Top Craft Breweries to Visit in Old Colorado City, Colorado Springs, CO

Nestled against the foothills of Pikes Peak, Old Colorado City (OCC) pulses with a unique blend of Western heritage and urban cool. Cobblestone streets wind past art galleries, antique shops, and vibrant eateries—yet for many visitors, the real star is the craft beer scene. In this enclave of Colorado Springs, two standout breweries invite you to pull up a stool, raise a frothy pint, and toast to good times. Whether chasing hoppy IPAs, roasty stouts, or delicate lagers, Colorado Springs, CO, Old Colorado City brews deliver flavor, atmosphere, and a heaping dose of local pride.

Beyond the pints, OCC’s taprooms double as community hubs: impromptu meetups spring to life around reclaimed wood tables; local musicians tune up for weekend sets; and family dogs laze by shaded patios. For visitors, each brewery offers more than liquid refreshment—it’s an immersive experience, weaving history, creativity, and camaraderie into every glass. And because OCC is compact, you can hop from one tasting room to the next without leaving the picturesque, brick-lined avenue. Ready your taste buds: an Old Colorado City brewery crawl is equal parts culture, flavor, and genuine Colorado spirit.

Craft Beer’s Ascent in Colorado Springs

Colorado has long reigned as a craft beer powerhouse. When homebrewing became legal in the 1970s, small, independent brewers emerged. Fast-forward to today, Colorado Springs holds its own among Denver and Fort Collins, boasting a diverse brewery roster and an ardent community of enthusiasts. As one of the state’s emerging beer cities, it blends mountain-town charm with metropolitan innovation, producing beers that range from classic European styles to bold, experimental sips.

Today’s beer lovers in Colorado Springs can celebrate an array of festivals—from summer beer-garden block parties to autumn barrel-aged showcases—where local breweries vie for top honors. Collaborative brews between neighboring taprooms foster creative cross-pollination, and onsite pilot systems allow brewers to test new recipes weekly. The city’s educational scene has matured, too: homebrewing clubs host workshops on yeast propagation and hop sourcing, while brewery tours double as chemistry lessons in fermentation. More trade publications spotlight Colorado Springs on “best-of” lists each year, and local Beer ranking apps track taproom check-ins, fueling friendly competition. This dynamic landscape ensures that each visit to Old Colorado City offers exceptional Beer and a front-row seat to an evolving craft beer revolution.

Old Colorado City: A Historic Backdrop

Founded in 1859 as Colorado’s first gold-rush capital, Old Colorado City still echoes with Victorian storefronts and gas-lamp streetlights. In recent decades, revitalization efforts have preserved that antique charm while attracting artisans, chefs, and brewers. Today, a stroll down West Colorado Avenue reveals mural-lined walls, al fresco patios, and these exceptional breweries that have put OCC on the craft beer map.

Beyond the aesthetics, OCC’s historical society has curated walking tours that weave through 19th-century adobe homes and repurposed mining warehouses. Plaques dot the sidewalks, recounting stories of early pioneers, saloon proprietors, and gold-rush legends. Architectural restorations have married modern flair with original façades: you’ll glimpse steel-beam reinforcements behind restored brick façades, and energy-efficient LED lamps hidden within antique lantern shells. This seamless fusion mirrors the breweries’ approach—melding traditional brewing techniques with state-of-the-art equipment. As you linger over a flight, you’re drinking in history: grains milled today may be grounded in the same fields staked by prospectors 160 years ago. In Old Colorado City, every cobblestone and beer glass shares a tale of reinvention.

OCC Brewing

At 2316 W. Colorado Ave., OCC Brewing pours 16 rotating house-made beers on tap, reflecting the brewers’ passion for European traditions and novel twists on classic styles.

Since opening its doors, OCC Brewing has garnered regional awards for its Pilsner and barrel-aged stout. The brewers source local Pikes Peak–area barley and heirloom hops, forging partnerships with nearby farms to ensure freshness—and community investment. Seasonal releases spotlight foraged ingredients: think spruce-tip IPAs in spring or smoked-malt Oktoberfests in the fall.

