The Ultimate Guide to Denver’s Best Pizza & Craft Beer Pairings
There’s something uniquely satisfying about the perfect combination of a fresh-from-the-oven pizza and a perfectly chilled craft beer. For me, it’s the quintessential relaxing evening. This guide takes you on a journey through some of Denver’s most beloved, and often hidden, pizza and beer establishments. Forget the overcrowded tourist traps; these are my personal go-to spots for exceptional food, outstanding Denver craft beer, and an inviting atmosphere. We’ll explore diverse Denver neighborhoods, highlighting ideal pizza and brewery pairings that promise an unforgettable culinary experience. Get ready to discover your new favorite Denver haunts!
Savoring Denver’s Pizza and Beer Culture
The pairing of a warm, cheesy slice of pizza with a crisp, cold beer is, without a doubt, one of life’s greatest pleasures. In Denver, this classic combination reaches new heights, especially with the city’s thriving craft beer scene. What makes it even better is the growing trend of breweries allowing you to bring in outside food, or having fantastic pizzerias conveniently located nearby. My ideal night often starts with a delicious pizza and a beer from the pizzeria’s own selection, then transitions to a standout brewery just a short stroll away, or even right next door.
Denver offers an abundance of options for pizza and beer enthusiasts, making it a delightful challenge to curate a list of true favorites. Instead of overwhelming you with an exhaustive directory, this guide focuses on a select few Denver neighborhoods that provide an authentic local experience without the typical long waits or cramped spaces. These carefully chosen locations are centrally situated, inviting you to explore charming parts of Denver you might not have encountered before. Prepare to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant food and drink culture, one delectable slice and refreshing pint at a time.
I encourage you to visit these recommended spots, indulge in their offerings, and then return here to share your winning combinations for the ultimate Denver pizza and beer experience!
Table of Contents
Toggle
The Ballpark Neighborhood: Pre-Game Bites and Brews
Our Denver pizza and beer adventure kicks off in one of the city’s most dynamic areas: the Ballpark neighborhood. Nestled close to the heart of downtown, this district comes alive with energy, especially on game days. The following pizza and beer pairings here are perfect for fueling up before a Rockies game or winding down afterward, offering both convenience and incredible flavor.
Jagged Mountain Brewery (Update: Now Closed)
Finding a true craft brewery in downtown Denver used to be a challenge until you ventured into areas like RiNo or the Highlands. Jagged Mountain Brewery bravely changed that, establishing itself conveniently close to the Ballpark. With a spacious taproom and an adventurous tap list, the brewery truly carved its niche with a robust core selection and creative seasonal brews. What always struck me about Jagged Mountain was its authentic Colorado spirit. From the rustic taproom decor to the playful names of their beers and tap handles, every detail immersed you in a genuine local Denver experience the moment you walked through the door. It was a beloved spot that captured the essence of the state’s outdoor lifestyle and brewing passion.
Recommended Sips (from its operating days):
- Grouse Mountain: A blood orange gose, this beer delivered a bold sour flavor that was incredibly invigorating, perfect for waking up the palate.
- Doppel Black Diamond: Known for its malty-sweet aroma and a dry, toasty finish, this was a brew I could easily enjoy year-round for its comforting complexity.
- Colorado Forager: Every brewery has that effortlessly drinkable beer, and this was Jagged Mountain’s. Its fresh flavor made it a perfect choice for an extended evening, or to take home in a growler.
Racca’s Pizzeria Napoletana: A Taste of Italy
When the craving for authentic Italian pizza strikes, my compass invariably points to Racca’s in the bustling Ballpark district. This isn’t just any pizza place; their custom-built ovens, flown in directly from Italy, reach blistering temperatures of up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring a truly Neapolitan experience. Every item Racca’s serves, from their rustic focaccia to their classic pizzas, emerges from these incredible ovens. The resulting crispy, warm, yet tender dough of each pizza immediately transports me back to the vibrant streets of Italy, a testament to their dedication to tradition.
