River North Brewery
6021 Washington Street Unit A
Denver, Colorado, 80216
United States
(303) 296-2617 | map
rivernorthbrewery.com
Notes:
Reviews: 19
| Ratings: 82
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3.7/5 rDev -10.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.75 | selection: 3.75
This is a very small place and worth stopping by given its excellent location. The selection was good, especially considering the size of this brewery. The quality, however was hit and miss, with a mix of above average to to below average beer with nothing really hitting either far end of the spectrum.
306 characters
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.75 | selection: 3.75
This is a very small place and worth stopping by given its excellent location. The selection was good, especially considering the size of this brewery. The quality, however was hit and miss, with a mix of above average to to below average beer with nothing really hitting either far end of the spectrum.
306 characters
3.97/5 rDev -3.6%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
V-The tasting room is small; just a few booths, a few tables, and a bar that seats maybe 8-10 people. The brewing equipment is mostly hidden in back. There is a small "patio" that is more of an extension of the parking lot than a patio, but its outside. I visited on a Tuesday after work and the place was pretty mellow. Some Radiohead playing (too loudly) and a few small groups chatting. The space feels cramped, but it is serviceable, I guess.
Q-I'm generally a fan of River North beers (I've had a few in bottles before my visit) and the two that I tasted tonight were decent enough. They do nice things with barrel aging, but the base beers I could take or leave.
Ser-The bartender was prompt and friendly. She filled my glasses, but left a little head on there, which is nice. They also use appropriate glassware and the beers were served at the right temperature.
Sel-There were a half-dozen offerings from IPAs to tequila-barrel aged saisons to stouts when I visited. A nice spread of styles. I did not notice any non River North beers on offer.
O-I am ashamed to say that this is my first visit to River North despite living just a few blocks from the place. The small space isn't cozy, just cramped, but otherwise, the place is alright.
1,251 characters
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
V-The tasting room is small; just a few booths, a few tables, and a bar that seats maybe 8-10 people. The brewing equipment is mostly hidden in back. There is a small "patio" that is more of an extension of the parking lot than a patio, but its outside. I visited on a Tuesday after work and the place was pretty mellow. Some Radiohead playing (too loudly) and a few small groups chatting. The space feels cramped, but it is serviceable, I guess.
Q-I'm generally a fan of River North beers (I've had a few in bottles before my visit) and the two that I tasted tonight were decent enough. They do nice things with barrel aging, but the base beers I could take or leave.
Ser-The bartender was prompt and friendly. She filled my glasses, but left a little head on there, which is nice. They also use appropriate glassware and the beers were served at the right temperature.
Sel-There were a half-dozen offerings from IPAs to tequila-barrel aged saisons to stouts when I visited. A nice spread of styles. I did not notice any non River North beers on offer.
O-I am ashamed to say that this is my first visit to River North despite living just a few blocks from the place. The small space isn't cozy, just cramped, but otherwise, the place is alright.
1,251 characters
4.44/5 rDev +7.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Update (11/2018)
Updated ranking based on new location. They have more space, better (faster) service, and a greater variety of beers. They have improved in every way, except for location- and that is going to change soon with the new satellite brewery/taproom back in RINO. Great job. They had a good mix of regular beers and one-offs to try. Mr. Sandman is an excellent award-winning imperial stout, and the barrel aged sours have been decent. The surprise is that their Mountain Haze IPA is very crushable, and the River North Pils is possibly the 2nd best Pilsner in the entire state. They really make good products at RN - truly a hidden gem.
649 characters
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Update (11/2018)
Updated ranking based on new location. They have more space, better (faster) service, and a greater variety of beers. They have improved in every way, except for location- and that is going to change soon with the new satellite brewery/taproom back in RINO. Great job. They had a good mix of regular beers and one-offs to try. Mr. Sandman is an excellent award-winning imperial stout, and the barrel aged sours have been decent. The surprise is that their Mountain Haze IPA is very crushable, and the River North Pils is possibly the 2nd best Pilsner in the entire state. They really make good products at RN - truly a hidden gem.
649 characters
3.73/5 rDev -9.5%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4 | selection: 3.75
Vibe: Eh. Sort of ho-hum here, but see my notes about the service (which is great). Pretty small space with a good view of the brewing setup. Certainly wouldn't be my first choice of spots to sit and drink beers in this area (or my second or third).
Quality: The beers are pretty tasty here, and any of their barrel-aged beers are borderline great.
Service: Friendly and knowledgeable. Attentive.
