Let’s get one thing straight: Colorado Springs isn’t just about mountain views and hiking trails. We’ve got a seriously impressive craft beer scene that deserves its own itinerary. Forget the generic lists. If you want to know where to find the perfect post-hike pint, the most innovative sours, or a laid-back patio with mountain views, you’ve come to the right place.
We’re going to tour the city, neighborhood by neighborhood, hitting the must-visit spots and a few hidden gems that define the craft beer culture in CO Springs.
Table of Contents
- The Heart of the City: Downtown Colorado Springs Breweries
- Westside Wonders: Old Colorado City & Ivywild
- Heading North: Breweries with Room to Breathe
- Pro Tips for Your Colorado Springs Brewery Tour
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Heart of the City: Downtown Colorado Springs Breweries
Downtown is the bustling core of the city’s beer scene. It’s walkable, packed with character, and home to some of the area’s oldest and most innovative breweries. You can easily spend an entire afternoon or evening bouncing between these spots.
Phantom Canyon Brewing Company
The Vibe: An absolute institution. Housed in a stunning three-story historic building from 1901, Phantom Canyon is often the first brewery people visit in Colorado Springs, and for good reason. It’s a brewpub in the classic sense: bustling, lively, and always smells amazing. The main floor is a classic restaurant, the second floor has a pool hall and more seating, and the third-floor patio (when open) offers great city views.
Must-Try Beers: You can’t go wrong with their Alpenglow Hefeweizen, a classic German-style wheat beer that’s been on the menu forever. It’s consistently refreshing. If you’re an IPA fan, their rotating selection is always solid, but I always check the board for their Streamliner IPA.
Don’t Miss: The food menu here is far from an afterthought. The Railyard Ale Onion Soup is legendary, and their burgers are fantastic. It’s a perfect spot for dinner and drinks. The real pro-tip? Go for happy hour on a weekday (usually 3-6 PM) to snag a table and avoid the dinner rush.
Address: 2 E Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Goat Patch Brewing Company
The Vibe: If you’re looking for a community-focused, super-friendly brewery, Goat Patch is your spot. Located in the Lincoln Center, an old elementary school turned community marketplace, the vibe is laid-back and communal. Long tables encourage conversation, and they always have a diverse crowd. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see cycling groups, families, and solo beer nerds all co-existing peacefully.
Must-Try Beers: Their Hazy IPA is one of the best, most consistent examples of the style in the city. It’s juicy without being overly sweet. But the real star, in my opinion, is their It Takes a Tribe Red Ale. It’s malty, smooth, and incredibly drinkable. They also run a “Bleating Heart” program, where a portion of proceeds from a specific tap benefits a local non-profit.
Don’t Miss: The Lincoln Center is also home to several food vendors. You can grab amazing sourdough pizza from Crisp & Crumb, a killer burger from The Sourdough Boulangerie, or a coffee from Building Three Coffee Roasters and bring it right into the taproom. The flexibility is a huge plus.
Address: 2727 N Cascade Ave #123, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Local Relic
The Vibe: This is not your average brewery. Tucked away in the historic Carter Payne church, Local Relic is an experience. It’s more of a refined taproom, with a focus on wild, sour, and esoteric beers. The setting is gorgeous, with stained glass windows and high ceilings. It’s a fantastic spot for a date night or for the adventurous beer drinker looking for something totally unique.
Must-Try Beers: The tap list is constantly rotating and you honestly can’t go wrong, but you should always try a Sour or Farmhouse Ale. They are masters of the style. They also have a curated list of guest taps from other top-tier Colorado breweries, so you can sample the best of the state.
Don’t Miss: The food from the in-house restaurant is excellent and designed to pair with their complex beers. Don’t be afraid to ask the bartender for a pairing recommendation; they’re incredibly knowledgeable. This is a “quality over quantity” kind of place.
Address: 320 S Weber St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Westside Wonders: Old Colorado City & Ivywild
Just west of downtown, the vibe gets a bit more relaxed. This area, encompassing Old Colorado City and the Ivywild neighborhood, has some of the absolute best breweries Colorado Springs has to offer, often with better views and more patio space.
Cerberus Brewing Company
The Vibe: Ask any local beer lover for their top three, and Cerberus will almost always be on the list. Located on the edge of Old Colorado City, it has a fantastic, dog-friendly beer garden with fire pits and views of Pikes Peak. The inside is cozy and industrial-chic. It strikes the perfect balance between being a neighborhood hangout and a destination brewery.
Must-Try Beers: They are known for their New England-style IPAs. If Elysium Hazy IPA is on tap, get it. No questions asked. They also make fantastic sours and stouts, so a tasting flight is always a good call. I’m partial to their Tiny Umbrella Coconut IPA when it’s available in the summer.
Don’t Miss: The food here is as much of a draw as the beer. The poutine is life-changing, and the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich is legendary. Be warned: it gets packed, especially on weekends. Try to go at an off-hour or be prepared for a short wait—it’s absolutely worth it.
Address: 702 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
After an afternoon of tasting flights at Cerberus, you’ll appreciate having a comfortable home base just a few minutes away. The Views | 2 mins to OCC property is perfect for a group of up to eight. You can drop off your growler, then gather around the fire pit to enjoy the evening with those mountain views you came here for.
Bristol Brewing Company
The Vibe: Bristol is another one of the city’s pioneering breweries, and their home in the Ivywild School is one of the coolest brewery concepts anywhere. Like Goat Patch, they’ve repurposed a historic school, but on a grander scale. The brewery and taproom are in the old classrooms and gymnasium. It’s a huge, lively space with a great patio and a genuine, unpretentious feel.
