Here's your guide to the best craft beer and local spirits in Steamboat Springs, packed with lively taprooms, bold flavors, and mountain-town charm.
Perched on a cozy barstool with the scent of hops in the air and copper stills shining nearby, that's Steamboat Springs once you step off the slopes. Not Portland, not Denver, but this Colorado mountain town that quietly doubles as a fantastic booze haven.
Steamboat's craft scene is full of personality, powered by brewers and distillers who pour real passion into every batch. Craving a crisp lager after a long run? You'll find it here. In the mood for a small-batch whiskey to settle into the evening? Steamboat has you covered.
Here's a quick taste of what's brewing:
- Storm Peak Brewing Company: Easygoing taproom with mountain views, sunny patio vibes, and a beer lineup full of personality.
- Mountain Tap Brewery: A downtown favorite serving rotating brews and wood-fired comfort food in an open, industrial-chic space.
- The Barley Tap and Tavern: Cozy hangout with rare pours, rotating taps, a huge bottle list, and a team that knows its beer inside out.
- Old Town Pub & Restaurant: A historic gathering spot offering rotating Colorado craft beers, hearty pub food, and plenty of local character.
- Routt Distillery: Small-batch vodka, gin, and whiskey made with traditional methods, local grains, and a friendly, laid-back tasting room.
- Mythology Distillery: A creative distillery with bold spirits, a modern industrial lounge, playful bottle art, and fun events.
At Retreatia, we have many years of local expertise in luxury rental properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown lodging. Many of our rentals are pet-friendly, and all are perfect for any time of the year!
We also proudly see ourselves as local experts, and in our destination blog, we cover everything from hidden gems and indoor attractions to wonderful coffee shops around town. You'll find plenty of tips that will help make your stay in Steamboat Springs a memorable one, no matter the season. Pack your bags, bring your curiosity, and get ready to make memories in this unforgettable corner of the American West!
In this blog post, I've put together a list of the best breweries and distilleries in Steamboat Springs for you to savor great flavors, fun vibes, and plenty of mountain views.
Ready? So, loosen that ski jacket and let's hop into the town's top breweries and distilleries.
1. STORM PEAK BREWING COMPANY
Easygoing taproom and character-filled craft beers.
Located just a quick drive from downtown, Storm Peak Brewing Company serves up some of the most character-filled craft beers in Steamboat Springs. Launched by brothers Wyatt and Tyler Patterson in 2014, it has grown into a favorite hangout for locals and visitors alike. The taproom has an easygoing, social vibe with mountain views pouring through the big windows, and in summer, the patio turns into a sunny hangout for anyone chasing a cold pint. With a wide range of styles on tap and a strong focus on sustainability, this is a brewery that keeps things fun, flavorful, and thoughtful.
What You'll Love
- A sunny patio perfect for warm days.
- A relaxed taproom with communal tables and mountain views.
- A lineup that covers everything from light blondes to bold double IPAs.
- Unique brews like the Barrel Aged Sinister Mint Imperial Stout.
- Sustainability efforts, including spent grain donations and CO2 recapture systems.
2. MOUNTAIN TAP BREWERY
A fun mix of craft beer and wood-fired comfort food.
Mountain Tap Brewery sits right in downtown Steamboat Springs and serves up a fun mix of craft beer and wood-fired comfort food. The industrial-chic setup gives the place an easygoing vibe, and on warm days, the big garage doors slide open so you can enjoy the mountain air with your pint. The beer list changes often, the pizzas come out of the oven sizzling, and the whole place has a relaxed energy that keeps people coming back for another round.
What you'll love
- A lively downtown brewery with a laid-back, industrial vibe.
- Seasonal beers are poured alongside local staples.
- Fruity wheat ales, juicy IPAs, and plenty of easy sippers.
- Wood-fired pizzas and small plates that pair perfectly with the beer.
- Fresh mozzarella Margherita pizza that goes great with their Locals' Lager.
3. THE BARLEY TAP AND TAVERN
A cozy taproom and bottle shop showcases an impressive array of craft beers from Colorado and beyond.
While not a brewery itself, The Barley Tap and Tavern deserves a spot on any craft beer lover's itinerary in Steamboat Springs. This cozy taproom and bottle shop showcases an impressive array of craft beers from Colorado and beyond. The rotating tap list keeps things exciting, the team knows their stuff, and the space is perfect for settling in with something new and flavorful.
What You'll Love
- A constantly changing tap list with rare and limited releases.
- A huge bottle and can selection for sipping on-site or taking home.
