The Best Bars & Breweries in Telluride. Beer lovers, rejoice! Après ski, après hike, après work… whatever your day has in store, there’s no better way to kick back and relax than with an ice cold local brew.
Telluride offers several local breweries to quench your thirst, in addition to several popular local watering holes known for their impressive beer collections. From extra hoppy IPAs to make your taste buds dance to flavorful and filling porters to warm your soul, you won’t have to venture far to find brews for any taste or preference.
Take a look at a few of our favorite Telluride breweries and bars and pencil in a few during your stay!
156 Society Dr, Telluride, CO 81435 | (970) 728-5094
Stepping into Telluride Brewing Co. feels like walking into an old friend’s house: familiar, warm, and welcoming. Laid-back vibes aren’t uncommon among breweries, but the Telluride Brewing difference shines through in the award-winning products that flow freely from the taps and the friendly faces behind the bar that can’t wait to talk about their favorite brews. What began as a hobby between two friends has transformed into a passion and Telluride’s most well-known brewery.
Top Pick: Face Down Brown – Gold medal winner at World Beer Cup 2012, Great American Beer Festival 2012, Great American Beer Festival 2014, and Bronze at Great American Beer Festival 2016. We get it, you get it, this beer has won some awards. Do yourself a favor and try it! Also, check out Telluride Brewing Co.’s seasonal varieties.
225 S Pine St, Telluride, CO 81435 | (970) 728-5620
More than just a traditional brewery, Smuggler’s Brewpub combines the best of tasty adult beverages and eclectic, fun cuisine all under one roof. Featuring several award-winning beer varieties that could give Telluride Brewing a run for its money, Smuggler’s offers up to 20 house-made beers at once, and they offer a signature flight paddle with 4.5-ounce tasting portions. Don’t forget to order a few snacks while you sip and savor; Smuggler’s offers an impressive dining menu with everything from house-made sausage and hand-pressed burgers to hand tacos, grilled steaks, and more. Smuggler’s Brewpub is the perfect spot to stop in for a beer and a burger after a busy day exploring Telluride.
Top Pick: Daly’s Blonde – 2018 bronze medal winner at the Great American Beer Festival. Another award winner you have to try during your stay in Telluride!
Stronghouse Telluride Brew Pub
283 S. Fir Street, Telluride, CO 81435 | (970) 728-2890
Built in 1892 from stone and metal, the Stronghouse remains the last surviving intact building in Telluride’s historic Four Corners corridor. We embrace our stewardship of the Stronghouse and recognize its significance as part of Telluride history.
We’re here for the love of Telluride, good friends, and great beer. Located downtown, the on-site brewery and restaurant occupy a historic stone building from 1892. Order one of our fresh house brews, enjoy some alpine pub fare, and share the adventures of the day.
If you’re looking for the country’s best brewpub, look no further than Colorado’s Western Slope, where a tiny brewery recently won that title in USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards, known as 10Best.
Top Pick: Stronghouse Lager and the Coldfire Pale Ale
Opened in October 2020, Stronghouse Brew Pub in Telluride makes about 350 barrels of beer per year — the vast majority of which it sells onsite, said general manager Mike Hayes. He’s not sure how the brewery and restaurant landed on USA Today’s radar, but it has been included on the previous lists of best brewpubs. This year, however, marks the first time Stronghouse took the top spot.
121 S Fir St, Telluride, CO 81435 | (970) 729-8930
This contemporary lounge offers a modern, updated twist on traditional mountain lodges with exposed stone walls and warm, rich colors. Pair that with the myriad beverage offerings and you’ve got a recipe for success. The beer list features 12 rotating taps and 12 brews available by the bottle, including several local varieties. The Liberty also features fun events throughout the week, like open mic night and karaoke, perfect if you enjoy a little entertainment with your beer. Music and libations.
Top Pick: Old Man Imperial Stout – a local Colorado beer brewed just a few hours away in Poncha Springs.
100 E Colorado Ave, Telluride, CO 81435 | (970) 728-4800
As one of Telluride’s oldest establishments that’s still open for business today, Last Dollar Saloon has a long history of serving frothy beverages to thirsty patrons. The affordable prices, friendly staff, and extensive selection keep regulars coming back year after year—and it’s not hard to figure out why! Last Dollar Saloon proudly offers more than 60 beers hailing from far away destinations and local Telluride breweries. Last Dollar also offers a generous happy hour from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily (yes, even weekends!). Be sure to stop by this historic local establishment during your mountain adventure.