For an enhanced dining experience, I highly recommend securing a spot on their patio. It’s the perfect vantage point for people-watching, allowing you to soak in the lively atmosphere of the Ballpark while savoring your pizza and a refreshing cold brew. The distinct char on the dough, the perfectly paired beer, and the excited chatter of fans heading to or from the stadium during the summer create a quintessentially Denver experience that is simply not to be missed.
Recommended Bites:
- Focaccia: Baked to perfection in their wood-fired ovens, this focaccia is incredibly soft and chewy, bursting with savory flavor. Be sure to enjoy it with some high-quality balsamic vinegar and olive oil, especially their unique Calabrian Olive Oil for an extra kick.
- Toscana Pizza: This vibrant pizza is generously topped with fresh arugula, ripe tomatoes, savory prosciutto, and rich sheep’s milk cheese. It’s a celebration of freshness in every bite, made even more exquisite with a drizzle of their Calabrian Olive Oil. This lighter, peppery pizza pairs wonderfully with a bright IPA, a crisp sour, or even a classic pale ale.
- Umbria Pizza: A delightful sweet and savory symphony, the Umbria pizza features sweet Vidalia onions alongside flavorful sausage, bell peppers, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil. This rich combination is exceptionally delicious when paired with a classic farmhouse ale, such as Boulevard’s Tank 7, which cuts through the richness beautifully.
East Colfax: A Revitalized Foodie Destination
Next on our exploration of Denver’s pizza and beer landscape is the vibrant East Colfax neighborhood. Over the past several years, East Colfax has undergone an exciting revitalization, transforming a once-tired stretch into a bustling hub of culinary innovation and lively entertainment. This dynamic area now boasts an array of trendy restaurants, welcoming bars, innovative breweries, and unique boutique shops, bringing a fresh surge of life and energy to the historic thoroughfare. It’s a fantastic place to experience Denver’s evolving food scene.
Cerebral Brewing: Where Science Meets Suds
Cerebral Brewing represents a fascinating fusion of meticulous science and brewing passion, born from a successful homebrewing operation. Stepping into their bright, airy taproom, you’re immediately struck by a sense of a sophisticated yet welcoming laboratory. From the sleek, lab-inspired high-top tables to tasters served in miniature beakers, every detail playfully highlights the scientific principles underpinning their craft. While many brewers focus on the science behind the scenes, Cerebral Brewing boldly brings it front and center, with a particular emphasis on complex saisons and brett-fermented beers.
The core philosophy here is rooted in balance – not just between flavors, but also between the art and science of brewing. In Denver’s highly competitive craft beer market, Cerebral Brewing stands out with its strong identity and deep commitment to the local brewing community. Their dedication to creating balanced, innovative beers, combined with a fantastic patio perfect for sunny days, makes it a must-visit destination for any craft beer aficionado.
Recommended Sips:
- Mango Stardust: A delightfully tart Berliner Weisse infused with a vibrant punch of fresh mango flavor, making it an ideal choice for a refreshing summer drink.
- Rare Trait: This exceptionally well-balanced and smooth IPA has even converted me, a confessed non-IPA fan! It’s approachable yet complex.
- Night Glow: A deep and robust brew, this beer boasts rich flavors of chocolate and coffee, perfect for those who appreciate a darker, more intense profile.
- Barrel Aged Work From Home: The barrel-aged version of their popular Work from Home stout, this special release features subtle hints of maple syrup, inspiring dreams of pairing it with a generous stack of pancakes. Released annually, the non-barrel-aged version is also excellent, but the barrel-aged iteration consistently captures my heart.
