10 Best Breweries and Beer Places in Highlands Ranch

"Stranahan’s Whiskey Distillery is a distillery in Denver known for its American Single Malt whiskey. This distillery’s flagship product is made up of 100% malted barley mixed with water from Eldorado Springs. Stranahan’s Whiskey Distillery & Cocktail Bar produce their whiskey by using special oak barrels and are aged at least a couple of years before shipping them out."

"Kalamath St. in Baker, the whiskey bar which offers beer, wine, spirits and more, is the highest rated distillery in Denver, boasting five stars out of 439 reviews on Yelp."

"Casual and affordable restaurants can be the best at what they do and The Post Chicken & Beer on South Broadway is just such a place. For its fans, it's the go-to for deeply satisfying fried chicken in Denver. Guy Fieri clearly agreed when he showcased The Post on a Diners, Drive Ins & Dives segment on his popular show."

"A plate of authentic, crispy-tender, perfectly seasoned and fried chicken is a value at any price (IMHO). But for those who believe fried chicken, however good, should be a dining bargain, you're in luck. Post Brewing Co. has reasonable prices."

"(pronounced "true") has one clear mission: to provide "a rad place to hang out and drink killer beer." Our verdict?. Its chaotic, heavy-metal atmosphere will leave you feeling anything but ordinary, and its beer is far from boring. It doesn’t take brewing too seriously, adhering to Colorado’s laid-back vibe."

"You better be hardcore if you want to try a brew from TRVE (pronounced “true”). This company has been around since 2012 and they brew craft beers that are “beyond the pale,” according to the company website. “To us this implies new ideas, channeling Loki, and embracing chaos,” the website says."

"Because what’s more metal than killer farmhouse ales and grisettes?. Nothing, that’s what. If you like metal, or are just looking for a wild night, TRVE should be one of your top destinations on your trip to Denver."

"This company calls itself a “boutique” brewery since it focuses on small batches and an especially small menu. The offerings include an IPA, a stout, and a witbier most of the time, which is different when compared to other Denver breweries and their mile-long menus. But this new little contender is starting slowly in order to bring the best beer possible to their customers."

"A boutique brewery located in the historic Baker neighborhood, the Novel Strand Brewing Company was started by a group of friends with a diverse background, which seamlessly blends in with its beers. Patrons can choose from a list of beers including an IPA or two, a stout, and delicious ales. Sip your beer on the newly built outdoor patio or inside their cozy taproom."

"Small batches and a small space are a recipe for success The just-opened Novel Strand is starting small. It’s hours only range from Thursday through Sunday and shares its space with the Queen City Coffee Collective. Its debut menu features a handful of beers, including an IPA, a stout, and a wit."

"spike in production and award for "Small Brewing Company of the Year" in 2009 at GABF are pushing its reputation on the Denver beer market. Located on the outskirts of northeast Denver, Dry Dock’s taproom with 180 seats and 16 taps make this little startup competitive with downtown’s most popular brewpubs. Must Try: The Dry Dock Hefeweizen is a dry, light-bodied wheat beer with hints of clove, banana and lemon."

"Dry Dock Brewing’s South Dock location is one of our favorite places to spend an afternoon. Not only is it absolutely huge, packed full of rustic tables perfect for spending time with friends, a comfortable couch area, and a brewing school, but they also happen to feature a lovely outdoor patio. Covered and usually located in proximity to a delicious food truck, Dry Dock’s patio is the place to be this summer."

"Dry Dock is technically located in Aurora, but since Aurora is considered a Denver suburb, we’re including it. And Dry Dock is such an essential Colorado brewery, it would be a shame not to. Like many breweries in the state, it started with some homebrewers who wanted to turn their side hustle into a full-time business."

"Old 121 Brewhouse is just south of Crazy Mountain off Wadsworth. This neighborhood brewery is a cozy hidden gem with regularly rotating taps. Along with seasonal and experimental beers, Old 121 Brewhouse has a few flagship beers that are always available."

"In the 1990s, it added a brewery adjacent to its pub and in 2013, it started bottling and distributing its ales to select locations throughout Colorado. Must Try: Yule Fuel, limited edition spiced holiday ale with gingerbread undertones."

"This locally owned mom and pop brewery has been wowing the Denver area since 2011. Unlike other Denver patios, Copper Kettle’s is tucked away, offering a quiet, shaded oasis where you can enjoy your delicious brew. While you’re there, try to meet our favorite brewer—Charlie, a loveable golden retriever who loves new friends."

"With family friends in Napa Valley and the access to wine barrels, Branded Oak’s specialty is wine barrel-aged beers. But that’s not the only thing that reminds us of California living at their brewery. You can also enjoy al-fresco drinking on their quaint and open patio, which is complete with several long picnic tables, plenty of shade, and wine country-esque greenery."

"Whether you're a hardcore beer lover or a casual patio drinker, Banded Oaks has something everyone will enjoy. Their specialty is wine barrel aged beer thanks to their family friends located in Napa Valley, CA who provide access to wine barrels. Banded Oak brews have an incredibly unique oak flavor that's constantly evolving."

"Nobu Matsuhisa, one of the world’s most sought after sultans of sushi and sashimi, recently opened a Denver outpost of his New York-based flagship. The Cherry Creek showstopper, tricked out with stone accents, reclaimed teak, Japanese cut-out screens and a 14-seat sushi bar, parades beautifully displayed slivers of fresh fish, coupled with five styles of Wagyu beef preparations, lobster tacos, lamb chops, noodles and more. The voluminous wine list is nothing short of epic."

"When none other than world-renowned chef Nobu Matushisa brought his brand of luxe Japanese cuisine to Cherry Creek, the hype was huge and the reviews were rave. Both continue to be earned: Against a hip, loungelike backdrop, the splurges keep coming — among them uni shooters, crab-claw or rock-shrimp tempura, and Nobu’s famous new-style sashimi as well as a sushi selection ranging from abalone nigiri to yellowtail-okra rolls."

"Upscale Japanese restaurant in located in the Steele Creek building in Denver’s Cherry Creek area serving sushi, seafood, salads, sake and cocktails in a posh setting. Hours:Closed todayMon: ClosedTue: 4:30 PM - 8:00 PMWed: 4:30 PM - 8:00 PMThu: 4:30 PM - 8:00 PMFri: 4:30 PM - 9:00 PMSat: 4:30 PM - 9:00 PMSun: Closed. Address:98 Steele St, Denver, CO 80206"

"Family-friendly chain serving homestyle American classics such as chicken-fried steak & pot pie. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinnerDress code: CasualPhone: +1 303-452-3774"

"Azucar Bakery is a specialty cake shop located in South Denver. First founded in 2007 and taken under new ownership in 2020 by bakers James and Janet Williams, Azucar Bakery provides top-notch services as a wedding cake maker to couples in and around Denver. Azucar Bakery offers both fondant and buttercream wedding cakes, each type uniquely beautiful, elegant, and sure to impress your guests upon the big cake reveal."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user David Trawin used under CC BY-SA 2.0. Photo is only for illustrative purposes. Azucar is a family-owned bakery that has been the recipient of various community awards for their themed cakes."