There is no shortage of beers, bars and cafes in Denver. The historical mining town has a long history of drinking. Local legend has it that first building ever built in Denver was a saloon. Denver specializes in microbreweries or brewpubs - where beers are brewed on the premises. LoDo, or Lower Downtown, is a the place to see and be seen.
Denver Beer Festival
Denver plays host to the Great American Beer Festival which, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, offers more beers than any similar event.
Golden, just outside Denver, is home to Coors, the world's largest brewery. There's enough interesting local beer to keep you away from Coors and other big brands. There really is a vast range with many brewpubs producing great local beers of character.
Some of the best are 50 miles north of Denver, in Fort Collins. If you can't visit the breweries - and it really is worth the trip - you will find New Belgium beers in almost every restaurant in Denver. The Fat Tire and Sunshine Wheat are particularly good. German-style beers from Tabernash have also won awards while Odell is another Fort Collins favorite.
Denver brewpubs
The Wynkoop is at 1634 18th Street. Named after Ned Wynkoop, the first sheriff of what was then called Arapahoe County, the Wynkoop led the way in the resurgence of Lower Downtown. It was Denver's first brewpub and is still one of the largest in the world. RailYard Ale is its flagship beer and it also serves great pub food. Try out the air hockey and pool floor too. The only problem with the Wynkoop is that you may never want to leave.
The Rock Bottom Brewery is on the 16th St Mall at Curtis Street and features a good range of beers plus a 350 seat restaurant.
Zang Brewing Company isn't strictly a brewpub, but it used to brew its own beer. Today it has tap beers brewed for the popular sports bar by One Keg Brewhouse. It's housed at 2301 7th St.
Denver bars
Falling Rock Tap House boasts 69 beers on tap and plenty more by the bottle. The bar food menu features a hamburger homage to Elvis that's packed with an huge list of ingredients. It's at 1919 Blake St.
15th Street Tavern, at 623 15th St, is a legendary Denver bar and live music club. This a place for punk, indie and straight rock bands, mainly local but often attracting national bands too.
Giggling Grizzly is near Coors Field (1320 20th St) and gets packed on game days. It boasts the cheapest drinks and attracts a young crowd. There's pretty good food too with huge portions.
LoDo's Bar and Grill is near Coors Field and gets packed on game days. It's busy most weekends and attracts 20 and 30-somethings pulled in by the live entertainment. There's a rooftop patio - all at 1946 Market St.
Skylark Lounge is where to head for 50's pop, music and dancing. There's local Denver bands and national touring rockabilly, swing and country acts at 140 S. Broadway.
Denver cafes
The Paramount Cafe is a popular Downtown spot with food at reasonable prices. It's on 16th Street so is excellent for people watching too. The meatloaf, cajun chicken and Tex-Mex specialties are highly praised.
Denver beers
Whiskey bar
Denver brewery
Denver brewers