Fat Sully’s New York Pizza: Authentic Slices
Conveniently located in the same building as the beloved Denver Biscuit Company and Atomic Cowboy on Colfax, Fat Sully’s New York Pizza is my ultimate destination for satisfying a craving for authentic New York-style pizza. They truly deliver that classic experience far more effectively than any other pizzeria in the area. Their thin, hand-tossed slices are famously enormous – often the size of your face – yet they are so fresh and irresistibly delicious that finishing every last bite is never a problem. It’s the perfect, no-fuss pizza joint for a quick, substantial meal.
Recommended Bites:
While I always encourage customizing your own slice or pie, my personal favorite combination for those who love both meat and a bit of heat is jalapeños, pepperoni, fresh garlic, and a generous sprinkle of red pepper flakes. It’s a flavor explosion that truly hits the spot!
Tennyson Street: A Charming Corner for Pizza and Pints
Tennyson Street, stretching between 32nd Avenue and I-70, is a part of Denver I’ve only recently come to appreciate, much to the exasperation of my friends and partner who have long sung its praises. This charming corridor has rapidly evolved into a vibrant destination, teeming with new bars, acclaimed restaurants, and unique boutique shops, with ongoing development further enhancing its appeal. It possesses that rare quality of feeling like a quaint, close-knit town while still offering the sophistication and variety of a larger city. Tennyson Street truly embodies the concept of a hidden gem, and it’s home to not one, but two incredible Denver pizza and beer pairings that promise a double dose of deliciousness.
Hops & Pie: The Ultimate All-in-One Experience
If you’re seeking a comprehensive pizza and beer experience without hopping between multiple venues, then Hops & Pie on Tennyson Street is undeniably the place to be. This establishment is simply phenomenal! Having been open for over eight years, it has not only weathered the incredible transformation of the area but has absolutely thrived. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the intoxicating aroma of pizza heaven, reminiscent of the finest pizzerias in Rome. While they also offer stellar sandwiches and tacos, a first-time visit absolutely demands you try their pizza.
What sets Hops & Pie apart is their commitment to freshness: all their dough and bread are made in-house. Their signature pizza dough even boasts a 1:1 ratio of water to beer – yes, you read that right, beer! This unique ingredient ensures the freshest, most flavorful crust every single time. Beyond the food, the atmosphere is consistently welcoming, making it a perfect spot for a casual meal or a celebratory gathering with friends. It’s a true neighborhood cornerstone.
Recommended Bites:
- Pizza (DUH): Of course, you must try their pizza! While any topping combination is fantastic, I highly recommend bacon, goat cheese, and caramelized onions. The blend of savory, tangy, and sweet is pure genius and creates an unforgettable flavor profile.
- 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. It’s so tender and flavorful, it literally melts in your mouth.
- IPA Macaroni and Cheese: This is the only mac and cheese I truly crave. Made with an IPA sauce, it offers a rich flavor without feeling overly heavy. Plus, it’s loaded with bacon, ham hock, and peas, evoking a grown-up version of childhood comfort food.
- Giant Bread Pudding: Be sure to save room for dessert! Their enormous bread pudding is topped with a warm bourbon sauce that is so heavenly, I wish I could bathe in it. It’s the perfect decadent end to your meal.
Recommended Sips:
Literally anything on their constantly rotating tap list is worth exploring. Whether you prefer a full glass, a flight to sample several, or want to delve into their extensive bottle list for a more refined experience (no judgment here, I’ve been known to get fancy!), Hops & Pie is celebrated as one of Denver’s premier beer destinations. Their drafts primarily feature local Colorado brews, but they also highlight exceptional selections from across the U.S.
Looking for a deal?
- Saturdays: Between 12 PM and 5 PM, enjoy 2 slices of pizza and 3 drafts for just $16.
- Wednesdays: It’s $2 craft can night, a fantastic opportunity to try something new.
- Tuesdays: Grab an 18-inch two-topping pizza and 2 drafts for a mere $25. WOOT!
