Black Shirt Brewing Co and Craft Pizza Kitchen (Craft Beer & Brewery in Denver CO)

Black Shirt Brewing Co. and its sister operation, Craft Pizza Kitchen, sit smack‑dab in Denver’s riotously creative RiNo district. This isn’t a polished boutique where you’re handed a menu in calligraphy; it’s a rebel’s clubhouse where live rock ‘n’ roll booms from a hand‑built stage and the air smells of hops and charcoal. The founders (who have a penchant for black shirts) have turned non‑conformity into a business model, serving award‑winning ales alongside pizza dough that incorporates the brewery’s own spent grains.

The beer list rolls like a seasonal playlist—fresh, crisp, and always a surprise. You’ll taste the difference the moment the first pour hits the glass; the brews seem to have just emerged from the fermenter. Hops harvested from the very same batch often find their way into the crust of the Hotel California pizza, which sports a glaze that could coax a grin from the most stoic critic. The compact beer garden, with its industrial‑chic patios, feels more like a playground than a tasting room, complete with board games for those who think a pint pairs well with a friendly rivalry. All in all, Black Shirt delivers bold flavours, a lively soundtrack, and a genuinely inclusive vibe—no pretension, just good craftsmanship.

Why we love this brewery

What visitors love

Reviews praise Black Shirt Brewing Co for its fresh-tasting beers and convenient location, with fans of Craft Pizza Kitchen raving about their delicious brick-style pizzas, seasonal specials, and welcoming atmosphere that makes it feel like a hidden gem in the district.

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