Eight breweries that occupy distinctive spaces

By Jay McKinney

FlyteCo Tower - Denver
If there’s one brewery that deserves to be located at an abandoned airport, it’s FlyteCo Brewing. After opening their first location in the Berkeley neighborhood in 2019, the owners of FlyteCo jumped at the opportunity to open a second location when the former control tower at Stapleton International Airport became available. The location was previously occupied by Punch Bowl Social and retains many of the games that were installed such as bowling, mini-golf and others.

“Since opening in August 2022, we like to think we’ve become part of the Central Park fabric,” says co-owner Morgan O’Sullivan. “We’ve hosted a fall festival for the community; partnered with Central Park United Neighbors, Wings Over The Rockies and various other community organizations on give-back programs.”

Outside of serving great beer, the location attracts visitors for its coffee bar and restaurant. Its brew/pub license also allows freedom to serve alcoholic beverages other than beer at the three full bars within the tower.

“It’s been a joy to see all walks of life come through our door - from neighborhood regulars visiting the coffee shop at 7 a.m., young professionals coming for business meetings mid-morning, families coming after school in the afternoon, followed by the happy hour and late-night crowd,” O’Sullivan says. “It’s rare for a business to see such a range of guests, and we’re immensely appreciative.”

Foam and Folly - Grand Junction
Foam and Folly Brewing in Grand Junction operates out of a former auto garage that was constructed in 1949. The taproom has retained many of the garage characteristics with its concrete floor and cinder block walls, but it contrasts nicely with an abundance of colorful decor. Jeff Reid, owner and brewer, spent three years renovating the building to create a friendly neighborhood brewery that people can depend on. As part of the conversion, Reid also added an upstairs apartment to the building because he says he likes a short commute to work.

Phantom Canyon Brewery - Colorado Springs
Phantom Canyon Brewing Company is the oldest brewery in Colorado Springs, and it occupies the historic Cheyenne building, which was constructed in 1901. The building was initially an office building serving the western terminus for the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, and it also contained sleeping rooms on the upper floors for railroad employees. During the bulk of the 20th century, the Cheyenne building was a hotel, but it closed in 1968 and the building was minimally used afterward. While it was scheduled to be demolished in 1990, the structure was preserved when the Wynkoop Brewing Company founders purchased the building and opened a sister location, Phantom Canyon Brewing Company in 1993.

Dostal Alley - Central City
The craft beer menu at most casinos is minimal or non-existent, but not at Dostal Alley. One of the first casinos to open in Colorado after the legalization of gambling in three of the state’s towns in 1991, Dostal Alley is located on Main Street in Central City and offers a casino, brewery, full bar and food. For a true taste of Central City, order the Jacob Mack Brown Ale, which is made from hops grown at different locations around town.

Shamrock Brewing Company - Pueblo
One of the best spots to grab a drink in Pueblo is the Shamrock Brewing Company. The building was constructed in the early 1900s as a mercantile building and the first notable tenant was Johnson Bros. Motor Company. Around 1940 the Shamrock Cafe opened in the east side of the building and remained for years while the west side of the building saw various businesses come and go. Over the years the cafe evolved into an Irish pub and eventually began to brew its own beer. While a major remodel improved the building, the mahogany bar and other historical features remain.

Photo courtesy of San Luis Valley Brewing Company

San Luis Valley Brewing Company - Alamosa
The San Luis Valley Brewing Company in Alamosa opened in 2006 in what used to be a national bank. Its prominent location on Main Street that once served the community’s financial needs now serves delicious beer and is a site for community gatherings. One interesting relic kept from the building’s past is the bank vault that backs up the bar. The visibly intricate mechanics are admirable and interesting to examine while sipping one of San Luis Valley Brewing Company’s amazing beers.

Square Peg Brewerks - Alamosa
Located right next to the San Luis Valley Brewing Company, Square Peg Brewerks also occupies a building with some historic charm. The Art Deco building was a hardware store from the 1930s until 1995, and some of the decorative remnants remain intact. Nowadays, Square Peg Brewerks is brewing beer with locally grown and malted grain from the San Luis Valley. While the brewers are most proud of their lagers that showcase the quality of the valley’s ingredients, they also love a good ale and assure customers that there is something for everyone to enjoy on the menu.

Bristol Brewing Company - Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs’ Bristol Brewing Company is one of several businesses that operate out of a former elementary school. The Ivywild School is now a community marketplace that features craft artisans and promotes a friendly atmosphere for gatherings. Wide hallways that once saw children scurrying to class now display rotating artwork, and there are also multiple patios to enjoy the breathtaking mountain views. As if the amazing beer wasn’t already enough, Bristol Brewing Company recently expanded within the school, adding a barrel room and seasonal beer garden. Who would want to skip class at this school?

Jay McKinney grew up in Sedalia and graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications. During his free time, he enjoys playing golf, shooting pool and hiking throughout Colorado and neighboring Utah.

This article is in the May-June issue of our print magazine. Click here to read the full magazine online.