are.
Plus, they have a kick-ass patio with a mural that depicts the beauty of RiNo and Colorado.
Ratio is another must visit brewery. Did I mention that one of their core beers is a carrot saison – King of Carrot Flowers? Just that should be enough to get your curiosity piqued.
Inspired by the punk scene in the 90s, Ratio’s attitude about beer is still embedded in that scene, meaning they do what they want, and they do it well. “We learned how to drink on tour. We learned how to brew in Germany.”
Odell Brewing Company
Odell Brewing
2945 Larimer St.
Denver, CO
Yes, we know Odell is a great Colorado brewery, born and raised in Fort Collins, but we’re grateful that they have a taproom in Five Points (along with another in Sloan’s Lake area in Denver).
A Colorado brewery to its core, the RiNo brewery is still exactly that with an urban vibe that suits RiNo quite nicely.
Odell’s first Denver brewhouse is complete with a beautiful patio, fire pits and its must have core beers such as 90 Schilling. You’ll also find small-batch beers brewed exclusively for the RiNo location, two bars, and a rooftop patio, all located in a historic building.
Bierstadt Lagerhaus
Bierstadt
2875 Blake St.
Denver, CO
Bierstadt has set themselves up for community. With community-style seating and authentic German-style fare, you might just be able to pretend you’re in Munich. Almost. The lagerhaus is housed in a large warehouse on the top floor overlooking the public beer garden, which is the Bierhalle.
“We don’t play games with our bier. Our Bierhalle is a different story.” This brewery is a space to play like adults while drinking the beer we’ve all worked so hard to earn. You’ll find live music, lawn games, and even pro wrestling here.
The vibe is energizing and the atmosphere is truly fitting to the RiNo district giving adults a place to share in the wealth that is Bierstadt Lagerhaus and The Bierhalle. This is a must visit when coming to Denver for any brewery tour.
14er Brewing Company
14er Brewing
3120 Blake St., #C
Denver, CO
Taking over the space that used to be Beryl’s Beer Company in 2018, 14er Brewing came to RiNo with visions of entertaining good people in a good space with good beer. That they have done, with a patio that faces Blake Street, a welcoming taproom, and good beer.
This good beer includes up to 31 taps consisting of their popular flagships such as their Rocky Mountain Saison, along with seasonal, and one-off experimental beers.
River North Brewing Company
River North
3400 Blake St.
Denver, CO
River North was the first brewery to open in RiNo in 2012 when things were first starting to wake up in this sleepy neighborhood. Initially focusing on Belgian-style beers, that’s the direction they continue with today.
Known for their funky saisons and their wonderful barrel-aged dark beers and quads, River North is the place to be when you need that full-flavored beer.
With the neighborhood finally coming to life, River North had to move out when the owner sold the entire block where they were brewing. Excited to head back to River North in 2019, they now have two locations, the one in RiNo and one on Washington Street in north Denver.
Whatever taproom you visit, just know that those beautiful dark, bold beers are waiting for you. Don’t be scared off, though. They also have damn good lighter beers, as well, such as their White, a witbier, and a Pils, just to name a couple.
Listen to our conversation with Matt and Matt from River North, and you’ll learn more about their love for the big, big beers – some clocking in at over 20%!
Great Divide Brewing Company Barrel Bar
Great Divide Barrel Bar
1812 35th St.
Denver, CO
With several locations throughout the Denver Metro area, the Great Divide Barrel Bar and Cellar is one of our favorite breweries in Denver and RiNo. It’s a perfect setting to people-watch while sipping on a dark sip-worthy beer in the winter (as we so often find ourselves doing here).
But it’s also patio worthy in summertime when soaking up the sun enjoying a pint or two of a Colette or a Titan IPA.
And with its quaint and cozy style vibe inside, as well, you can’t go wrong stopping here for any style. Especially for their well-known Yeti series. It’s the one place where we know we can find Yeti without getting lost in the woods.
Yeti? Let me help you start drooling: Cinnamon Vanilla Yeti, Horchata Yeti, Dark ‘N Stormy. You get the picture. Light or dark, whatever Great Divide creates, it’s just damn good.
Dewey Beer Company
Dewey Beer
3501 Delgany St.
Denver, CO
Dewey Beer is one of the newest RiNo breweries. Hailing originally from Delaware, Dewey Beer has now added another brewery and taproom to RiNo, taking over what was once Mockery Brewing. Known for their fruited sours and hop-forward ales, Dewey brings unique flavors to their little corner in RiNo.
We have yet to pay them a visit. If you have, let us know. We would love to hear your thoughts on one of RiNo’s newest brewery.
Black Shirt Brewing Co and Craft Pizza Kitchen
Black Shirt Brewing
3719 Walnut St.
Denver, CO
Black Shirt is simply one of those breweries that you know you’re going to come back to again and again the second you walk into their taproom. With Johnny Cash flipping you off when you walk in the door, you know these guys don’t follow the rules.
Johnny represents Black Shirt Brewing well. After all, their view is that the ones in black are the rule-breakers, the ones who create that path less traveled. Black Shirt is not just a name, it’s a philosophy. Not only do we love their philosophy, but we also love their beer and their handcrafted spent grain pizzas.
