Moving to Denver’s craft beer scene is like stepping into a hop-filled haven where every pour tells a story.
With over 150 breweries to choose from and additional companies sprouting up every day, the scene is a great place to thrive for enthusiasts if you know where to look.
Beer lovers need never worry in the Mile High City as there are endless options and a vast array of local brews, but finding the right space is important.
There are many places that offer the perfect balance of good beer and community vibes.
Those more drawn to trendy taprooms, historic brewing districts, or up-and-coming communities have a solid selection in Denver’s diverse neighborhoods.
There are plenty of places to explore, making it easy to find a new home that places you in the heart of a neighborhood you’ll love!
Is Denver Known for Beer?
Absolutely! Denver is internationally recognized as a beer lover’s paradise. Nicknamed the “Napa Valley of Beer,” the city boasts one of the largest collections of breweries in the U.S. and hosts major beer events like the GABF.
Whether it’s enjoying a crisp IPA in a trendy taproom or sampling an experimental sour at a neighborhood brewery, beer is a key part of Denver’s identity.
Why Denver is a Craft Beer Paradise
The entire Centennial State has prominently established itself as a premier craft beer destination, but Denver has raised the bar.
With a vibrant history of brewing and collecting a community that celebrates innovation, the city boasts a thriving beer scene attractive, to both locals and tourists!
You will find breweries ranging from small and independent to larger scale that have established national acclaim.
The city’s passion for these crafts is reflected in festivals, tastings, and cultural events.
This takes some real dedication to sustainable practices and collaboration throughout the local brewing scene.
Locals can access seasonal offerings, barrel-aged brews, and experimental beer, providing something new to try out all the time.
Add in a lustrous range of restaurants and eateries.
It is clear why the city is now considered its own slice of paradise.
For avid beer consumers or those just starting their journey, the beer scene promises a totally unforgettable experience!
Best Neighborhoods for Craft Beer Lovers & Those Curious
Track the beer trail straight through Denver to start your exploration of the city and new places to live.
Planning for a move is a heavy task, but when there is a culture for every palate on the horizon, you can rest assured that the right home may even find you.
The lower downtown district offers a deep dive into the craft beer culture, and West Colfax continues on its historic legacy of local brews.
Whether you are searching for a specific beer or curious to try something new, there is a neighborhood that will be suitable for your tastes in hops and home!
LoDo Has Created the Heart of Denver’s Brewery Culture
LoDo is undeniably the center point of Denver’s brewery culture, where the city’s craft beer revolution began to trickle down into the rest of the city.
The lower downtown region is a historic district well known for its industrial charm but remains a great spot for beer lovers and young professionals alike.
It is home to some of the oldest breweries in the area, with amazing landmarks like Wynkoop Brewing Company, which helped to push the boom of beer in the 1980s.
There is everything from brewpubs to tap rooms, giving the neighborhood a variety of options for locals.
It boasts a rather lively atmosphere with people out and about, something always going on. Those curious have a great place to explore a dynamic brewing legacy.
Plus, the proximity to major events like the Great American Beer Festival is hard to beat!
The RiNo District is a Creative Hub of Breweries and Distilleries
The River North district in Denver has been a rapidly growing place, best established for its arts scene, options for high-rise living, and a hotspot for craft beer.
It stands out with a magical blend of creativity and innovation, where the arts and brews combine.
Home to a diverse range of breweries, distilleries, and taprooms that push the bounds of traditional style.
Some of the must-visits in this area are as follows:
- Ratio Beerworks is one of the most popular breweries that doubles as a music venue. This independent, successful brewery is dedicated to connecting and developing the local community.
- Odell Brewing Company is known far and wide. It is a Fort Collins-based company with locations in RiNo and Sloans Lake.
- Our Mutual Friend is hard to miss with its colorful exteriors. The atmosphere is unbeatable, with a focus on classics and new ales.
- Bierstadt is a German-style brew house. Everything is served community-style in a large warehouse with a lovely public beer garden on sunny days!
Cap Hill Offers a Vibrant Boho Beer Scene
Cap Hill has more historic roots than the city.
