Bristol Brewing Company

I'll be clear - I miss the old Bristol tasting room, before the owners moved into the new Ivywild building. Let me also be clear about the new building - it's an old school and a fantastic re-use of old space, so for that alone, Bristol is to be applauded. It's a great space - less intimate, but really interesting - and Bristol backs and supports all sorts of excellent community events and causes.
What's unfortunate is that the beer just isn't very good; it was never great, but it was better when the process was done by humans, rather than some giant German automated brewhouse via computer. There's just no soul or anything distinctive about the beer anymore. It hurts to actually say this. But hopefully after their "new belgium expansion syndrome," the owner will tune into the fact that the beer has to be improved.
Food is fine, but nothing mind-blowing - they need some pub food options (burger, fish 'n' chips, that kind of thing).

 

Funny for me to drink beer in what used to be the middle school where I played in a chess tournament as a kid. Beer quality is ok. Atmosphere is ok, a bunch of different quirky venders in the building makes for an interesting experience.

 

The customer service here is TERRIBLE. They make you feel like they don't want you there??? And the last time I was there a couple of servers were having a heated argument in front of customers. So unprofessional. And the beer isn't great either. Much better options in town.

 

 

Located in the old Ivywild elementary school in Colorado Springs.
Huge space includes brewery plus multiple restaurants.
Good selection of beer.
Good quality.
If you are in CSspgs, definitely visit.

I visited this place for dinner based on the recommendation of hotel staff where I was staying. I was very glad they pointed me here!

Located as one of several bars & eateries in a a historic school building, this brewery and the complex had an amazing a nd unique vibe like nothing I've seen before. The school theme carried over into everything from menus to the tables and classroom decorations that were on the walls. The dining area was bright and open and separate from the brewing and aging areas, which I believe were on a floor below. The staff was friendly and enthusiastic about their beers. The food was good but not amazing. Prices were reasonable.

There were about 12-15 beers on tap the night I was there and almost all seemed to be limited releases or seasonals. I did not get a feel for what their "flagship" was, but I was impressed by the selections. I am a sucker for barrel-aged malty beers, and there were plenty to choose from. I built my own sampler and was happy to see that any beer on the menu was fair game, unlike at some breweries. For me the standout was the Barrel-Aged Old No. 23, but all the beers I had were above average quality and craftsmanship.

Overall, a dinner and beer in this old classroom made for a fun, unusual and slightly quirky experience that really left an impression. I highly recommend a visit.

Love this place!!

Very novel approach to house a brewery in an abandoned grade school. The beer was average but the food was pretty good. Once the neighborhood gentrifies it will be an outstanding place. I would recommend visiting again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

i liked this place a lot, moved a few years ago into the old school across the street from where they were (a distillery of magnificent quality has moved in to their old spot). its a cool building and an awesome concept. about half the building designated to shops and other businesses, and half for the brewery. the equipment all the way on one side, and an awesome open bar area with a ton of space. it has a neat feel, like something i couldnt even have dreamed of in my head when i was a student at a place like this, has a rustic small towny feel to it, i love it there. the bar isnt all that interesting though, maybe they could have done more with the space, but whatever, its cool. i wished they had more beers on, most of the usual suspects were there, and just two i hadnt had before, a solid belgian pale ale, and a nice galaxy single hopped ipa. bartender was disinterested, but some of their other staff was hanging out and were cool to chat with, i had a nice time in here. all their beer is good, i have always thought bristol was underrated, but i would have loved a few more tap room exclusives. i was too late to eat, but their menu looks cool. overall one of those landmark places you just have to stop at when in colorado springs. such a unique feel, its like nothing else around. great re-purposing of the school!

 

 

 

This place really needs to get a reality check. no food ,beer is good,place is cool,but they are advertising food that is not available in the joint. go back to serving pretzels from a dog bowl.

 

Gotta visit Ivywild (building that Bristol is located in) if your in the Springs. So much fun with the shuffle board and cornhole set up not to mention it is in a old school with a TOTAL LOCAL VIBE, ive had many fun nights with buddies here. Beers are local favorites and I love all of them, the food at Ivywild is wonderful, local, and fresh! I only wish I could get my laughing lab and winter warlock here in Oregon.
O.B.D91

 

What a cool place. Very unique. Really nice staff. Traveling from Philadelphia and immediately felt at home.

Was impressed with their new digs, I see parking is still an issue...

The multi use facility is not a new idea, but a great addition for the Springs

Beer's aren't as good as they used to be about 10 years ago, but not bad. They just aren't near as daring as they used to be

Service was good/polite

Selection was lacking about 8 different taps, but at least there were a couple of nitro options

Food choices looked promising, didn't partake

 

Our first stop on a self-guided brewery tour of Colorado Springs, and it was a great start to our day.
First, the taproom is in a renovated old schoolhouse that has been converted into a really cool community center. Very unique location because of that. The tap room is well-lit, very open, seemed pretty family-friendly, and have cool, knowledgeable staff.
Beers were all interesting, if not necessarily outstanding, and they had a pretty sizable selection on tap. There were also more to-go in the neighboring gift shop. Service was very good.
Food was limited, but we had some excellent baked pretzels and cheese curds. Both pretty basic but the perfect snack/nosh while trying brews.

 

 

 

Stopped for a flight on a Saturday Night. Beers were OK to good, nothing great. Did like the venue inside an old school, lots of people but plenty of room. Might stop again for a social occasion by if going strictly by beer there are better options in town.