- Friendly staff who help you find your next favorite beer.
- Regular tap takeovers and meet-the-brewer nights.
- A laid-back, intimate setting in the heart of downtown.
- Tasting flights for sampling different styles without committing to a full pour.
- Easy to pair with takeout from nearby spots for a casual beer-and-bite combo.
4. OLD TOWN PUB & RESTAURANT
A local institution combining historical charm and craft beer excellence.
A Steamboat Springs institution since 1904, Old Town Pub & Restaurant combines historical charm and craft beer excellence. This beloved establishment has evolved over the years to become a go-to destination for both locals and visitors seeking quality brews and hearty pub fare. The exposed brick, wooden beams, and cozy atmosphere make it an easy place to settle into. The tap list changes often, so each visit comes with something new to try. Add in live music and friendly staff, and you get a spot that always has a lively buzz.
What You'll Love
- A historic pub with tons of character.
- A rotating tap list with craft beers from across Colorado.
- Staff who love pointing you toward your next favorite brew.
- Juicy burgers, hand-cut fries, and other comfort-food staples.
- Regular live music that keeps the energy high.
5. ROUTT DISTILLERY
Small-batch spirits with a little Colorado character.
Routt Distillery is a lively stop for anyone who enjoys small-batch spirits with a little Colorado character. Their team leans into traditional methods, local ingredients, and a warm, relaxed atmosphere that makes tasting feel easy and welcoming. The lineup ranges from smooth vodka and gin to bold whiskey, with each bottle carrying its own story. Seasonal releases add a fun twist, often inspired by nearby farms and seasonal harvests. It's a spot where you can sip good spirits, meet friendly people, and learn a thing or two along the way.
What You'll Love
- Small-batch vodka, gin, and whiskey made with traditional techniques.
- Warrior Whiskey, a bourbon that honors veterans and features notes of vanilla and caramel.
- Spent grain whiskey crafted with grains shared by local breweries.
- A cozy tasting room with staff who love sharing the stories behind each spirit.
- Tours that show the full distillation process up close.
- Eco-friendly practices powered by renewable energy and local grain reuse.
- Fun seasonal releases inspired by Colorado flavors like Palisade peaches and Olathe sweet corn.
6. MYTHOLOGY DISTILLERY
Creative spirit lineup, and a modern tasting room boasting an industrial vibe that feels lively and welcoming.
Mythology Distillery sits just a short drive west of Steamboat Springs and adds a cool, city-style flair to this mountain community. The spirits lineup is creative and full of personality, and the tasting room has a modern, industrial vibe that feels lively and welcoming. Guests can sip cocktails, watch the distilling action through big windows, and dive into flavors inspired by Colorado's adventurous side. Regular events, bold spirits, and playful bottle art turn a simple tasting into a genuinely fun outing in the valley.
What You'll Love
- Vodka, gin, whiskey, and rum crafted with a Colorado attitude.
- Hell Bear American Whiskey with a bold flavor profile.
- Needle Pig Gin with an unexpected botanical twist.
- Fun events like cocktail classes and pairing dinners.
- Bottle designs with storytelling artwork.
- A chance to support local makers and sip something crafted in the high country.
Quick Bits
What is the Number One Selling Craft Beer in America?
While exact sales figures fluctuate, Blue Moon Belgian White Ale often claims the top spot among craft beers in America. Produced by MillerCoors' craft division, it's technically a "crafty" beer rather than true craft. Its popularity stems from its approachable wheat beer style and widespread availability.
How Many Craft Breweries are there in Colorado?
Colorado boasts an impressive number of craft breweries, totaling over 400 as of 2023. This figure continues to grow, reflecting the state's deep-rooted beer culture. Denver alone hosts around 100 breweries, while smaller mountain towns contribute significantly to the count, showcasing Colorado's diverse brewing landscape.
What is the Craft Beer Capital of Colorado?
Fort Collins often earns the title of Colorado's craft beer capital. Home to New Belgium Brewing Company and Odell Brewing Co., it punches above its weight class beer-wise. The city's abundance of breweries per capita, innovative brewing scene, and beer-centric events solidify its reputation as a premier destination for craft beer enthusiasts.
Enjoy every moment of your Steamboat Springs escape
While in town, why not stay in style with the great backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in one of the most iconic rental properties and complexes that Steamboat Springs offers?
Retreatia offers luxury properties, ski-in/ski-out options, and downtown lodgings, many of which are pet-friendly. Staying in one of our properties, we guarantee you'll have nothing less than a 5-star experience, something that will definitely enhance your Steamboat Springs vacation.