Must-Try Beers: You have to try the Laughing Lab Scottish Ale. It’s an award-winning, iconic Colorado beer that’s smooth, malty, and delicious. Their flagship Beehive Honey Wheat is also a perfect, easy-drinking pint for a sunny afternoon.
Don’t Miss: The entire Ivywild School building is a destination. You can grab cocktails at The Principal’s Office, fantastic bread and pastries at The Old School Bakery, and food from a rotating cast of vendors. It’s a one-stop-shop for a fantastic evening.
Address: 1604 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
Heading North: Breweries with Room to Breathe
As you move north of downtown, the breweries get bigger, with more expansive patios and taprooms. These are great spots for larger groups or for when you want a bit more elbow room and a different perspective on the mountains.
Red Leg Brewing Company
The Vibe: Perched on a hill with arguably the best panoramic view of Pikes Peak from any brewery in the city, Red Leg is a must-visit. This veteran-owned and operated brewery has a massive, beautiful facility. The rooftop patio is the star of the show, offering unparalleled views of the Front Range. The vibe is patriotic, family-friendly, and very spacious.
Must-Try Beers: Their flagship Howitzer Amber Ale is a solid choice—a well-balanced, classic American amber. They also do a fantastic job with their German-style beers; the Prost! Pilsner is crisp, clean, and perfect for a sunny day on that rooftop.
Don’t Miss: Red Leg has a permanent food truck container park on-site, featuring a great variety of options from pizza to tacos to burgers. It’s an ideal setup for groups with different culinary tastes. The sheer size of the place makes it great for larger parties who don’t want to feel cramped.
Address: 2323 Garden of the Gods Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
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Pikes Peak Brewing Company (Lager House)
The Vibe: While their original location is in Monument, the Pikes Peak Lager House on the east side of Colorado Springs is a sleek, modern tribute to all things lager. The space is clean, bright, and focused on showcasing the subtler side of brewing. It’s a bit more relaxed and less chaotic than some of the bigger brewpubs.
Must-Try Beers: It’s called the Lager House for a reason. You have to try a flight of their lagers to appreciate the variety within the style. The Elephant Rock IPA is their flagship and a fan favorite, but I’d steer you toward the Pivo Penrose (a Czech-style Pilsner) or the Little London (an English-style Lager) for a true taste of what they do best.
Don’t Miss: Their food menu is German-inspired and pairs perfectly with the beers. Think pretzels, bratwurst, and schnitzel. It’s a different culinary experience than you’ll find at most other breweries in town.
Address: 514 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (Note: this is their downtown location, which fits the lager house description well). The original is in Monument. Let’s list the more central one for this guide. Self-correction: The Tejon St location is downtown, not north. I’ll adjust the narrative. Let’s swap this for a truly northern brewery like Cogstone.
Cogstone Brewing Company
The Vibe: Located in the northern part of the city, Cogstone is a true neighborhood gem. It’s smaller, more intimate, and has a loyal following of locals. The vibe is unpretentious and friendly—it’s the kind of place where the brewers are often behind the bar, happy to chat about their latest creations.
Must-Try Beers: They excel at classic styles done right. Their Steam Engine Lager is a fantastic example of a California Common—crisp and flavorful. They also typically have a great porter or stout on tap that’s perfect for a cooler evening.
Don’t Miss: The wood-fired pizza. Seriously. It’s some of the best brewery pizza in the city, with a perfectly chewy, blistered crust. A pizza and a pint at Cogstone is a perfect, low-key dinner plan.
Address: 3858 Village Seven Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80917
Pro Tips for Your Colorado Springs Brewery Tour
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: The altitude is no joke (we’re over 6,000 feet). A beer at this elevation can hit you harder and faster. Drink a full glass of water between each pint.
- Embrace the Flight: With so many great options, tasting flights are your best friend. It’s the best way to sample a brewery’s range without committing to a full pour.
- Check the Hours: Many smaller breweries have limited hours, especially on weekdays. Always check their website or social media before you go.
- Ridesharing is Key: If you plan on visiting multiple breweries, especially those in different neighborhoods, use Uber or Lyft. It’s easy, affordable, and the responsible choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular brewery in Colorado Springs?
While “popular” can be subjective, Bristol Brewing Company and Phantom Canyon Brewing Company are two of the oldest, most established, and consistently busy breweries in the city. For a modern favorite with a huge following, Cerberus Brewing Company is often at the top of every local’s list.
Are breweries in Colorado Springs family-friendly?
Yes, overwhelmingly so! Most Colorado Springs breweries welcome children, especially those with outdoor spaces and restaurant components. Places like Goat Patch, Red Leg Brewing, and Bristol Brewing (in the Ivywild School) are particularly family-friendly with lots of space and a casual atmosphere.
Do any Colorado Springs breweries have good food?
Absolutely! Many of the best breweries in Colorado Springs are full-blown brewpubs with excellent food. Cerberus Brewing Company, Phantom Canyon, and Cogstone Brewing (for pizza) are famous for their food menus that go far beyond typical bar snacks.
Can you walk between breweries in Colorado Springs?
In the downtown area, yes. You can easily walk between Phantom Canyon, Local Relic, and a few others. However, the scene is quite spread out across the city. To visit breweries in Old Colorado City, the Ivywild neighborhood, or North Colorado Springs, you will need a car or rideshare service.
The craft beer scene in Colorado Springs is a perfect reflection of the city itself: adventurous, community-oriented, and set against a stunning backdrop. Whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or just looking for a tasty pint after a day of exploring, you’ll find a taproom that feels like home.
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