Coming to Denver

Euclid hall and Freshcraft for sure for food. Also, I would look at some of the smaller breweries like Renegade, Denver Beer Co, and River North. If you want to venture a little farther down south hit Copper Kettle. Another cool place is Cheeky monk for Belgian beers and good food and Denver Bicycle Cafe, both are near downtown. Lastly, don't worry about if a tour is scheduled at New Belgium, usually if you just tell them you are looking for a tour, a few parties don't show up and you can hop on a tour. If you get to Ft. Collins, check out Funkwerks and Equinox, they brew great beer and have awesome atmospheres. As far as restaurants/bars in Fort Collins, Mayor of Old town, Cranknstein, Choice City Butcher, and Tap and Handle are all must sees. Possibly cafe vino, just check out the tap list before. Phew.

Almost forgot if you go down south, go to Lukas liquor for a huge bottle shop. Downtown go to Mr. Bs, the owner Scott is awesome, and they have some bottles other places don't. Argonaut is also worth a stop which is very close to downtown. O and definitely, definitely stop at Hops and Pie, great beer and great pizza. Highland tap and burger is probably worth a stop too. . . .great burgers also in the downtown area. PM me if you would like to meet up for some beers sometime this weekend or if you need any clarification.

Cheers!

Stephen

 

A lot of those are within walking distance of downtown.... Or you can actually rent bikes that are setup all over the downtown.

 

The art district and museums are very close to downtown and then there is the botanical gardens. Where are you staying?

 

It's actually the highlands, so it is super close to a bunch of those destinations, and just a few steps over a bridge from downtown.

 

Nice. My wife and I stayed there for almost 3 months when we moved out here. We were in the process of buying a house and getting settled, so we were there a loooong time. That was 6 years ago, but they were awesome. Nice big rooms and a full breakfast and dinner every night. Super easy to cab it or drive downtown. I remember it being only like 5 minutes to falling rock. Needless to say, we were there alot! There's a bottle shop called Mondo Vino a few blocks behind the hotel that's worth checking out. They get some nice stuff in there from time to time. Have fun!

 

Fruition is a must if you want to experience some of Denver's best dining. Wonderful knowledge in the kitchen with their chef taking the farm to table focus a step further by owing his own farm south of the city. Most of their greens and dairy is made just for the restaurant, some local locations sell Fruition Farms sheep's milk cheese. They also have one of Denver's greatest beer lists for a restaurant of this caliber. One of the first places to actually offer bottles of Russian River...

The Kitchen just opened a Denver location right on the 16th street mall (16th and Wazee) and is a great place for a long lunch, extravagant dinner or simply some oysters and pate in the afternoon. They might offer one of the largest and most thought out selections of beers in the state. They were pouring Barrel Aged Ten Fity under the radar for weeks. This has to be a stop if you are interested in food with some great local beer options. Strong presence of Shelton Brother beers on their bottle list as well.

Coming from the Highlands, another great favorite would be Colt and Grey. While their cocktail program is one of the strongest in the city, their selection of beers is varied and always up to date. There is some sneaky stuff hidden in their coolers. They actually had Oude Tart for a while years ago. Great stuff, go for brunch if you are here by Sunday. Simply one of the most memorable restaurants in the city.

Fuel Cafe is an odd ball place to find but if you have a car and can print out a map, is worth the trip. Always an enjoyable experience for lunch and brunch. This isn't overly beer geeky but does offer a decent selection.

Hops and Pie is another great option for something more stripped down and simple. Pizzas and Sandwiches are top notch and there is always something on tap that can't be found easily throughout the city.

Fresh Craft is another great lunch spot. Always a good list to choose from.

The Clifford Still Museum has been one of the more memorable Denver destinations of recent. It's fulfilling, beautiful and a bit overwhelming, all of which make for a great experience. Pint's Pub is right across the street, some fun English styled beers if you are into the style.

Trve just opened up a bit south of downtown. Not a terrible distance if you are commuting by bike or bus. No food but a lot of locals and some good offerings to be had. Hope you like minor chords...

Mr. B's and Mondo Vino are the best places for bottle shops within the highlands and downtown. Highland Wine and Spirits might not have the greatest track record of late on this site but the shop always has some great gems.

Hope this helps. One of the best Denver attractions is metting up with fellow beer drinkers. Some great people on this site that would happily show you around and buy you a pint.

Enjoy.

 

don't let the schedule at NB fool you, they have a walk in waiting list, if someone doesn't show up for their tour they'll slip you in instead. if there is one or two of you you'll get right in.

 

OP - I'll be in Denver the week after you are. My "to do" list is about the same as yours, but do a quick post when you get back if you found anything especially noteworthy.

 

I'll be in Denver starting tomorrow until Tuesday. Great info!

 

Good to know...I have never gone because the schedule is always booked by the time I try to sign up. Was completely unaware of the walk in policy.

 

Cool let me know, hopefully we can grab some beers.

 

yeah, a friend of mine went up to that last beer festival a few weeks ago and after seeing the line went to NB instead. he and his wife put their names on a wait list and got in on the next tour. he told me it was an amazing tour.

and to the OP, i've heard this is a greeat tour through lodo...
http://www.denvermicrobrewtour.com/