With three patios, including one of the coolest urban stages hand-built out of old pallets, you know you’ve got to pay Black Shirt a visit for some live theater and live music, beer in hand.
Blue Moon Brewing Company
Blue Moon Brewing
3750 Chestnut Pl.
Denver, CO
When we first walked into Blue Moon, we were pleasantly surprised. With its circular state-of-the-art bar, uniquely designed booths, beautiful patio complete with fire pits, this is a place to hang out.
You’ll find many of the traditional Blue Moon products, but alongside those, you’ll also find some creative brews that you may never expect from Blue Moon. Styles such as sours, quads, farmhouses, and much more. And the food is also quite spectacular.
BrewDog Denver
BrewDog Denver
3950 Wynkoop St.
Denver, CO
This is the first Denver BrewDog location. It is also BrewDog’s first franchised location. Born in Scotland out of a love for the punk attitude, the brand and beer is unique and in your face. You’ll find the classics you’ve come to expect, such as Jet Black Heart, along side 29 other taps including BrewDog brews and a few other Colorado crafts.
Located on a 10,000 square foot site, BrewDog RiNo is made for beer, food, and more importantly, community. The elevated pub fare here (and exclusive family recipe tacos) is quality made and stands out just as much as their beer.
From our first experience watching BrewDog on their TV show decades ago to stumbling across their pub in Scotland to now in Denver, we’re excited to see how this unique franchised brewery fits in with RiNo.
Left Hand Brewing Company RiNo
Left Hand RiNo
4180 Wynkoop St., #140
Denver, CO
Left Hand Brewing Company, on the other hand, is a Colorado O.G. brewer. Left Hand beer has been around since 1994, but really made its mark on craft beer brewing with its iconic breakthrough, Left Hand Nitro Milk Stout. Nitro Milk Stout was the first successful American brewer to bottle a Nitrogen beer without a widget.
The original Left Hand Brewing Company taproom is located in Longmont, Colorado, but Left Hand RiNo is located adjacent to the Mission Ballroom music venue, with the same quality and fun you’ve come to know and love from Left Hand. Even more with 40 taps, wine, cocktails, and food.
RiNo Eateries
Speaking of food, one must eat in order to drink more beer. We usually eat at the breweries we visit. Pizza at Black Shirt. Pretzels at Bierstadt. BBQ at OMF. Or at one of the many food trucks that are often parked outside or nearby breweries. Other breweries such as Brew Dog, Blue Moon, and more have full menus and offer handcrafted food that match the quality of beer you’re consuming.
RiNo eateries are plentiful here, even outside of breweries. All of you have to do is turn a corner, and you’ll find a scrumptious meal as diverse as the beer here. One of our favorites is Finn’s Manor. Which, of course, is also a beer bar, a bar, and a food truck court. You CAN have everything in RiNo.
Finn’s Manor
Finn’s Manor
Address: 2927 Larimer Street
Denver, CO
We did happen upon Finn’s Manor, and we are thrilled that we did so. Food trucks are becoming more and more popular all across Denver and in RiNo. They’re almost expected at every brewery and on any street corner.
Finn’s Manor has got the food truck thing happening and then some. With several choices of trucks serving up all types of food to match any palate, gourmet or simple, you’ll be able to put away some calories to keep you heading off to the next RiNo brewery. Isn’t that what food is for? Flavor, yes, but soaking up that beer so you can taste more of what you came to RiNo for in the first place.
But wait! Did I also mention this place is a bar? With 16 rotating taps, along with some of those hard-to-find beers that you’ll pay an entire paycheck to get your hands on, you’ll be quite happy eating and drinking here. A trip to RiNo is not a proper trip without a visit here. Hungry or not, walk through the doors of Finn’s Manor.
Other RiNo Places Worth a Mention
There are so many places to explore in RiNo, and we have not been to all of them. This is where your part comes into play. We are only here to guide you to a few of our favorites. You also need to explore to determine your favorites. Life would be quite bland if we only followed what others did.
In the meantime, you can start with what we know, but please further your adventures into the unknown of the many unique places to explore in RiNo, including the many art galleries, art walks, and art events. To keep up with all things RiNo, click here.
- Tracks Nightclub – enjoy a drink and dance without the typical nightclub bullshit
- Infinite Monkey Theorem – urban winery
- Crema – spectacular coffee shop
- Stem Ciders – feels just like a cozy brewery
- First Draft Taproom and Kitchen – handcrafted food and varieties of craft beer and wine
RiNo Breweries and the RiNo District – Never Static
RiNo is never static. It is fluid with its everchanging murals and over 20 galleries, along with cideries, wineries, and so many places to eat fine and casual cuisine. Every time you come back to RiNo, you’ll find something new to explore, new tastes to savor, new smells to soak in, new people to meet, and new art to bring about new perspectives.
Visit RiNo, and you’ll forever judge all other neighborhoods to this one. These are some of Denver’s best breweries!
We were featured in a Redfin article!
Check it out here:
A Night Out in RiNo: Things to Do in Denver’s Creative Hub | Redfin
Want More?
River North
Ratio
BrewDog
The Craft Beer Adventure Journal
Keep track of all the beer you drink in this personalized Craft Beer Adventure Journal.
