Happy hour is a magical time of the day. People across the nation take advantage of low prices to fill their stomaches with something delicious for a cheaper price. But for you, happy hour is slightly different. You live in Denver, home to some of the best breweries in the world, and that changes the game a little bit. This list is one of the best-kept secrets in town: the Denver breweries that offer killer happy hours. Keep it close, and read it often. Not every brewery in our great city has a happy hour and some offer better ones than others, but the rest of that is up for you to decide. This is a list of five of our favorite happy hours that we have found in our great beer-brewing metropolis. Enjoy!
LowDown Brewery
Where: 800 Lincoln St., Denver
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
When: Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m.- 7 p.m., Friday, 4 p.m.- 6 p.m.
What: Lunch special of $8.50 for a pint of beer and two house slices of pizza. Evening special of $1 off drafts and $5 off food delicious pizza and beer.
Why: This Capitol Hill brewery offers a beer selection that contains a wider variety than the typical hop heavy beer (although it does offer a Low Down IPA for the hop heads out there). Along this ever-rotating tap of brews (you can view today’s selection here), it offers an extensive menu. This modern American tavern features everything from inventive pizzas like the Peppadew or Peppadon’t, made with Prosciutto, pear, gorgonzola, pureed peppadew, mozzarella, pesto to a selection of salads and starters like humus and Brussel sprouts. This, coupled with a friendly wait staff, makes for a cozy and communal happy hour.
Joy Ride Brewery
Where: 2501 Sheridan Blvd, Edgewater
When: 4 p.m.- 7 p.m.
What: $1.50 off draft beers
Why: What could be better than a brewery where you can bring your dog? Joyride is one of the only dog friendly breweries out there, and that is only one of several awesome features that make this brewery a must see for happy hour. Joyride has a great, interactive patio area where you can play corn hole and other fun outdoor games. Also as a bonus the brewery is building a rooftop deck that will be great for the summer time.
Yak and Yeti Brewery
Where: 7803 Ralston Rd, Arvada
When: 3 p.m.- 6 p.m.
What: $1.50 off beers.
Why: Bet you never thought an Indian place would also have a brew pub? But this isn’t your ordinary Indian restaurant. Not only do you get to eat your weight in curry and naan bread, but you can also drink it in delicious Indian style brews. The atmosphere is very friendly, and makes you feel at home. It is one of our favorite places to stop when feeling famished. Try the Chai Milk Stout for a knock-your-socks-off kind of experience.
Prost Brewery
Where: 2540 19th St., Denver
When: Tuesday from 4 p.m. to close
Why: $8 Beer and Brat
What: Prost is one of the only Colorado breweries that makes exclusively German style beer. Luckily, it also makes delicious German style food. The large open table seating, flags draped from the ceiling, and occasional worker in lederhosen makes drinking here feel like a miniature vacation, particularly after a few liters. Come grab a liter while relaxing in an atmosphere that it is intimate enough for you to have a chat with the owners.
Black Sky Brewery
Where: 490 Santa Fe Dr., Denver
Neighborhood: Baker
When: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Why: $1 off drafts and $3 wells
What: This brewery plays hard rock music, but defies the what you might think of as an in your face heavy metal bar. Rather with an approachable vibe, Black Sky feels less like you are stepping into a bad acid trip and more like your neighborhood joint but with a twist. It is a little dark inside, but the atmosphere is open and enjoyable. The wait staff is nice, inviting, and open to any questions. Make sure to ask them about its brews, especially ones with fun names like Demonseed IPA or Toxic Zombie Pale Ale.