Call to Arms Brewing Company: Community, Quality, Camaraderie
Stepping into the taproom of Call to Arms Brewing Company immediately evokes a sense of “old world meets new.” This English-style beer hall exudes a lively, fun, and rustic charm, from the shuffleboard game tucked away in the back to the sturdy wooden bar and the humorous posters adorning the walls. The three founders, who initially met while honing their craft at Avery Brewing Company, branched off to create their own community-focused brewery. The immense passion and meticulous care they pour into their beers are evident in every sip, perfectly encapsulated by their guiding motto: “Quality. Community. Camaraderie.”
Frankly, this brewery is a compelling reason to consider living in the area, largely due to its profound sense of community. They even pioneered the CTA Good Samaritan Program, which rewards volunteers for charity work with a complimentary beer, actively encouraging the Denver beer community to give back. You’ll find a genuine sense of belonging in this inviting beer hall, where their core and seasonal beers consistently deliver bold, beautifully balanced flavors. An added bonus? You can enjoy delicious pizza from Mas Kaos (see below) without having to walk further than next door, allowing you to settle in and savor a flight of their exceptional beers. Talk about convenience!
Recommended Sips:
- Tom Cruise: A crisp Belgian Witbier brewed with Asian pear and lychee, offering a remarkably fresh and invigorating profile.
- Bell’s Belgian Quadriceps: This Belgian Quad earns my highest recommendation at the brewery. It’s incredibly smooth, exquisitely rich, and utterly delicious, a true standout.
- Beer Drinks You: A robust Baltic Porter that I particularly enjoyed pairing with the pizzas from Mas Kaos. Its balanced depth ensures it’s not too heavy, and it acts as a perfect palate cleanser between bites of savory pizza.
Mas Kaos Pizzeria & Taqueria (Update: Now Closed)
While the name of this establishment might suggest a focus on tacos, the real star of the show at Mas Kaos was, without a doubt, their incredible pizza. Their fresh, brick oven-cooked pizzas were renowned for emerging quickly from the oven, offering a diverse array of toppings that promised a delightful exploration for your taste buds. With a selection of Call to Arms Brewing Company beers on tap, this funky spot was perfect for kicking back for hours, especially given their generous happy hour that ran from 11:30 AM to 6 PM. For ultimate convenience, you could even order a pizza and have it delivered directly to Call to Arms next door, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in a flight of delicious beers without interrupting your evening.
Recommended Bites (from its operating days):
- Brick Oven Garlic Bread: This garlic bread was a textural marvel – crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and packed with robust garlic flavor. It was served with a rich San Marzano marinara sauce that was so good, I always wanted the recipe.
- Jalapeño Business Pizza: This pizza masterfully combined spicy heat with creamy elements, making it an ideal choice for anyone who loves a fiery kick on their pie.
- Smokestack Pizza: My personal favorite, this pizza was generously piled with savory, thick-cut bacon, smoky roasted poblanos, and tangy goat cheese. The result was a harmonious blend of smoky, tangy, rich, and savory flavors, especially enhanced when paired with a cool 90 Shilling or Call to Arms’ “Beer Drinks You” Baltic Porter.
Final Thoughts: Your Denver Pizza and Beer Adventure Awaits
Denver’s culinary scene is a treasure trove for lovers of pizza and craft beer, offering an incredible variety of establishments that cater to every taste and preference. From the bustling energy of the Ballpark neighborhood to the revitalized charm of East Colfax and the welcoming, local vibe of Tennyson Street, each area presents unique opportunities to indulge in this classic pairing. While some beloved spots may have closed their doors, their spirit of quality and community continues to influence the vibrant landscape of Denver’s food and drink culture. I hope this guide inspires you to explore these fantastic local businesses, discover new flavors, and create your own perfect pizza and beer memories in the Mile High City. Remember to support local, savor every bite and sip, and enjoy the rich tapestry of experiences Denver has to offer.
Disclosure: As part of this post, I was invited to enjoy personal experiences at all restaurants and breweries listed above for Denver pizza and beer. All opinions are still my own! Thank you for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!