The Ultimate Guide to Denver’s Best Pizza and Craft Beer Pairings: Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

There’s a simple, undeniable magic in the combination of a perfectly baked pizza and a crisp, cold craft beer. It’s a culinary duo that embodies comfort, joy, and the essence of a truly relaxing evening. In a city like Denver, where both the food scene and the craft beer culture thrive, finding your ideal slice and sip pairing is an adventure in itself. This guide is your passport to uncovering some of Denver’s most cherished, less-crowded spots – the hidden gems that offer incredible food, exceptional local beer, and an inviting atmosphere without the overwhelming bustle. Forget long waits and cramped spaces; these are the beloved haunts where locals go for a perfect night out. Join us as we explore Denver’s vibrant neighborhoods, each offering unique pizza joints and craft breweries, allowing you to discover your new favorite combination.

The synergy between a warm, flavorful pizza and a refreshing, cold beer is a match made in gastronomic heaven. It’s a combination that consistently delights the taste buds, creating moments of pure satisfaction. What makes this pairing even more exciting in Denver is the city’s increasingly flexible policy, allowing you to bring pizzas into many of your favorite local breweries! While that convenience is fantastic, my personal preference often involves making a true “night out” of it. I love starting with a gourmet pizza and perhaps a beer from the pizzeria’s own carefully curated tap list, then continuing the evening at a fantastic craft brewery just a short stroll away, or even right next door.

The beauty of a pizza and beer night in Denver lies in its inherent versatility. With an abundance of incredible options sprawling across the city, narrowing down the absolute “favorites” can feel like an impossible task. Instead of presenting you with an exhaustive, overwhelming list, this guide focuses on a select few of my cherished Denver neighborhoods. These are the places where you won’t typically endure a two-hour wait just for a slice, nor will you find yourself crammed into a standing-room-only taproom. Each spot featured here is centrally located, offering you an authentic taste of Denver’s local charm and providing an opportunity to explore vibrant areas you might not have ventured into before. They represent the heart of Denver’s local scene, away from the main tourist traps, promising a more relaxed and genuine experience.

As you embark on your own Denver pizza and beer journey, I encourage you to try all these recommendations. Once you’ve sampled the delicious offerings, be sure to return here and share which combination stole your heart and became your ultimate Denver pizza and beer pairing!

Ballpark Neighborhood: Pre-Game & Post-Game Delights

Our Denver pizza and beer adventure kicks off in the Ballpark neighborhood, a vibrant district situated incredibly close to the very heart of downtown. This area comes alive, especially around game times, making it a perfect destination for those looking to fuel up before or wind down after catching a Rockies game. The energy is palpable, and the culinary scene here offers a fantastic blend of casual yet high-quality options, ideal for a memorable night out.

Jagged Mountain Brewery (Update: Now Closed)

While Jagged Mountain Brewery is unfortunately no longer operating, it once stood as a testament to Denver’s innovative brewing spirit right in the downtown core, a rarity outside of areas like RiNo or the Highlands. This brewery carved out a unique space near the Ballpark, boasting a spacious taproom and an adventurous tap list that truly captured the essence of Colorado. With a strong core lineup and intriguing seasonal specials, Jagged Mountain cultivated a distinct local identity. From its rustic, mountain-themed decor to its cleverly named beers and tap handles, stepping inside felt like an immediate immersion into a genuine Denver local spot. It was a place where the love for the outdoors and craft beer converged seamlessly, creating an inviting and authentic experience that many still remember fondly.

Recommended Sips (A Look Back):

• Grouse Mountain: A blood orange gose, celebrated for its bold, exhilarating sour flavor that truly awakened the palate. It was a vibrant, refreshing choice perfect for warmer days.
• Doppel Black Diamond: This malty, sweet-scented beer finished dry and toasty, offering a comforting depth that made it a year-round favorite for many. Its complexity was both inviting and satisfying.
• Colorado Forager: Every brewery has that effortlessly drinkable beer, and this was Jagged Mountain’s. Light, fresh, and incredibly smooth, it was the kind of beer you could easily enjoy all night long, or grab a growler of to take home.

Racca’s Pizzeria Napoletana

For those moments when only truly authentic Italian pizza will do, Racca’s in the Ballpark district is the undisputed destination. This is no ordinary pizza joint; Racca’s boasts ovens custom-built and flown in directly from Italy, capable of reaching scorching temperatures of up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. This intense heat is the secret behind their perfectly blistered crusts and incredibly flavorful pizzas. Every single item served, from their airy focaccia to their signature pizzas, emerges from these inferno-hot ovens, delivering an unparalleled taste of tradition. The resulting crispy, warm, and wonderfully soft dough beneath each topping instantly transports you to the bustling streets of Naples.