Inside the industrial-chic taproom, floor-to-ceiling windows let in an abundance of natural light, which is complemented by polished concrete floors and reclaimed wood beams. It’s a gathering place for families, freelancers, and fur babies—with board games, work-friendly Wi-Fi, and a rotating gallery of local artists. Beyond pints, OCC Brewing’s kitchen serves chef-driven fare: house-made pretzels with beer-cheese fondue, vegan jackfruit tacos, and seasonal grain bowls.

Insider enthusiasts recommend timing your visit for “First Sip Friday,” when the bar unveils an experimental small batch not yet on draft boards elsewhere. Book a weekend brewery walkthrough for a personalized tour—complete with mash-tun demonstrations and a souvenir-tasting glass to take home.

Cerberus Brewing Co.

Cerberus Brewing Co. is just steps from the Midland Trail and PikeRide stations, straddling the border of downtown and Old Colorado City. Known for its “three-headed” approach—craft beer, elevated eats, and live events—Cerberus offers a dynamic taproom experience.

The brewery’s founders, a trio of longtime homebrewers, infused Cerberus with mythological flair: each head of the three-headed dog symbolizes Beer, food, and community. Their award-winning Helles Lager clinched Gold at the Colorado State Fair, while seasonal saisons have earned praise in national beer publications. Cerberus’s onsite kitchen prioritizes hyper-local sourcing—greens from neighborhood hydroponic farms, cheeses from nearby dairies, and fresh-baked pretzel dough crafted each morning.

Taproom décor balances exposed brick with hanging succulents, and custom-made tap handles feature ceramic Cerberus motifs. Rotating event nights range from vinyl-only DJ sets to dog adoption hours in partnership with local shelters. Sign up for “Brew School” Wednesday sessions for deeper dives: you’ll learn water chemistry, yeast cultivation, and proper glassware selection.

Regulars swear by the Porter-flight pairing: trio presentations of porter, imperial porter, and barrel-aged porter alongside a chocolate-raspberry ganache dessert. And if you’re planning a private gathering? The back lounge accommodates up to 30 guests for curated tastings or themed trivia nights.

Here’s a quick reference table of the two flagship breweries in Old Colorado City:

Brewery Name	Address	Signature Styles	Key Amenities
OCC Brewing	2316 W. Colorado Ave.	Pilsner, Hazy IPA, Doppelbock, Seasonal Sours	16 rotating taps; full kitchen; family & dog-friendly patio; flight board; to-go growlers
Cerberus Brewing Co.	2412 W. Colorado Ave.	Helles Lager, Red Ale, Porter, Experimental Barrel-Aged Series	Elevated eats; live-music/events space; Brew School workshops; dog-treat stations

Planning Your Brewery Crawl

Start Early & Map It Out

Taprooms in Old Colorado City typically open between 11 AM and noon on weekdays, with extended weekend hours. Download the Colorado Springs brewery map or use a brewery-crawl app to plan your route.

Pacing & Hydration

Alternate between richer styles (like porters and stouts) and lighter pours (lagers or saisons). Interlude stops at water fountains or local cafés help reset your palate.

Transportation Options

• PikesRide Scooters: Flexible, eco-friendly, and perfect for hops under half a mile.
• Rideshare: Rideshare services maintain zero tolerance for overindulgence, which is ideal for evening crawls.
• Designated Driver: If you’re traveling in a group, assign a sober navigator to shuttle everyone safely.

Time Management

Aim for 45—to 60-minute visits per brewery, which will give you ample time to sample flights, chat with brewers, and snap photos. Factor in 15 to 20 minutes for walking or scootering between locations.

Safety & Etiquette

Respect taproom capacity limits, clean up after yourselves, and tip bartenders generously (15–20% is standard). If you’re unsure about pack sizes or to-go rules, ask before ordering crowlers or growlers.