Selection: Pretty good; albeit, the times I've been here the beers are pretty similar. Nothing mind-blowing, but solid selections nonetheless for someone who has not been.
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vibe: 3 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4 | selection: 3.75
Vibe: Eh. Sort of ho-hum here, but see my notes about the service (which is great). Pretty small space with a good view of the brewing setup. Certainly wouldn't be my first choice of spots to sit and drink beers in this area (or my second or third).
Quality: The beers are pretty tasty here, and any of their barrel-aged beers are borderline great.
Service: Friendly and knowledgeable. Attentive.
Selection: Pretty good; albeit, the times I've been here the beers are pretty similar. Nothing mind-blowing, but solid selections nonetheless for someone who has not been.
571 characters
4.31/5 rDev +4.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4 | selection: 4
This might be my favorite place in Denver to day drink. When the weather is nice and the garage door is open to the taproom, it is the absolute perfect spot for a beer. Just a few blocks from Coors Field, River North is an easy walk from a Rockies game.
The crowd can be pretty thick, even on non-game days, but it's worth it for the beer. Just get their a little early and stake out your high top or spot at the bar and enjoy some really great beers.
The taproom staff is among the most knowledgeable out there for a brewery and there is always something new, different and probably barrel-aged on draft. Plus, barrel-aged bottles are typically available to go as well.
With about 10 beers on draft there is usually something for everyone, even those people who "don't like Belgian beers". They'll at least enjoy White or IPA and beers like Unified Theory and Avarice might even open their minds to the possibilities of what a Belgian-style beer can be.
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vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4 | selection: 4
This might be my favorite place in Denver to day drink. When the weather is nice and the garage door is open to the taproom, it is the absolute perfect spot for a beer. Just a few blocks from Coors Field, River North is an easy walk from a Rockies game.
The crowd can be pretty thick, even on non-game days, but it's worth it for the beer. Just get their a little early and stake out your high top or spot at the bar and enjoy some really great beers.
The taproom staff is among the most knowledgeable out there for a brewery and there is always something new, different and probably barrel-aged on draft. Plus, barrel-aged bottles are typically available to go as well.
With about 10 beers on draft there is usually something for everyone, even those people who "don't like Belgian beers". They'll at least enjoy White or IPA and beers like Unified Theory and Avarice might even open their minds to the possibilities of what a Belgian-style beer can be.
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2/5 rDev -51.5%
Visited on Halloween. Well there was million dollar bodies but nickel brains, at least when it comes to beer. Beer geeks beware the girls know nothing about the beer. I asked for help on barrel aged beer bottles, she said "I'll be back." 20 mins later me and my other beer geek friend left because she didn't come back. Its like dont you want beer geeks buying expensive bottles?! Go to mr b liquor and drink at the hotel/house before you go here. Just bad service that I dont need, especially on vacation from cali
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Visited on Halloween. Well there was million dollar bodies but nickel brains, at least when it comes to beer. Beer geeks beware the girls know nothing about the beer. I asked for help on barrel aged beer bottles, she said "I'll be back." 20 mins later me and my other beer geek friend left because she didn't come back. Its like dont you want beer geeks buying expensive bottles?! Go to mr b liquor and drink at the hotel/house before you go here. Just bad service that I dont need, especially on vacation from cali
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3.7/5 rDev -10.2%
A: Small space but there was enough room on a Saturday afternoon.
Q: Went with the sampler, ranged from OK to Good, but nothing that stood out
S: Service was good and efficient
Sel: Relative to most places not a lot on tap, especially for the sampler
V: In line with other places in town
O: Enjoyed my time there, but nothing that would put it on the must go back to list
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A: Small space but there was enough room on a Saturday afternoon.
Q: Went with the sampler, ranged from OK to Good, but nothing that stood out
S: Service was good and efficient
Sel: Relative to most places not a lot on tap, especially for the sampler
V: In line with other places in town
O: Enjoyed my time there, but nothing that would put it on the must go back to list
371 characters
4/5 rDev -2.9%
I ducked in here on a brewery hop that included Epic, Great Divide, and Jagged Mountain and the beer I had here was easily the most memorable.
I like saisons, for their occasional tartness, the heavy presence of sweet malt, and the zestiness and yeastiness that are usually present. Having the Unified Theory, River North's Saison, I got everything I wanted out of this style of beer. It was excellent. As an added bonus, my pour, which I think was sixteen ounces in the snifter (but maybe 12) only cost me five bucks. That seems to be a rarity in Denver.
Yeah, drinking in Denver is expensive.