It is one of Denver’s most eclectic neighborhoods, and it has become a must-visit or must-live destination for those looking to be the heart of everything.
Moving to this area offers beautiful views, amazing architecture, trendy cafes, bookstores, and artsy vibes.
Capitol Hill supplies a lovely blend of culture, good eats, and fabulous beer!
Just take a stroll outside, and you will run into places like C Mountain Brewery, a taproom with open mic nights and various events throughout the week, and the nationally known Great Divide Brewery.
Choose your own adventure with intimate settings for beer lovers to sip something new or try out independent spots with friends.
The neighborhood is community-focused and is a beautiful place to live in the beer scene.
West Colfax Remains a Local Spot with Great Local Brews
Colfax carries different connotations for different people, but West Colfax is where it is all happening with craft beers.
What was once considered a hidden gem has exploded in popularity while still maintaining its laid-back, friendly atmosphere.
The region has a truly authentic neighborhood vibe that is loved by those throughout Denver, especially the locals.
It is home to some of the city’s best local breweries, making it an amazing destination for the craft beer curious and enthusiasts.
Check out some of the best brews at any of the following locations:
- New Image Brewing is a locally owned operation with a full bar, great specials, and good food. While you can buy their beer at the corner liquor store, there is nothing quite like enjoying it fresh from the tap.
- Hogshead Brewery comes highly recommended. It is a great place to visit before a night on the town or a cozy night with English vibes and cool brews.
- Seedstock Brewery has managed to convert a garage into an extraordinary brewery. They are known for good music, lots of food options, and even more opportunities for beer!
- Strange Craft Beer Company is dog friendly, with an outdoor Biergarten and food trucks that frequent the area. They have won multiple awards for their brews with the World Beer Cup, the Great American Beer Festival, and the Colorado State Fair.
The Highlands is Filled with Trendy Taprooms
The Highlands neighborhood has quickly become one of the Mile High’s more sought-after places to live with craft beer lovers.
This is thanks to its growing collection of taprooms and modern breweries.
It is a prime location for walkability, fabulous views of downtown, beer, and dining.
The Highlands supplies a twist on the craft beer scene, being home to experimental brews and barrel-aged selections alike.
Call to Arms Brewing Company in the west end of the neighborhood, offering tasty brews, local events, and options for private parties.
Diebolt Brewing is just down the street, allowing locals options to brew-hop through the neighborhood for a bite to eat and some delicious beer to wash it down!
The Highlands provides a fun, inviting space for beer aficionados and casual drinkers.
Its continued growth in the craft beer market lends to those looking for a great new place to live.
What to Look for When Choosing a Neighborhood with Quality Craft Beer Access
To better personalize your moving experience when choosing a neighborhood in Denver, narrow things down by looking at the details around craft beer access.
Things like proximity to local pubs and beer experiences are going to be important, but walkability is just as essential.
Considering the area’s overall vibe and how that fits into your life and goals can help to evaluate what is right for you and anyone within the household.
General Proximity to Breweries
With so many great areas to choose from, one of the more critical factors is evaluating proximity.
Living near a higher concentration of local breweries allows for day strolls into your new favorite spot and bike rides to taprooms.
The proximity to breweries can enhance your access to fresh, local beer and encourage a sense of community in social settings.
Whether you are looking for a pint after a day at work or want to experiment on the weekends, living close to the breweries ensures an ever-evolving door into the craft beer scene.
Walkability & Public Transit Options for Brewery Hopping
Everyone is looking for safe neighborhoods, but walkability and access to public transit can help in your journey.
Luckily, the Denver RTD transit city sprawls throughout the city, with options for renting electric bikes, scooters, etc.
Areas like LoDo and RiNo are especially friendly for pedestrians with brewery-lined streets.
Relying on public transit and walking is necessary for those who are planning a night out drinking to ensure personal and community safety!
Local Events and Beer Festivities for Exploration
A surefire way to dive head-first into the craft beer scene is through local events and other festivals.
Throughout the year, Denver hosts a range of beer festivals and local tastings to showcase a diverse brewing talent.
The Great American Beer Festival is the most widely known option, typically held in August within the LoDo area.