Pairing Local Flavors

Old Colorado City’s brewery duo pairs beautifully with neighborhood eats:

• OCC Brewing + Gourmet Sandwich
• The classic turkey avocado melt—layered on freshly baked focaccia—melds seamlessly with a crisp Pilsner. The Beer’s subtle noble-hop bitterness counterpoints creamy avocado, while the malt backbone supports richer ingredients like bacon jam.
• Cerberus + Flatbread
• Their prosciutto-fig flatbread, adorned with arugula and goat cheese, dances on the palate when paired with a caramel-toned Red Ale. Sweet fruit notes echo the Beer’s roasted malt profile, and the ale’s hop brightness cuts through savory prosciutto.

Beyond these pairings, local cafés offer small bites that are sweet, spicy, or tangy—perfect for flight tasting. Seek out the artisanal pretzel stand midway through your crawl: its sea-salt knots dipped in smoky beer cheese deliver a communal snack vibe. For dessert, pop into the nearby gelato shop: sorbets like blood orange or rosemary fig cleanse the palate before your next Beer. Your brewery crawl becomes a full-sensory journey by interweaving local flavors with each pour.

Beyond the Breweries

While the craft beer scene steals much of the spotlight, Old Colorado City brims with other attractions worth exploring between sips:

• Art Walks

On the second Friday of each month, galleries open their doors late—showcasing works from emerging painters, photographers, and sculptors. Mural tours guide you along the avenue’s vibrant street art.

• Farmers’ Markets

Seasonal markets spring up on Thursdays and Saturdays, lining multiple blocks with stalls of heirloom produce, handmade honey, artisanal cheeses, and locally roasted coffee beans.

• Historic Walking Tours

Join a docent-led stroll to learn about OCC’s gold-rush roots—visiting sites like the original courthouse, miners’ cottages, and vintage train depots.

• Live Music & Events

From bluegrass brunches in the Park to open-mic nights at neighborhood cafés, live performances abound every weekend.

• Outdoor Recreation

The Midland Trail offers riverside biking and jogging paths just a few blocks west. Rent a cruiser or lace-up hiking boots to explore the nearby Garden of the Gods.

These diversions ensure that your brewery day trip transcends tastings—immersing you in history, creativity, and Colorado Springs’ natural beauty.

Seasonal Beer Festivals & Events

Old Colorado City bursts with energy year-round, but its beer festivals take local camaraderie to new heights. Each spring, the Hop Into Spring block party transforms West Colorado Avenue into a hop-lover’s paradise, where brewers debut fan-favorite IPAs alongside experimental seasonal sours. Summer brings Brew in the Park, a riverside gathering at nearby Acacia Park featuring live music stages, a food truck row, and interactive beer-yoga sessions at high noon. As autumn paints the foothills gold, the historic district hosts an Oktoberfest Celebration complete with polka bands, pretzel-and-steins competitions, and artisan craft booths. In winter, OCC Brewing and Cerberus co-host Yule Tap Release, a cozy indoor fête unveiling barrel-aged stouts, spiced ales, and limited holiday ciders. Across these events, guests mingle over commemorative tasting glasses, swap stories beneath twinkling string lights, and forge memories that beckon them back next year—proof that every season offers a reason to raise a glass in Old Colorado City.

Sustainability & Community Initiatives

Beyond crafting exceptional brews, Old Colorado City’s taprooms champion sustainability and social responsibility. OCC Brewing diverts spend grain on local farms, nourishing cattle and regenerating soils, closing the loop on their ingredient sourcing. Meanwhile, Cerberus Brewing Co. heats its brewhouse with solar-thermal panels, reducing carbon output and serving as a community showcase for renewable-energy tech. By contributing a share of ticket sales to nearby rescue shelters and river cleanup brigades, both breweries participate in “Pints for a Purpose” fundraisers. Recycled glass growlers, biodegradable pint cups, and incentivized bottle returns reinforce eco-friendly practices among patrons. On designated Green Tap Tuesdays, customers who bike to the brewery earn discounted pours. Through these initiatives, OCC’s breweries remind visitors that good Beer and good deeds can go hand in hand, nurturing a vibrant craft beer culture that is as conscientious as flavorful.

