Quick Info
Star attraction: WeldWerks Brewing (nationally acclaimed). Scene size: Small but quality-focused. Vibe: Friendly, affordable, less crowded than Denver/Fort Collins. Irony: Greeley started as a "dry" utopian colony.
Greeley has quietly become one of Colorado's best craft beer destinations, anchored by WeldWerks Brewing - one of the most decorated breweries in the state. The irony isn't lost on locals: Greeley was founded as Union Colony, a utopian community that banned alcohol. Times change.
The scene is smaller than Denver or Fort Collins, which is part of its appeal. Lines are shorter, taprooms are friendlier, and you can actually get a seat.
WeldWerks Brewing
The main event. WeldWerks has won multiple Great American Beer Festival medals and consistently ranks among Colorado's top breweries. Their strengths:
- Juicy Bits: Their flagship hazy IPA is nationally renowned. If you only try one beer, make it this.
- Stouts: Medianoche and other barrel-aged stouts draw serious beer nerds
- Innovation: Constantly rotating experimental beers
The taproom is spacious and welcoming. It can get busy on weekends, but nothing like Denver brewery crowds. Food trucks often park outside.
Other Breweries
Crabtree Brewing: One of Greeley's original craft breweries. Solid lineup across styles with a neighborhood taproom feel. Good for those who prefer traditional styles over hazy IPAs.
Wiley Roots Brewing: Strong lineup with emphasis on sours and barrel-aged beers. Their acai sour series has a dedicated following.
Brix Taphouse & Brewery: Combines brewing with a full restaurant. Good for groups with varied tastes.
Tips for Brewery Hopping
Start at WeldWerks: It's the must-visit. Build your crawl from there.
Plan transportation: Breweries are spread out. Designate a driver or use rideshare.
Hours vary: Check before you go, especially midweek.
Food: Most taprooms don't have kitchens but welcome outside food or have food trucks.
Can releases: WeldWerks does popular can releases. Check their social media for dates if you want to snag limited releases.
Combine With
Brewery visits pair well with:
- Downtown exploration
- Local restaurants for food between stops
- Pawnee Buttes hike in the morning, beers in the afternoon
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WeldWerks really that good?
Yes. It's consistently ranked among Colorado's best breweries and has won numerous national awards. Worth the trip.
How does Greeley compare to Fort Collins for beer?
Fort Collins has more breweries, but Greeley has WeldWerks. Quality over quantity. Many beer enthusiasts visit both.
Are the taprooms family-friendly?
Generally yes, especially during daytime hours. Most welcome kids and dogs.
Can I buy beer to take home?
Yes, most offer cans, crowlers, or growler fills. WeldWerks cans are particularly popular.