Additionally, neighborhoods throughout the downtown region host their own smaller events like beer walks, brewery tours, and tap takeovers.
These are fun, interactive ways to get involved and connect with fellow beer lovers.
There are season events like Denver Beer Week providing the opportunity to enjoy seasonal releases and those up-and-coming breweries!
Additional Dining and Local Culture
Beer is inevitably intertwined with Denver’s rich dining and cultural cafe options.
This enhances the overall experience of living, encouraging additional exploration.
Plenty of the best breweries are paired up with their own menus, but others offer a combined effort to market for other local businesses and food trucks.
Places like RiNo and the Highlands are home to robust art galleries, local music venues, and local boutiques.
Evaluating the surrounding dining options and the general culture can make for a better experience and assist in the final decision for living.
Cheers to Your New Place in the Denver Beer Scene
The details of packing for a move, decluttering your space, and preparing for what comes next are exciting.
The finer details of getting there to settle in is a good place to start.
From the iconic breweries off West Colfax to the creative spaces in the River North district, this is your chance to engage with a world-class beer scene.
Whether sipping on a fresh IPA outdoors or attending a lively beer festival in the heart of the city, everyone has a place they can feel at home with local craft brews.
Raise a glass to those new beginnings and all the exciting beer adventures that await.
Cheers to the new place in Denver’s expanding beer scene!
Allow Our Local Crew of Professionals to Move You In
Making the transition to Denver’s craft beer communities requires a reliable local moving company you can depend on.
Our crew of professionals understands the ins and outs of the Denver Metro Area, as we are a locally owned business ourselves.
From navigating Denver’s unique neighborhoods and complex parking situations to handling household belongings with care, Denver City Movers is here to provide a seamless moving experience!
Our experts are here to ensure every move is completed with efficiency and precision.
With years of knowledge and experience, our Denver Movers can help you settle into your new home so you can enjoy the amazing craft beer offerings in your new neighborhood.
Some Common Questions about Denver’s Craft Beer Scene
Why is craft beer so much better?
Craft beer is often considered superior because of its focus on quality, creativity, and community.
Unlike mass-produced beers, craft breweries prioritize unique flavors, small-batch brewing, and the use of high-quality ingredients.
Each brew is a labor of love, often reflecting the brewer’s personality or a local story.
This attention to detail and passion results in bold, distinctive beers that stand out from the uniform taste of many large-scale options.
Who drinks craft beer the most?
Craft beer enthusiasts come from all walks of life, but studies show it’s particularly popular among millennials and Gen Xers.
These groups value quality over quantity, are willing to pay a premium for unique experiences, and often seek out local, artisan products.
Craft beer also attracts an adventurous crowd eager to explore new flavors.
Whether they’re seasoned beer geeks or curious newcomers.
Denver’s community of beer lovers reflects this diversity, creating an inclusive and welcoming scene for all.
What is the craft beer capital of Colorado?
While Colorado as a whole is synonymous with great beer, Denver is often crowned the craft beer capital of the state.
Its sheer number of breweries, thriving beer culture, and central role in hosting major events solidify its top-tier status.
However, other cities like Fort Collins and Boulder also contribute significantly to Colorado’s reputation as a craft beer haven.
Which city in Colorado has the most breweries?
Denver proudly holds the title for the most breweries in Colorado.
With over 150 breweries and counting, the city is home to a very vibrant and diverse craft beer scene.
From small, family-run operations to nationally recognized names, Denver offers beer lovers a taste of every style imaginable.
Close runner-ups include Boulder and Fort Collins, but Denver remains the heart of Colorado’s brewing landscape.
Why does Denver have so many breweries?
Denver’s abundance of breweries stems from a perfect mix of culture, geography, and history.
Colorado’s pure mountain water creates an ideal foundation for brewing, while the city’s pioneering spirit has long embraced small businesses and innovation.
Additionally, Denver’s craft beer scene gained traction early.
Thanks to state legislation that supported microbreweries and the influential Great American Beer Festival (GABF), which has been hosted in Denver since 1984.
With a strong community of beer enthusiasts and a welcoming environment for brewers, the Mile High City has become a hub for craft beer creativity.
