Quick Info
Scene: Growing craft beer presence with several local breweries. Style: Casual taprooms, often family-friendly. Location: Concentrated in and near downtown. Food: Some have kitchens, others are BYOF or have food trucks.
Castle Rock has developed a respectable craft beer scene with several local breweries. While it doesn't rival Denver or Fort Collins in volume, the town's breweries offer quality Colorado craft beer in casual, community-oriented settings. Many have become neighborhood gathering spots.
Local Breweries
Rockyard Brewing: One of the area's originals. American and German-style beers in a spacious setting. Good food menu and outdoor patio.
Castle Rock Beer Company: Downtown location with rotating taps. Intimate space focused on the beer.
105 West Brewing: Named for the highway. Variety of styles in a welcoming taproom.
Lost Pines Yaupon Tea House: Not a brewery but worth mentioning—offers something different for non-beer drinkers.
What to Expect
Castle Rock breweries tend to be:
- Casual and welcoming—not pretentious
- Family-friendly during earlier hours
- Community-focused with local regulars
- Reasonably priced compared to Denver
Food Situation
Options vary by brewery:
- Some have full kitchens with pub food
- Others allow outside food or have food trucks
- Downtown location means restaurants nearby
Check individual brewery policies before planning your visit.
Tips
Start downtown. The concentration of options makes it easy to sample multiple spots on foot.
Visit on weekends. More events, food trucks, and energy than weeknights.
Try the local favorites. Ask bartenders what's popular or what's new.
Designate a driver. If you're sampling multiple breweries, plan your transportation accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Castle Rock breweries kid-friendly?
Generally yes, especially during afternoon hours. They're community spots, not clubs. Check individual policies for age restrictions in the evening.
Can I walk between breweries?
In downtown, yes. The main breweries are within walking distance of each other. Outside downtown requires driving.
How does it compare to Denver's beer scene?
Much smaller—Denver has hundreds of breweries. But for a day trip or if you're in town, Castle Rock's options are solid and less crowded.
Are there brewery tours?
Not formal tours like larger breweries offer. These are small operations where you can often chat with the brewers at the bar.