When visiting Racca’s, I highly recommend securing a spot on their vibrant patio. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy your Neapolitan masterpiece and a cold beverage while engaging in some prime people-watching, particularly as fans stream into or out of the stadium on a summer evening. The delightful char on the dough, the refreshing beer in hand, and the lively atmosphere of game-day revelers create a quintessential Denver experience – a perfect blend of exquisite food, local culture, and unforgettable memories.

Recommended Bites:

• Focaccia: Baked to perfection in their specialty ovens, this focaccia is a symphony of soft chewiness and robust flavor. It’s a must-order, especially when paired with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, high-quality olive oil, and their exceptional Calabrian Olive Oil, which adds a subtle kick.
• Toscana Pizza: A vibrant and fresh creation, generously topped with peppery arugula, juicy tomatoes, savory prosciutto, and rich sheep’s milk cheese. Every bite is a burst of freshness, elevated even further with an extra drizzle of Calabrian Olive Oil. This light yet satisfying pizza pairs wonderfully with a bright IPA, a crisp sour, or even a classic pale ale to complement its fresh ingredients.
• Umbria Pizza: This pizza offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory. Featuring caramelized Vidalia onions alongside savory sausage, tender peppers, aromatic basil, and extra virgin olive oil, it’s a harmonious blend of flavors. It becomes truly extraordinary when paired with a classic farmhouse ale, such as Boulevard’s renowned Tank 7, which enhances its complex profile.

East Colfax: Revitalization & Flavors

Our next stop on the Denver pizza and beer trail takes us to East Colfax, a neighborhood that has undergone a remarkable revitalization over the past several years. What was once considered a slightly overlooked stretch of the city has blossomed into a dynamic and thriving area. Today, East Colfax is brimming with an exciting array of new restaurants, inviting bars, innovative breweries, and unique boutique shops, infusing the street with renewed life and a vibrant community spirit. This transformation has made it an increasingly popular destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a rich tapestry of experiences.

Cerebral Brewing

Cerebral Brewing is where the meticulous precision of science beautifully converges with the passionate artistry of craft brewing. Born from a home brewing operation, this craft brewery has quickly distinguished itself. As you step into their bright, airy taproom, you’re immediately struck by a comfortable, yet distinctly scientific, atmosphere. From the sleek, lab-like high-top tables to the charming presentation of tasters in beakers, every detail reflects a playful embrace of the scientific method in brewing. While many brewers focus on the science behind the scenes, Cerebral Brewing brings it front and center, with a particular emphasis on saison and brett styles, and a profound commitment to balance – not just in flavor profiles, but also in the delicate interplay between scientific exactitude and artistic creativity.

In Denver’s highly mature and competitive craft beer market, Cerebral Brewing stands out as a refreshing newcomer with a strong identity and a deep connection to the local brewing community. Their dedication to experimentation and quality is evident in every pour. If you happen to visit on a warm day, their expansive patio is an absolute must-experience – it’s an idyllic spot to savor their unique brews under the Colorado sky.

Recommended Sips:

• Mango Stardust: A delightfully tart Berliner Weisse infused with a vibrant burst of fresh mango flavor, making it the quintessential summer sipper. Its refreshing acidity and tropical notes are incredibly invigorating.
• Rare Trait: This exceptionally well-balanced and remarkably smooth IPA is so approachable that it even won over this non-IPA enthusiast! It offers a nuanced hop profile without overwhelming bitterness, making it a fantastic entry point for those new to the style.
• Night Glow: A stout boasting a deep, robust flavor profile rich with decadent notes of chocolate and freshly brewed coffee. It’s a comforting and complex beer, perfect for cooler evenings.
• Barrel Aged Work From Home: The barrel-aged variant of their popular Work from Home stout, this special release (typically annual) delights with subtle hints of maple syrup. It’s so rich and evocative, it will have you dreaming of pairing it with a towering stack of fluffy pancakes. While the non-barrel-aged version is excellent, the magic of barrel aging truly steals the heart every time.

Fat Sully’s New York Pizza

Nestled within the same bustling building as the beloved Denver Biscuit Company and Atomic Cowboy on Colfax, Fat Sully’s New York Pizza is a local institution for authentic, satisfying slices. This pizzeria consistently delivers on the promise of true New York-style pizza, surpassing many others in the area with its dedication to tradition and quality. Their signature thin-crust slices are not just fresh and hand-tossed; they are famously gigantic – quite literally the size of your face! Each slice is a testament to simple, delicious perfection, and once you start, it’s practically impossible to leave any unfinished. It’s the ideal spot for a quick, hearty meal that truly hits the spot.