But River North didn't break my bank. Plus the beer I had was tremendous.
I only stuck around for one, but I loved it.
I will note that the drinking area of this brewery is tiny, so there are very few seats. It's more of a place to go and enjoy a beer than it is a place to socialize and spend the afternoon. Unless of course you get there super early and beat the crowd.
Anyway, I highly endorse this place as far as the beer.
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I ducked in here on a brewery hop that included Epic, Great Divide, and Jagged Mountain and the beer I had here was easily the most memorable.
I like saisons, for their occasional tartness, the heavy presence of sweet malt, and the zestiness and yeastiness that are usually present. Having the Unified Theory, River North's Saison, I got everything I wanted out of this style of beer. It was excellent. As an added bonus, my pour, which I think was sixteen ounces in the snifter (but maybe 12) only cost me five bucks. That seems to be a rarity in Denver.
Yeah, drinking in Denver is expensive.
But River North didn't break my bank. Plus the beer I had was tremendous.
I only stuck around for one, but I loved it.
I will note that the drinking area of this brewery is tiny, so there are very few seats. It's more of a place to go and enjoy a beer than it is a place to socialize and spend the afternoon. Unless of course you get there super early and beat the crowd.
Anyway, I highly endorse this place as far as the beer.
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3.86/5 rDev -6.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
I was here for River North's "Empty the Cellar" party during GABF week. I'm really glad I came.
Because this was a special event, the brewery was packed. By some miracle, we eventually scored a table, but it was a really nice day, so I didn't mind standing around outside. The beers on-tap rotated throughout the day. Basically, once a keg of one rare beer was empty, they replaced it with a different beer. River North's regular lineup was also pouring. If I had one niggle, it would be that even the regular lineup doesn't contain what I would call a Session beer. Their lightest offering is near 6.5% ABV. This is definitely more of a big beer place.
I will be back next time I'm in LoDo.
694 characters
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
I was here for River North's "Empty the Cellar" party during GABF week. I'm really glad I came.
Because this was a special event, the brewery was packed. By some miracle, we eventually scored a table, but it was a really nice day, so I didn't mind standing around outside. The beers on-tap rotated throughout the day. Basically, once a keg of one rare beer was empty, they replaced it with a different beer. River North's regular lineup was also pouring. If I had one niggle, it would be that even the regular lineup doesn't contain what I would call a Session beer. Their lightest offering is near 6.5% ABV. This is definitely more of a big beer place.
I will be back next time I'm in LoDo.
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3.89/5 rDev -5.6%
vibe: 3.25 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.75
Having come back a few times I am glad to see River North grow and improve. This is still a very small tap room, especially since you can see how much brew space they have. Even with the addition of a patio it is small. Local food trucks almost daily is a plus. Don't come expecting to have a few pints. Many beers are high abv, which is great, but at the same time I would like to occasionally have more than 1-2. Great little place with a growing barrel system.
463 characters
vibe: 3.25 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.75
Having come back a few times I am glad to see River North grow and improve. This is still a very small tap room, especially since you can see how much brew space they have. Even with the addition of a patio it is small. Local food trucks almost daily is a plus. Don't come expecting to have a few pints. Many beers are high abv, which is great, but at the same time I would like to occasionally have more than 1-2. Great little place with a growing barrel system.
463 characters
4.82/5 rDev +17%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 4.75
This is probably my favorite taproom and brewery to visit. The atmosphere is laid back and casual. The beer drinkers range from college students working professionals to artists that call the River North district home. The decor is a great mixture of modern industrial with the warm feel of custom wood bar and tables. The patio gets great afternoon sun and as great sunset views of the mountains. The quality of the beer is superb probably from the brewmasters engineering background and pride for quality control. I remember when they first opened and there were only 3 people tending bar and as they have grown so has the staff. Everyone they have working there is very friendly and is willing to talk about their beer other peoples beer and a load of other topics. They don't serve their own food but usually have a good selection of food trucks on any given night. When it comes to selection they have a large one, the thing is that they are all belgium or Belgium hybrids. So this is a fantastic place for the Belgium beer lover or those wanting something more than the standard Wheat, IPA, Amber and Stout of most breweries.
