Colorado Springs Craft Brewery Guide: Every Brewery Worth Visiting

Colorado has long been one of America's premier craft brewing states, and Colorado Springs — nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak — has developed a craft brewery scene that punches well above its weight. With more than 15 independent craft breweries operating in the greater Colorado Springs area, there's something for every palate, from approachable lagers and hoppy IPAs to barrel-aged sours and experimental wild ales.

This is your definitive brewery guide to Colorado Springs.

The Classics: Breweries You Must Visit

Bristol Brewing Company

Bristol Brewing Company is the beating heart of Colorado Springs craft beer. Founded in 1994, Bristol is one of Colorado's longest-running craft breweries and holds a special place in the city's identity. The brewery is housed in the remarkable Ivywild School — a beautifully restored 1916 elementary school — which now serves as a community hub with a coffee shop, bookstore, and the brewery's expansive taproom all under one roof.

Bristol's core lineup includes the beloved Laughing Lab Scottish Ale (a perennial GABF gold medalist), Mass Transit Ale (an approachable amber), and a rotating selection of seasonals and small-batch experiments. The dog-friendly patio is open year-round, and the event calendar is packed.

Address: 1604 S Cascade Ave | Hours: Mon–Thu 11 AM–9 PM, Fri–Sat 11 AM–10 PM, Sun 11 AM–8 PM

Phantom Canyon Brewing Co

If Bristol is the city's most beloved brewery, Phantom Canyon is its most iconic. Located in a stunning 1901 four-story brick building at the corner of Pikes Peak Avenue and Tejon Street, Phantom Canyon has anchored the downtown craft beer scene since 1993. The brewery produces 12+ house beers at all times — from their flagship Zebulon American Pale Ale to rotating stouts, wheat beers, and seasonals — served in a massive, atmospheric space with original pressed tin ceilings.

The rooftop bar is one of the best vantage points in downtown Colorado Springs, and the patio fills up on warm afternoons. Happy hour (Monday–Friday, 3–6 PM) features $1 off all drafts and discounted appetizers — some of the best happy hour value in the city.

Address: 2 E Pikes Peak Ave | Hours: Mon–Thu 11 AM–10 PM, Fri–Sat 11 AM–11 PM, Sun 11 AM–9 PM

The Innovators: Pushing Craft Beer Forward

Trinity Brewing Company

Trinity Brewing Company has built a national reputation by doing what few Colorado breweries attempt: mastering Belgian and wild fermentation styles. Their farmhouse ales, saisons, and barrel-aged sours have earned coverage in Beer Advocate, All About Beer, and craft beer press across the country.

Trinity is a certified B Corporation and LOCUS-certified, prioritizing sustainability alongside flavor. The Hilldale location features a cozy taproom; rotating tap handles and bottle releases attract serious beer enthusiasts from across the state.

Address: 1466 Garden of the Gods Rd | Hours: Tue–Thu 3 PM–9 PM, Fri 2 PM–10 PM, Sat 12 PM–10 PM, Sun 12 PM–8 PM

Cerberus Brewing Company

Cerberus leans into mythology-inspired branding and delivers on the drama with a rotating 20-handle tap list of bold, creative beers. Hazy IPAs, dark imperial stouts, fruited sours — Cerberus approaches brewing like a rotating experiment. The spacious north Colorado Springs taproom hosts regular events: trivia nights, live music, and themed release parties.

Address: 702 W Colorado Ave | Hours: Mon–Thu 3 PM–9 PM, Fri 2 PM–10 PM, Sat 12 PM–10 PM, Sun 12 PM–8 PM

Community Breweries: Neighborhood Anchors

Goat Patch Brewing Company

Goat Patch is a woman-owned craft brewery that has become one of the most community-focused taprooms in Colorado Springs. Their beer program balances accessibility with craft — the Colorado Common Lager is a genuine daily drinker, while seasonal releases explore more adventurous territory. Regular food truck nights, yoga mornings, and community fundraisers make Goat Patch a true neighborhood hub.

Address: 2727 N Cascade Ave | Hours: Mon–Thu 3 PM–9 PM, Fri–Sat 12 PM–10 PM, Sun 11 AM–8 PM

Red Leg Brewing Company

Red Leg honors the soldiers of Fort Carson and the U.S. Army with a military-themed brewery that has become a gathering place for veterans, active duty personnel, and the broader community. Each beer name pays tribute to military history, from the Howitzer Hefeweizen to the Reconnaissance IPA. Patriotic pride, quality beer, and community events define the Red Leg experience.

Address: 4630 Forge Rd | Hours: Mon–Thu 2 PM–9 PM, Fri 12 PM–10 PM, Sat 11 AM–10 PM, Sun 11 AM–8 PM

Tips for Your Colorado Springs Brewery Tour

Start at Bristol, anchor at Phantom Canyon. These two breweries represent the history and heart of Colorado Springs craft beer and are required visits.

Ask about food trucks. Many Colorado Springs taprooms don't have full kitchens but partner with rotating food trucks. Check Instagram before visiting.

Consider a designated driver or rideshare. The main brewery clusters — downtown, south Cascade, Old Colorado City, north Colorado Springs — are accessible by Lyft/Uber. A proper brewery tour can cover 4–5 locations in an afternoon/evening.

Seek out limited releases. Trinity's barrel-aged releases, Bristol's seasonal specialties, and Cerberus's experimental batches are worth watching the calendar for.