Recommended Bites:

While I always encourage you to customize your slice or entire pizza with the seemingly endless topping options available, if you’re looking for a tried-and-true personal favorite that caters to both meat lovers and spice enthusiasts, here’s my top recommendation: a generous combination of spicy jalapeños, classic pepperoni, fragrant garlic, and a sprinkle of fiery red pepper flakes. This blend creates a harmonious explosion of savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors that perfectly complement the crisp, chewy crust.

Tennyson Street: Local Charm and Double the Deliciousness

Tennyson Street in Denver is a captivating neighborhood that, until recently, remained somewhat off my personal radar (much to the playful dismay of friends and my partner!). This vibrant stretch, nestled between 32nd Avenue and I-70, has blossomed into a bustling hub featuring an enticing array of new bars, diverse restaurants, and charming boutique shops, with continuous development adding to its appeal. It possesses that rare “hidden gem” quality, feeling like a cozy, self-contained town without ever succumbing to an overly quaint or “too small-town-y” vibe. Tennyson Street offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and relaxed community spirit. I’m particularly thrilled to share not one, but two incredible Denver pizza and beer pairings from this fantastic neighborhood, guaranteeing a double dose of deliciousness for your exploration.

All-In-One Stop = Hops & Pie

If you’re seeking a comprehensive, all-in-one experience that marries exceptional pizza with an outstanding beer selection, then Hops & Pie on Tennyson Street is an absolute must-visit. This place, simply put, is incredible. Celebrating over eight years of operation, Hops & Pie hasn’t just survived the immense transformation of the area; it has truly thrived, becoming a beloved fixture in the community. The moment you step through their doors, you’re greeted by the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked pizza, a scent that transports you directly to the finest pizzerias of Rome. While their menu tempts with killer sandwiches and inventive tacos, if it’s your inaugural visit, the pizza is non-negotiable – it’s an essential experience.

What truly sets Hops & Pie apart is their commitment to freshness: all their dough and bread are made in-house. Their pizza dough, in particular, boasts a unique 1:1 ratio of water and beer – yes, you read that right, beer! This innovative approach ensures every pizza crust is incredibly fresh, perfectly textured, and bursting with a distinct, delicious flavor profile every single time you visit. It’s this dedication to quality and unique ingredients that makes Hops & Pie a standout destination.

Recommended Bites:

• Pizza (DUH!): While any pizza here is a winner, I highly recommend customizing yours. For a truly divine experience, try the combination of crispy bacon, tangy goat cheese, and sweet caramelized onions – it’s a stroke of pure culinary genius that will utterly amaze your taste buds.
• The Reuben: This sandwich is nothing short of amazing. Served on their house-made bread, it features bacon slaw and meats that are all smoked in-house, resulting in a flavor and texture that literally melts in your mouth.
• Macaroni and Cheese with IPA Sauce: This isn’t just any mac and cheese; it’s the only one I truly crave. It delivers a rich, profound flavor without feeling overly heavy. Plus, with the inclusion of savory bacon, smoky ham hock, and sweet peas, it evokes nostalgic memories of childhood hot dogs and mac ‘n’ cheese, but elevated to a sophisticated, grown-up level.
• Giant Bread Pudding: Be sure to save room for dessert! Their enormous bread pudding, drenched in a warm bourbon sauce, is pure heaven. It’s so decadent and comforting, you’ll wish you could take a bath in that exquisite sauce.

Recommended Sips:

At Hops & Pie, literally anything on their constantly rotating tap list is worth exploring. Whether you opt for a full glass to savor, a flight to sample a variety, or delve into their extensive bottle list to satisfy your inner beer connoisseur (no judgment here – we’ve all indulged in a fancy beer moment!), you’re in for a treat. Their draft selection predominantly features exceptional local brews, but also includes standout craft beers from across the U.S. This curated selection, combined with their knowledgeable staff, solidifies their reputation as one of the very best beer spots in town for both casual drinkers and serious enthusiasts.

Looking for a deal? These specials make Hops & Pie even more appealing:

• Saturdays: From 12 pm to 5 pm, grab 2 slices and 3 drafts for just $16. An unbeatable weekend deal!
• Wednesdays: Enjoy $2 craft can night, perfect for trying new beers on a budget.
• Tuesdays: Treat yourself to an 18-inch, 2-topping pizza paired with 2 drafts for only $25. WOOT!