1,131 characters
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 4.75
This is probably my favorite taproom and brewery to visit. The atmosphere is laid back and casual. The beer drinkers range from college students working professionals to artists that call the River North district home. The decor is a great mixture of modern industrial with the warm feel of custom wood bar and tables. The patio gets great afternoon sun and as great sunset views of the mountains. The quality of the beer is superb probably from the brewmasters engineering background and pride for quality control. I remember when they first opened and there were only 3 people tending bar and as they have grown so has the staff. Everyone they have working there is very friendly and is willing to talk about their beer other peoples beer and a load of other topics. They don't serve their own food but usually have a good selection of food trucks on any given night. When it comes to selection they have a large one, the thing is that they are all belgium or Belgium hybrids. So this is a fantastic place for the Belgium beer lover or those wanting something more than the standard Wheat, IPA, Amber and Stout of most breweries.
1,131 characters
3.93/5 rDev -4.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.75 | selection: 4
Open air space with some big beers on tap. Nothing under 6% when I was there. Nice venue and helpful staff. Not too far from downtown in an up and coming area. If you’re looking for something sessionable, look elsewhere. You'll only find big beers here.
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vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.75 | selection: 4
Open air space with some big beers on tap. Nothing under 6% when I was there. Nice venue and helpful staff. Not too far from downtown in an up and coming area. If you’re looking for something sessionable, look elsewhere. You'll only find big beers here.
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3.59/5 rDev -12.9%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.75 | selection: 3.5
A small seating area for a place that looks fairly large. It's an odd shape, like a Z. Bar is L shaped with a few seats. Larger table is in the left hand corner with smaller ones closer and on the right. Small space, which makes it less comfortable and cramped.
Service is nice if a little crowded at times. Selection is sporadic, but usually a solid lineup that carries some brews not available in stores.
Overall a nice place to stop in and try some beers, but probably couldn't make an outing out of it. Good thing the location is pretty great.
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vibe: 3 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.75 | selection: 3.5
A small seating area for a place that looks fairly large. It's an odd shape, like a Z. Bar is L shaped with a few seats. Larger table is in the left hand corner with smaller ones closer and on the right. Small space, which makes it less comfortable and cramped.
Service is nice if a little crowded at times. Selection is sporadic, but usually a solid lineup that carries some brews not available in stores.
Overall a nice place to stop in and try some beers, but probably couldn't make an outing out of it. Good thing the location is pretty great.
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4.53/5 rDev +10%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.25
A buddy and I stopped in after a Rockies game last week.
This is a must-stop.
Excellent service, even though things were starting to get busy after the game.
Beertenders knew their stuff and were willing to discuss.
Very down to earth bartender, not sure of his name (beard...that should narrow it down!)
Some big and interesting beers but only tried two.
Great vibe with a garage door type opening which is always welcoming, to me at least.
Very open, lots of fresh air.
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vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.25
A buddy and I stopped in after a Rockies game last week.
This is a must-stop.
Excellent service, even though things were starting to get busy after the game.
Beertenders knew their stuff and were willing to discuss.
Very down to earth bartender, not sure of his name (beard...that should narrow it down!)
Some big and interesting beers but only tried two.
Great vibe with a garage door type opening which is always welcoming, to me at least.
Very open, lots of fresh air.
473 characters
4.38/5 rDev +6.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4
Visited River North on the week I was in Denver for GABF on a recomendation by a local beer nerd. The tap room was mid size (given the size of the brewery), but it was busy that night so we ended up with standing tables in the actual brewery. awesome.
No food was available, however there were a few food cart vendors in the area and they were cool with bringing it in. To drink I had a flight of three wit beers. One aged in wine barrells one in whiskey and the other straight up. It was a nice change of pace from the imperial *this* and 100+ IBU *that* tons of flavor and a cool idea.
588 characters
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4
Visited River North on the week I was in Denver for GABF on a recomendation by a local beer nerd. The tap room was mid size (given the size of the brewery), but it was busy that night so we ended up with standing tables in the actual brewery. awesome.
No food was available, however there were a few food cart vendors in the area and they were cool with bringing it in. To drink I had a flight of three wit beers. One aged in wine barrells one in whiskey and the other straight up. It was a nice change of pace from the imperial *this* and 100+ IBU *that* tons of flavor and a cool idea.
588 characters
4.24/5 rDev +2.9%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4
Unfortunately had a minimal amount of time to spend here, but I am glad that I made the effort. Nice vibe with an urban minimalist tone. Very nice service (they knew I was under a bit of a time constraint and helped make sure I made the most of my time). Overall, a nice stop and a place I will definitely have at the top of my list when back in Denver. I anticipate hearing chatter about this brewery in the future. Something here reminds me of Funky Buddha before their popularity blew up and off the charts.
