Summit County, Colorado is a top destination for craft beer in a state known for great beer! With a number of amazing breweries spread throughout Breckenridge, Silverthorne, Keystone, Frisco and Dillon, there is no shortage of incredible beer to sample during your visit. Here are the top spots you should include in your Summit County brewery tour. We’ve also included several beer-themed events that you might want to check out on your next Summit County vacation!
Outer Range Brewing Co.
Outer Range is a must-stop for any craft beer lover. Known for their hazy IPAs, this Frisco brewery has gained a reputation as one of the best in Colorado. Frequently rotating taps of seasonal IPAs and Belgian-inspired beers means there’s always something new to try. The on-site restaurant, Bird Craft, offers Thai fried chicken and Asian-inspired rice bowls to pair perfectly with their brews. The brewery has a cozy and modern mountain vibe, with plenty of seating, an upstairs deck, and a dog-friendly patio with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You can even purchase some cans to go to stock your vacation rental fridge! There’s also a coffee shop inside the space, for those that need an extra pick me up.
Address: 182 Lusher Ct, Frisco, CO
Phone: 970-455-8709
Highside Brewing
This Frisco main street brewery not only offers a fantastic selection of beers, they also have some incredible mountain views. Overlooking the Ten Mile Range and part of Dillon Reservoir, this brewery is a charming spot to enjoy a cold one. They are known for their adventurous takes on classic IPAs and an impressive tap list gives you plenty of options from kolschs to stouts. The kitchen serves up hearty Colorado BBQ to pair with their brews, and you’ll likely find live music or trivia several nights of the week. Highside Brewing also has a cozy location in a historic home in Breckenridge, as well as a Fairplay taproom.
Address: 720 Main St, Frisco, CO
Phone: 970-668-2337
Angry James Brewing
In Silverthorne, Angry James Brewing is a cozy spot known for its approachable and well-crafted beers. They have a rotating selection of IPAs, lagers, and wheat beers, so there’s always something new to try. But what makes it special is the friendly, welcoming atmosphere in their taproom – you’ll feel right at home when you walk in. A gourmet selection of grilled cheese sandwiches and shareable appetizers complement the beers here, and trivia and live music are a weekly staple as well.
Address: 421 Adams Ave, Silverthorne, CO
Phone: 970-455-8800
Dillon Dam Brewery
Dillon Dam Brewery is one of the largest brewpubs in Colorado, offering a one-stop shop for beer lovers with a wide variety of award-winning beers and a full restaurant menu. The family-friendly taproom feels like a bar and grill with a hint of ski chalet, with a spacious dining area and patio seating overlooking the mountains. In warmer months, there is a beer garden and live music, making this a perfect place to enjoy the Colorado summer evenings.
Address: 100 Little Dam Street, Dillon, CO
Phone: 970-262-7777
Pug Ryan’s Brewery
Located near Dillon Reservoir, this brewery set in a log cabin is a favorite among both locals and tourists. Pug Ryan’s offers everything from crisp lagers to robust ales in a relaxed lakeside setting. Their food menu is full of pub favorites like burgers, sandwiches, and fish and chips. It’s a great spot to grab a beer and a bite after spending a day on the lake or before catching a concert at the Dillon Amphitheater.
Address: 104 Village Pl, Dillon, CO
Phone: 970-468-2145
Steep Brewing and Coffee Company
For those who love both coffee and beer, Steep Brewing and Coffee Company in Keystone is the perfect spot. This unique establishment set in the Gateway Mountain Lodge offers handcrafted coffee, craft beer and cocktails – sometimes mixed together in interesting combinations. The taproom is a cozy, inviting space where you can enjoy both beverages throughout the day, as well as delicious eats from their robust breakfast and lunch menu.
Address: 23110 US-6 #116, Keystone, CO
Phone: 970-409-8145
Breckenridge Brewery
No list of Summit County breweries would be complete without mentioning Breckenridge Brewery, one of the pioneers of Colorado’s craft beer scene. Serving up delicious brews since the 90s, this spot has a cozy atmosphere and rustic charm that makes it easy to see why it remains a local favorite. There’s a full menu featuring everything from burgers to salads, and the outdoor patio is a prime spot for people-watching while you sip your beer. In addition to their flagship downtown Breckenridge location, they also have a brewery south of Denver in Littleton, as well as in Fort Collins.
Broken Compass Brewing
Just a few minutes outside of downtown Breckenridge, Broken Compass is a beloved local gem. This laid-back brewery offers a diverse beer selection with everything from seasonal blonde ales to toasty coconut porters. They offer a limited selection of snacks, but you’re welcome to bring your own food or order from nearby restaurants. Their unpretentious taproom is dog-friendly inside and out, so don’t hesitate to bring your furry friend along. Broken Compass has 2 locations – their “OG” location on the North end of Breckenridge and where the beer is brewed, and the newer taproom on Main Street in Breckenridge.
Address: 68 Continental Ct Unit B-12, Breckenridge, CO (OG Location)
Phone: 970-368-2772 (OG Location)
Beer-Focused Events in Summit County
Summit County has some fun beer events throughout the year that are the perfect opportunity to sample local beers while enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery.
- Breckenridge Oktoberfest
Held annually in September, this festival features German-style beers from local breweries alongside traditional food vendors serving bratwurst and pretzels. - Lake Dillon Beer Festival
Typically taking place in June, this festival showcases numerous breweries from across Colorado, offering beer tastings and live music on the shores of Lake Dillon.
With so many incredible breweries to explore, Summit County is a dream destination for craft beer fans as well as a fun activity for any visitor – there’s always a great beer (and a great view) waiting for you. Book your Summit County vacation rental and get ready for a brewery-hopping adventure through the area!
