June 8th, 2021
It’s summer in the springs, which means you’ll want to spend most of your time outdoors taking in the fresh mountain air and partaking in the many festivals that roll around this time of year. But when it comes to cooling down, few things are more satisfying than an ice-cold beer or cocktail. From an expansive collection of breweries on the Front Range to a hip back-alley bar loaded with personality (and whiskey!), here are the best bars and breweries in Colorado Springs, hand-selected by the local libation experts here at Cheyenne Mountain Resort.
ELEVATIONS EATS + DRINKS
You don’t need to leave the property to experience an authentic taste of Colorado Springs. Our recently reopened Elevations Eats + Drinks offers the bounty of nearby breweries and distilleries, as well as locally sourced ingredients from Colorado farms. As you indulge in seasonal menus and hand-crafted cocktails, enjoy the view of Cheyenne Mountain from the connecting outdoor Elevations Terrace or even inside with floor-to-ceiling windows. Plus, you will never miss a game on the main projector wall or on one of several big-screen TVs. Elevations serve the Beehive and Laughing Lab flagstaff beers from Bristol Brewing Company as well as Avalanche Amber Ale from Breckinridge Brewery, both companies native to Colorado.
COLORADO MOUNTAIN BREWERY
If delicious local brews, historic venues, and vibrant Colorado sunsets are what you seek, take a stop at the Colorado Mountain Brewery. Rooted in Colorado Spring’s railroad history, this spacious brewery was built into the Midland Terminal Railroad Roundhouse that was first constructed in 1887. Sample one of their six flagship beers brewed right on-site, each one paired to perfection with an “oh-so-craveable” appetizer or a juicy burger. Mixing tradition and modern dining, Colorado Mountain Brewery is perfect for enjoying good conversations with friends and sharing a beer (or two!)
BRISTOL BREWING COMPANY
Inside Ivywild School, an elementary school turned community marketplace, you will find one of the most award-winning breweries in Colorado Springs. Laidback and family-owned, Bristol Brewing Company was created in 1994 by Mike and Amanda Bristol who began hand-brewing distinctive craft beer available on draft or in six-packs across the state. In 2013, they opened Bristol Pub—a place that would make people get off the couch and gather with friends to enjoy a fun gathering space over Bristol beer and a bite. On balmy summer days, you can order from the Barrel Room and play cornhole in the outdoor Beer Garden. If you are looking to impress your friends, going to Bristol at the Ivywild School will be perfect for you.
LOCAL RELIC ARTISAN ALES
Enthusiasts know better than anyone, beer is a craft and is meant to be experienced. The passionate people at Local Relic excel at creating a complete experience that will heighten the senses and induce curiosity. What might surprise you about this brewery is that the Local Relic never re-brews ANY of their concoctions. That means what you drink today, only exists in its 30-gallon brew! They have brewed over 1,060 beers and ales to date! For this reason, we highly recommend getting a flight while at Local Relic, because you will want to experience all of their limited-time brews that are on tap. If beer isn’t your thing, grab a hand-crafted cocktail at Anastacio or a glass of wine from Crusade, all under the same Carter Payne historical church roof.
ATREVIDA BEER COMPANY
Atrevida means bold, daring, audacious woman, and that’s exactly how we’d describe the founder and brewmaster of Atrevida Beer Company. Jess Fierro is the first Latina brewery owner in Colorado, and you can taste her passion for brewing in every one of her 16 rotating beer selections. From Chocolate Ibarra, a decadent Mexican Chocolate stout, to Fresas Con Crema, a strawberry cream ale, every brew has a hint of Fierro’s proud heritage and is brewed onsite by Fierro herself or one of her tank-diving, 50lb grain–pouring daring ladies.
SHAME AND REGRET BAR
Don’t be fooled by the name. This back-alley treasure is downtown’s guiltiest pleasure. Follow the neon sign that points you down a mysterious alleyway and right into an alluring Victorian Gothic outpost, featuring no less than 90 types of American whiskey and 90 types of single malt Scotch whisky. Sit at the mood-lit bar for signature cocktails like The Betrayal (Redemption Rye, Fernet Branca, Dry Curacao, Orange Bitters) or Gin & Sin (Green Tea Infused Family Jones Gin, Roasted Pistachio Simple Syrup, Fresh Lemon Juice, Floral Bitters). Or grab a table and a plate-full of upscale bites to enjoy from the comfort of a leather, Victorian-style booth.