Beer Education & Workshops

For those eager to go beyond the basics, Old Colorado City’s breweries offer immersive educational experiences that demystify the art and science of brewing. At Brew School Wednesdays, Cerberus Brewing Co. opens its pilot system for hands-on lessons in water chemistry, mash temps, and yeast pitching—complete with take-home recipe cards and a guided tasting to highlight how minor tweaks influence flavor. OCC Brewing’s monthly Sensory Seminars challenge participants to identify malt profiles, hop varieties, and off-flavor compounds through blind-tasting flights. These workshops often draw veteran homebrewers and curious novices alike, fostering lively debates over the merits of dry-hopping techniques or the perfect carbonation level. Seasonal Barrel-Aging Intensives peel back the curtain on oak treatment, toasting levels, and spirit-infusion methods, capped by samplings of the brewery’s bourbon-barrel stouts. Together, these programs empower enthusiasts to appreciate every nuance in their glass—and maybe even launch their brew day at home.

Family & Pet-Friendly Amenities

Old Colorado City welcomes craft beer enthusiasts of all stripes, including families and furry friends. OCC Brewing’s shaded patio features a dedicated Kids’ Corner stocked with coloring sheets, hop-shaped blocks, and non-alcoholic root beer on tap so parents can savor their flights worry-free. Cerberus Brewing Co. ups the ante with Doggie Drafts, complimentary puppy-safe “beers” served in pet-sized bowls and dog-treat stations courtesy of a local canine bakery. Both breweries boast wheelchair-accessible ramps, spacious outdoor seating, and bike racks near entrances. High chairs and baby-changing facilities in the restrooms ensure parents don’t have to scramble for accommodations. Special Family Fridays feature live acoustic music at lower volumes and discounted mocktails for teens. By weaving inclusive amenities into their taproom designs, OCC’s breweries ensure that everyone—two-legged or four-legged—can join the fun in comfort and style.

Souvenir & Gift Shopping

No brewery crawl is complete without a token to remember it by, and Old Colorado City’s boutiques deliver. A block from OCC Brewing, Riverstone Mercantile stocks branded glassware, fluted tasting sets, and growler-insulated carriers emblazoned with local hop motifs. A few steps further, Front Range Supply offers DIY homebrewing kits—complete with temperature-controlled fermentation buckets and malt-extract starter packs sourced from regional mills. Artisan Soap Co. crafts hop-infused bar soaps and natural beard oils scented with Cascade and Centennial hop oils for the more adventurous. Cerberus’s taproom doubles as a gift shop, featuring limited-edition USB hop grinders, ceramic pint mugs shaped like a three-headed Cerberus, and dog bandanas for your four-legged brewery buddy. If you’d rather gift an experience, both breweries sell installment beer club memberships, delivering monthly selections of experimental brews directly to a doorstep. These unique souvenirs let visitors carry the spirit—and the flavor—of Old Colorado City well beyond its cobblestone streets.

Where to Stay & Overnight Options

Transform a day trip into a full-blown weekend getaway by settling into one of Old Colorado City’s charming lodgings. The Maxwell Inn, housed in a restored 1880s Victorian mansion, offers boutique rooms adorned with period antiques and private balconies overlooking the main avenue. A complimentary gourmet breakfast features locally roasted coffee and house-made granola—fuel for a day of brewery hopping. For travelers seeking modern luxury, The Joyce Hotel blends sleek décor with rooftop patios, where guests can enjoy pre-taproom cocktails and panoramic mountain views. Budget-minded visitors will appreciate OCC Hostel & Suites, which pairs clean, minimalist dorm-style rooms with communal kitchens stocked with brewing equipment for guest use. All three accommodations provide easy walking access to both OCC Brewing and Cerberus, plus late-night snack options and pack-and-go lunches upon request. By staying onsite, you’ll maximize your time exploring breweries, galleries, and the scenic trails that frame this historic district.

