Glenwood Canyon Brewpub
With a view of the Colorado River on one side, a full bar on another, and a glimpse into the brewing process on yet another, the Glenwood Canyon Brewpub is a hub of all American food, carefully crafted drinks, and a community atmosphere. Almost 30 years ago, Steve and April Carver were visiting Durango and ended up waiting in line for breakfast at the Carver Bakery and Brewing Company.
They bought some beer, sat on the sidewalk, and decided that Glenwood Springs needed a local brewery. Over breakfast, the two Carver couples met, and the successful partnership began. Success is the right word to describe the establishment, as it is one of the most award-winning brewpubs in all of Colorado, thanks to current Co-Owner and Director of Brewing Todd Malloy. “We’re award winning since 2001,” he said. “It’s always American, German, and West Coast.
We have pilsners, several IPAs, hazies, house, darker beers, and amber beers. A good mix of colors and beers.” For those who enjoy something light and sweet, the Grizzly Creek Raspberry Wheat is the perfect American-style fruit beer. It includes real raspberries, giving it a refreshing, thirst quenching first sip, and a tart aftertaste. And for those who prefer something darker, the Black Cat Lager should be your go to on a cozy, snowy winter day, reminiscent of the German Alps.
This Germany style beer is smoothly bitter but has hints of cocoa, light caramel, honey, and fresh bread. Co-Owner and Executive Chef Jason Barnicoat uses these beers brewed in house for his creations, whether in a sauce or compound butter. “We make a lot from scratch, like sauces,” he said. “We want to keep it competitive but affordable.”
For starters, the Tex-Mex Kobe Sliders are a must, with three thick Kobe beef patties, fresh arugula, vaguely spicy hatch green chillies, crispy bacon and fried onions, sharp cheddar cheese, soft brioche slider buns, and an IPAinfused barbecue sauce. If you are feeling something fresh, the classic Harvest Salad is right for you.
A mix of fresh greens, sweet julienne apples, tangy pickled red onions, dried cranberries, crumbled blue cheese, and crunchy candied pecans, with a healthy drizzle of a maple thyme vinaigrette, this salad is a colorful addition to any meal. It is served with flatbread crackers, and don’t miss out on adding a protein of your choice, like chicken, shrimp, salmon, or steak.
For something heartier, a favorite is the Pub Ribeye. Blue cheese, a thyme infused butter, cremini mushrooms and some more of those crispy onions top the cut of meat, and chive mashed potatoes, green beans, and roasted red peppers accompany it on the side. For something more casual, the Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich is a new addition to the menu and packs a spicy punch.
On the sandwich are mixed greens, pickles, bacon, and pepper jack cheese sandwiched by a brioche bun. The house made hot sauce gives the sandwich a unique flavor known only to the Brewpub, and a side of crunchy on the outside soft on the inside fries completes this dish.
For all of these meat options, don’t overlook the linguini pasta. It is chalked full of fresh peas, carrots, and arugula that hide in the smooth sherry parmesan cream sauce, making a surprising mixture of flavor at every bite. You can also add a protein of your choice to this dish.
The Brewpub has one of the largest capacity limits in Glenwood Springs and can accommodate 250 people in the summer with outdoor seating and 225 in the winter. They offer space for large parties and private events.