Call to Arms Brewing Company

The moment you step into the taproom of Call to Arms Brewing Company, you are immediately enveloped by an atmosphere that beautifully blends “old world charm meets new.” This English-style beer hall exudes a lively, fun, and rustic feel, from the engaging shuffleboard game in the back corner to the warm wooden bar and the humorous, character-filled posters adorning the walls. The brewery’s story is as compelling as its beers: founded by three passionate individuals who met while honing their craft at Avery Brewing Company, they branched out to create their own vision of a community-focused brewery. The immense passion and meticulous care poured into every beer they create are evident in every sip, perfectly encapsulated by their inspiring motto: “Quality. Community. Camaraderie.”

This brewery truly embodies a sense of belonging and community, which is one of the primary reasons I would love to call this area home. Their commitment to giving back is notable, exemplified by their “CTA Good Samaritan Program,” which rewards volunteers for charity work with a refreshing beer, actively encouraging the wider Denver beer community to contribute to noble causes. Here, you’ll find more than just great beer; you’ll discover a genuine sense of home and camaraderie. Their core and seasonal beers consistently boast bold, exquisitely balanced flavors that satisfy any palate. And for the ultimate convenience, you can enjoy delicious pizza from Mas Kaos (see below) without having to walk more than a few steps next door, creating a seamless and utterly satisfying pizza and beer experience. BOOM baby!

Recommended Sips:

• Tom Cruise: A refreshing Belgian witbier infused with Asian pear and lychee, delivering a perfectly fresh and crisp profile that’s both intriguing and incredibly drinkable.
• Bell’s Belgian Quadriceps: This Belgian quad holds my highest rating at Call to Arms. It’s exceptionally smooth, rich, and utterly delicious, showcasing a mastery of the style.
• Beer Drinks You: A robust Baltic porter that I found to be an ideal companion to the Mas Kaos pizzas. Its balanced profile ensures it’s not too heavy, and its clean finish acts as a perfect palate cleanser between savory bites of pizza.

Mas Kaos Pizzeria & Taqueria (Update: Now Closed)

Despite the “Taqueria” in its name, Mas Kaos Pizzeria & Taqueria was a destination primarily for one thing: their phenomenal pizza. While it is sadly no longer in operation, its brick-oven cooked pizzas were legendary, emerging from the fiery oven swiftly with an exciting array of toppings that promised an exploration for your taste buds. This funky, vibrant spot was particularly enticing because it featured Call to Arms Brewing Company beers on tap, creating a seamless pairing experience. With an extended happy hour from 11:30 am to 6 pm, it was easy to kick back and enjoy for hours. One of its most appealing features was the ability to order a pizza and have it delivered directly to Call to Arms next door, allowing patrons to fully immerse themselves in a flight of delicious beers without interrupting their brewery experience by ping-ponging back and forth all night. It was a testament to thoughtful planning and a deep understanding of what makes a perfect casual dining and drinking experience.

Recommended Bites (A Look Back):

• Brick Oven Garlic Bread: This garlic bread was a masterpiece – crunchy on the outside, delightfully chewy within, and bursting with robust garlic flavor. It was served alongside a rich San Marzano marinara sauce so incredibly delicious, you’d wish you could steal the recipe.
• Jalapeño Business Pizza: For those who love a bit of heat, this pizza was a dream. The brilliant combination of spicy jalapeños and creamy elements created a perfect balance of fiery kick and soothing richness, making it an instant hit for spice fanatics.
• Smokestack Pizza: My personal favorite, the Smokestack was a towering delight of flavors. It was generously loaded with savory, thick-cut bacon, smoky roasted poblanos, and tangy goat cheese. The result was a harmonious blend of smoky, tangy, rich, and savory notes, made even more exceptional when paired with a smooth 90 Shilling ale or the balanced Beer Drinks You Baltic porter from Call to Arms.

Denver’s vibrant culinary and craft beer scene offers an endless array of possibilities for creating your perfect pizza and beer evening. From the bustling energy of the Ballpark neighborhood to the revitalized charm of East Colfax and the local delights of Tennyson Street, each area presents unique establishments ready to satisfy your cravings. These hidden gems and local favorites promise not just exceptional food and drink, but also an authentic taste of Denver’s community spirit. So grab a friend, choose a neighborhood, and embark on your own delicious journey – the ultimate Denver pizza and beer experience awaits!

Disclosure: As part of creating this comprehensive guide, I was graciously invited to enjoy personal experiences at all restaurants and breweries listed above for Denver pizza and beer. While these experiences were provided, all opinions and recommendations expressed herein are entirely my own, ensuring an honest and unbiased review. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!

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