Accessibility & Transportation Tips

Navigating Old Colorado City’s craft beer scene is a breeze when you know your options. Both OCC Brewing and Cerberus Brewing Co. feature ADA-compliant ramps, wide aisles between tables, and accessible restrooms—ensuring patrons of all mobility levels can enjoy the taprooms comfortably. Straddling the Midland Trail, you can also pedal between breweries on PikeRide electric bikes, with docking stations conveniently located near each front door. For those driving, the free municipal parking lot at 23rd Street and West Colorado Avenue offers ample spaces; evenings typically free up after 7 PM. Rideshare pickup zones are marked outside each taproom, and local cab services maintain flat rates for trips within city limits. During peak festival days, a dedicated Brew Shuttle loops every 20 minutes, stopping at major brewery hubs and nearby hotels. Whether you roll up on wheels or foot, transportation in Old Colorado City is designed to keep your focus on fun—and your feet firmly on stable ground.

Exploring Beyond OCC

Once you’ve conquered Old Colorado City’s brewery roster, extend your craft beer pilgrimage across Colorado Springs. Head north to Garden of the Gods Brewing Co., where mountain-inspired IPA labels pay homage to towering sandstone spires. Downtown, Phantom Canyon Brewing Company combines award-winning Belgian ales with scratch-kitchen fare in a railway station-turned-taproom. A scenic 15-minute drive east leads you to PikeView Taphouse in Monument, boasting 16 taps of frontier-themed brews and panoramic views of Pikes Peak. For a true off-the-beaten-path adventure, venture south to Iron Bird Brewing Company, where aviation buffs sip amber ales while vintage planes roar overhead. Each nearby brewery injects its local flavor and stylistic focus, from German lagers to barrel-aged stouts. By weaving these stops into your itinerary, you’ll experience Colorado Springs’s full spectrum of craft beer creativity—beyond the historic heart of Old Colorado City.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the taproom hours?

Both OCC Brewing and Cerberus open at 11 AM daily, and their hours extend to 9 PM–10 PM on weekends.

Do they serve food?

Yes—OCC Brewing offers a full kitchen menu, and Cerberus features elevated eats like flatbreads and charcuterie.

Can I bring my dog or kids?

Absolutely. Both breweries are family—and pet-friendly, with kids’ areas and complimentary “Doggie Drafts.”

Is there onsite parking?

Free municipal parking is available nearby (23rd St. lot), and there are rideshare pickup zones in front of each taproom.

Do they offer brewery tours or classes?

Yes—look for “Tap & Talk” events at OCC Brewing and “Brew School” workshops at Cerberus.

How can I take Beer home?

Both locations sell to-go growlers and installment club memberships for home delivery. Top of FormBottom of Form

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned hophead or just seeking a laid-back afternoon, breweries in Colorado Springs, CO, and Old Colorado City offer a taste of history and innovation. From OCC Brewing’s ever-rotating taps—showcasing local grains and experimental sips—to Cerberus Brewing Co.’s lively events and mythic branding, every pint tells a story.

Plan your visit with intentional pacing: alternate hop-forward ales with lighter lagers, hydrate between flights, and explore nearby galleries. Pair each Beer with thoughtfully curated bites—from house-made pretzels to prosciutto-fig flatbreads—to elevate your tasting experience. When you’re ready for more, Old Colorado City’s farmers’ markets, art walks, and scenic trails await.

At every turn—in each historic brick, in every frothy head, in the chatter of fellow enthusiasts—you’ll discover why OCC remains a craft beer destination worth raising a glass to. Cheers to your next craft beer adventure in Old Colorado City!