Best Microbrew Bars in Denver

Denver may not be the birthplace of beer, but they have become a brewery Mecca. Almost every restaurant and entrepreneur in the area has their very own brew. From local bars and eateries, to huge brew houses and breweries, Denver is a beer lovers paradise. Whether you enjoy a nice blonde or a more stout lager, you can find it all in the Denver area. The only problem is that with so many, it is hard to find the best one. There are so many that most of the locals that don't even have the time to tour them all. Unless you are going on a month long drinking binge, you won't be able to sample everything. Here is a look at five of the best that Denver has to offer.

Breckenridge Brewery: www.breckbrew.com
Breckenridge Brewery is really taking off to become one of the top national microbrews. It is no mystery why either. They have some really great brews that fit almost every palate and season. From the agave wheat with that southwest flair, to their vanilla porter that pleases your sweet tooth, there is a brew for everyone. Any of these can be paired with some very tasty eats at their Denver restaurant. Located at 471 Kalamath St just minutes from downtown, or right next to the ballpark at 2220 Blake St., this little brew house offers some of the best BBQ in the area as well. The pulled pork pairs well with the Agave Wheat with an orange slice. No matter what pairings you decide on, you are sure to be pleased. If you go during happy hour, the specials will be as refreshing to your wallet as the beer is to your palate.

Hops Grill and Brewery: www.hopsrestaurants.com
Hops Grill is the hidden gem of Denver. This is one of the best brews in the nation and it is situated just southeast of the downtown area at 149 Steele St. It is tucked away and off the beaten path, but the beers are worth the little extra distance. The menu is amazing with several seafood options. This is a great place for those that are tired of the BBQ microbrews and want some variety to the menu. The beers are awesome. There are several different varieties and some awesome seasonal brews. The Alligator Ale is a very nice stout beer with a dark finish and pairs well with the Jamaican Brew master Steak. For dessert you have to try the raspberry brew when they have it. This seasonal ale is one of the best cider type sweet beers anywhere.

Big Horn Brewing Company: www.cbpotts.com
CB & Potts (also known as Big Horn) Brewing company and restaurant is one of the more nationally recognized brew houses in the Denver area. This means that you could find your favorite Big Horn when you get back home. For those that have already experienced these brews, a trip to 6575 S. Greenwood may be in order. Located near Denver Tech, this is a great little eatery with several different microbrews. The Big Red I.P.A is one of the best reds you can buy. It pairs well with just about everything as well.

Denver Chop House and Brewery: www.chophouse.com
This is one of the finer establishments in Denver. For a more sophisticated brew house, you definitely want to hit the Chop House. This place also has a very nice micro wine list as well. The red and the wheat are the top beers in this place, but I keep finding myself starting with the sampler. The sampler gives you a smaller sampling of all the available brews. This is a great way to find the perfect one for you. The mussels or calamari are a must for starters and there are several fine choices from the menu to go with them. This is a very classy place with one of the best beer selections in Denver.

Sand Lot Brewery: (303) 298-1587
If you make it over to the ballpark, Sandlot is a nice and refreshing stop. This place is a little expensive for what they have, but a good experience. This is a microbrewery that is actually owned by Coors, but they are not very corporate. This little lunch spot is perfect for the light meal and offers several new micros from the big guy. While Coors does not brew the beer, they fund several brew masters to experiment with their craft and create some surprisingly tasty little concoctions. For anyone just getting into the micro brew scene. This is a great little intro to the world of the micro brew.

Denver is full of little mom and pop breweries. They are also housed all around the city. No matter what area or suburb of Denver you venture to, there is a nice little micro near you. Some of the best micros have come from the Denver area as well. This is a great place to try new flavors, reacquaint with old ones, or even learn the craft yourself. There are is so much to learn and sample in this area that every beer drinker can find the perfect taste. It may take some leg work, but walking is easier with a couple beers in your gut.