One night in Denver

Freshcraft is cool when it's not busy. Went tonight for the Bruery tap takeover and it was like GABF weekend packed. That meant nowhere to sit or even stand really. 10 minutes of standing at the bar before I was able to even order a beer. Went to Falling Rock after one beer at Freshcraft and was happy with that decision.

 

Freshcraft (like Hops & Pie) has always been held back by their size. Both are the perfect size for normal everyday traffic, but neither is built to handle special events. I don't really think there is anything either can do about it, so that's just life.

 

Not sure Hops & Pie can even handle normal everyday traffic.

 

no shit. either place is just terrible when there is a big event. although last GABF week i got to h&p nice and early and had BA Sump so... whammy.

 

Dammit!!! I would have skipped out on even more work for that! I was literally right down the road talking with one of the Perennial brewers at Small Batch! He said nothing

 

He distracted you. He kept you from your goals!

 

had a really bad experience at Hops & Pie before... Sat at the bar for literally 10 minutes without so much as an acknowledgement of our presence. It was less than busy, and we left less than impressed without ordering anything. I will not go back.

 

It's always a bummer to hear stories like this about a place you like. I have no doubt you're telling the truth, but I have no stake in the place when I tell you: you should give it a second try. Great food, killer taps, and very friendly staff each of the many many times I've been there. I hope you try them again but I can understand your complaint, I've been there too!

 

I will be going through Denver to hit up the upcoming Snowmass Ragnar race this upcoming weekend. After we are done abusing our legs and lungs on the mountain, we all plan to abuse our livers in Denver. Thanks for the advice on good places to eat/drink.

My second concern is, if we are all staying near the airport, any good liquor shops to hit up? (we do have a car and I am willing to drive, within reason) I am hoping to score a few bottles of tasty brew that we don't see in MN distro. Heck, even some of the better Avery options that we don't see much of. Suggestions on shops to hit? I don't need to score cellar gems, just looking for good options. I would also take advice on local (or CO) brews that might not be well know but are worth taking back to MN to share with my fellow MN BA'ers.

Thanks in advance all!

 

@Ridder - Most of the places in this thread are downtown. So are you looking for bottle shops downtown or near the airport? If you are going to be stopping downtown, Argonaut is one of your best bets. It may not have the best selection, but almost assuredly the largest.

I am still new to the CO local beer scene, but one of my smaller favorites that you can find in cans is Renegade.

 

Bottle near the airport would be nice, but we will be coming through Denver and our driver is just as much of a beer geek as I am so twisting his arm to stop at a few good places should be easy. Thanks for the heads up on Argonaut, I will check that one out.

 

If I may... I would recommend Mr. Bs near the baseball stadium, Coors Field, over Argonaut. They're gonna have a better selection of the rare-er stuff. Also very convenient to I-70 is Small Batch Liquors, either one of those places would be a good stop for sure.

And @Ridder , bring me some Surly for my troubles! haha

 

If you're taking 70 up into the mountains, stop by Molly's. It's just off the highway in Lakeside. Huge place with tons of beer.

 

+1 for Small Batch. Can grab some Casey if you want rare CO stuff

 

Thanks all for the recommendations - we hit Freshcraft for dinner & the food was amazing. I had Crimini Tacos that were one of the best meals I've had in the past couple of years. Then we hit Falling Rock & I had Superpower, which lived up to its billing. I'll be back in Denver shortly & Comrade is #1 on my list of places to stop when we return.