510 characters
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4
Unfortunately had a minimal amount of time to spend here, but I am glad that I made the effort. Nice vibe with an urban minimalist tone. Very nice service (they knew I was under a bit of a time constraint and helped make sure I made the most of my time). Overall, a nice stop and a place I will definitely have at the top of my list when back in Denver. I anticipate hearing chatter about this brewery in the future. Something here reminds me of Funky Buddha before their popularity blew up and off the charts.
510 characters
4.94/5 rDev +19.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
My wife and I have been in Denver before-falling rock,great divide etc.which we enjoy.I saw river north -less than 5 min walk from coors field-on this website.
Long story short this is a must stop for beer lovers .The beers were all bold in flavor and style and our plans changed for the evening (sorry great divide) as we stayed here and enjoyed every min. of it.My wife is a flight attendent and we fly around the country alot checking out beers and interesting places.No question that we will return here and no hesitation in recommending it.
546 characters
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
My wife and I have been in Denver before-falling rock,great divide etc.which we enjoy.I saw river north -less than 5 min walk from coors field-on this website.
Long story short this is a must stop for beer lovers .The beers were all bold in flavor and style and our plans changed for the evening (sorry great divide) as we stayed here and enjoyed every min. of it.My wife is a flight attendent and we fly around the country alot checking out beers and interesting places.No question that we will return here and no hesitation in recommending it.
546 characters
4.14/5 rDev +0.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
River North Brewery is on Blake St. (same as FreshCraft and Falling Rock) but further northeast. It's fairly close to the Rockies ballpark.
Located in an old industrial building, a large glass garage door rolls up making it feel very open and bright. Inside it's a small angled bar with a few wooden tables surrounding it. Behind the bar is a giant window allowing visitors to view the brewery behind in action. I wasn't able to go in but it was quite an impressive space with high vaulted ceilings over large stainless tanks.
I sat down and ordered a beer at the bar. Service was prompt and friendly.
They had a good selection of beers, all theirs, with maybe 10 tap handles. Pints, 10oz pours, and tasters were available as well as growlers to go.
Overall a very comfortable place to have a beer and I wish them continued success.
836 characters
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
River North Brewery is on Blake St. (same as FreshCraft and Falling Rock) but further northeast. It's fairly close to the Rockies ballpark.
Located in an old industrial building, a large glass garage door rolls up making it feel very open and bright. Inside it's a small angled bar with a few wooden tables surrounding it. Behind the bar is a giant window allowing visitors to view the brewery behind in action. I wasn't able to go in but it was quite an impressive space with high vaulted ceilings over large stainless tanks.
I sat down and ordered a beer at the bar. Service was prompt and friendly.
They had a good selection of beers, all theirs, with maybe 10 tap handles. Pints, 10oz pours, and tasters were available as well as growlers to go.
Overall a very comfortable place to have a beer and I wish them continued success.
836 characters
4.28/5 rDev +3.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
apparently they opened their doors on february 18th this year, so its very new. in the old massive flying dog complex, but the tasting room is only tiny. wrap around bar with maybe 10 stools, 2 low tables and maybe 3 or 4 hightops, windows through to the kettles. the chairs were really neat, hand made wooden. other than that decor was rather mod. only 3 employees, 2 of which were there. beer list was extremely ambitious for a new brewery, i really enjoyed he imperial oaked wit and the quad. got really busy for 5 minutes when one of those bicycle tours came through, but other than that uncrowded and comfortable. i sat and played cards with my girlfriend for several hours and had plenty of beers. they were generous with the tasters, and gave us a cool little tour. people were friendly, all the beers were quite good, and it was priced fairly. id like to see this place get some more attention, really cool stuff happening here and i will be back
954 characters
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
apparently they opened their doors on february 18th this year, so its very new. in the old massive flying dog complex, but the tasting room is only tiny. wrap around bar with maybe 10 stools, 2 low tables and maybe 3 or 4 hightops, windows through to the kettles. the chairs were really neat, hand made wooden. other than that decor was rather mod. only 3 employees, 2 of which were there. beer list was extremely ambitious for a new brewery, i really enjoyed he imperial oaked wit and the quad. got really busy for 5 minutes when one of those bicycle tours came through, but other than that uncrowded and comfortable. i sat and played cards with my girlfriend for several hours and had plenty of beers. they were generous with the tasters, and gave us a cool little tour. people were friendly, all the beers were quite good, and it was priced fairly. id like to see this place get some more attention, really cool stuff happening here and i will be back
954 characters
River North Brewery in Denver, CO
Brewery rating:
3.89 out of
5 with
955 ratings
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