Within the mesmerizing beauty of the Rocky Mountains lies Crested Butte, a gem of a town that offers more than stunning scenery and exhilarating outdoor adventures. This charming locale is also home to a vibrant beverage scene that includes local craft brews, artisan spirits, and exquisite wines.
When you’re exploring the town’s enchanting streets during your stay in one of our luxurious Crested Butte rentals, make sure to explore these impeccable destinations for a drink — or two!
Luckily our rentals are near tons of restaurants, bars, and popular things to do in Crested Butte, so you never have to go far for some fun or grabbing a unique beverage with your friends.
Breweries
Crested Butte has a rich brewing culture, where barley and hops are transformed into refreshing ales and lagers. Here are a few noteworthy breweries that should be on any beer lover’s checklist.
Irwin Brewing Company Public House
The Irwin Brewing Company Public House — a modern Colorado saloon — presents an impressive array of local drinks and food. Their very own Cold Pale Ale is a surefire choice for beer aficionados, while their Crossbarn Chardonnay brings the elegance of the Sonoma coast to the high-country setting. If the evening demands the flair of a cocktail, try their Fire on the Mountain, made with Reposado tequila and notes of Cointreau and jalapeno for a bold and refreshing flavor.
The Eldo Brewery
With a sense of history and a rich craft beer legacy, the Eldo Brewery has been a staple Crested Butte brewery since 1996. The Neato Mosquito, an American IPA, packs a punch with its Citra and Sabro hops and the lingering notes of citrus and vanilla, while the lemon raspberry sour from Eddyline Brewery offers a refreshing alternative with its sour and fruity undertones. Beyond its incredible selection of brews, the Eldo also shines as a lively music venue, making it one of the breweries in Crested Butte where good brews and great tunes come together.
Zuni Brewery
Zuni Brewery, a beloved Denver-based craft brewery, is about to bring its signature flavors to the picturesque mountain town of Crested Butte. Founded by a passionate owner hailing from Crested Butte itself, this brewery has garnered a dedicated following for its innovative brews and community-centric approach. Now, with plans underway to open a new location in its founder’s hometown, residents and visitors alike can anticipate enjoying Zuni Brewery’s distinct offerings amidst the stunning backdrop of Crested Butte’s natural beauty.
Distilleries
Looking for a Crested Butte distillery that takes the art of spirit making to new heights? Utilizing high-altitude water and the bountiful raw materials from the surrounding landscapes, the following distilleries produce a range of spirits as pristine as the Rocky Mountains themselves.
Montanya Distillers
At Montanya Distillers, the love affair with rum has been a 30-year journey that culminated in an array of stimulating rum varieties. The Basil Paradisi, with its basil-infused Platino rum, fresh-squeezed grapefruit, fresh lime, and fresh muddled basil, is a refreshing explosion of flavors. If you prefer darker rum, try the Maple Vinotok Old Fashioned. Made with Oro rum, organic maple syrup, and housemade cardamom grapefruit bitters, it is served in a cherry bark smoked glass, creating an unforgettable experience.
Anthracite Distillery & Tasting Lounge
Anthracite Distillery & Tasting Lounge is the community-focused heart of Anthracite Spirits. Locally-made spirits find new life in the uniquely crafted cocktails that they serve in this inviting venue. Their Red Lady Bitter Liqueur, with a medley of citrus and high-alpine ingredients, is a must-try. For gin lovers, their Mountain Dry Gin, with its crisp, botanical profile, has won numerous awards.
Wineries
Buckel Family Wine
While Colorado’s Rocky Mountains may be better known for their ski slopes than their vineyards, this winemaker has proved that high-quality, award-winning wine can be made on this rugged terrain. Choosing to take a “higher and drier” road, Buckel Family Wine is contributing significantly to Colorado’s growing wine culture through its award-winning wines. The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, grown on a warm site in Palisade, CO, offers tropical notes on the nose with a palate of melon and butterscotch. If red is more to your taste, try the 2022 Colorado Pinot Noir, sourced from the highest elevation Pinot Noir vineyard in North America — Hawk’s Nest Vineyard in Dolores, CO.
Bars
Crested Butte bars are diverse, ranging from cozy nooks to lively taverns, each with its own character and appeal. Let’s explore some of the best bars in Crested Butte, where warmth and friendliness go hand in hand with excellent drinks.
The Dogwood
Located in a snug locale, The Dogwood concocts cocktails that are as inventive as they are delicious. For a vodka-based delight, the Poco Loco is unmatched — crafted with pineapple, habanero, local honey, and lemon, it’s an explosion of flavor served up in style. Gin aficionados will revel in the Bluebird, a mix of Bombay Sapphire, St. Germain, blueberry, and bubbles designed for sipping on the rocks.
Birdie’s Golf Bar
A sanctuary for sports enthusiasts, Birdie’s Golf Bar marries the world of golf with the finesse of a well-stocked bar. Featuring two high-tech golf simulators, this bar allows patrons to swing in St. Andrews or Pebble Beach without leaving Crested Butte. And for those seeking diversity, options range from Zombie dodgeball to Bocce Ball, all alongside a commendable selection of beers, wines, and spirits.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to start planning your next unforgettable mountain adventure? Book your Crested Butte lodging with Crested Butte Property Management today, and begin a journey where luxury meets the wild heart of the Rockies.
A Bar Above
A dedication to local culture and cuisine, A Bar Above shines as a cozy mountain restaurant with its low lighting and high spirits. The Mezcal Margarita is a standout, blending Lunazul Blanco Tequila with ancho-infused del maguey vida mezcal, naranja orange liqueur, lime juice, and agave for a sip that is as bold as it is refreshing.
Umbrella Bar
Perched atop Painter Boy chairlift, The Umbrella Bar at Ten Peaks has unrivaled panoramic views of the valley. This en-piste bar is a family-friendly retreat where the aura of adventure melds with the comfort of good food and better drinks, offering patrons a taste of Crested Butte at its most majestic.
Secret Stash
Secret Stash defies expectations, blending the casual flair of a pizza joint with the sophisticated atmosphere of a bar. For beer lovers, the Irwin Cerveza is a hometown hero, while the Vegas Brainstorm cocktail offers a novel twist with its blend of Hendrick’s gin, fever tree tonic, fresh lime, and juniper berries.
Kochevar’s
As Crested Butte’s oldest bar, Kochevar’s stands as a testament to the town’s rich history and vibrant present. This bar and gaming hall, steeped in tradition, invites patrons to step back in time while enjoying the comforts and camaraderie of today.
Talk Of The Town
For those craving the ski bar experience, Talk of the Town delivers in spades. Since 1982, it has served as a cornerstone of Crested Butte’s nightlife, offering big-screen TVs, pool tables, foosball, and occasional live music. Its laid-back atmosphere and hearty pizza make it a staple for both locals and visitors.
Book Your Crested Butte Lodging With Crested Butte Property Management
At Crested Butte Property Management, we believe that your Crested Butte lodging should be the perfect foundation for your unforgettable mountain adventure. From luxurious Crested Butte rentals to cozy cabins, our properties are the perfect basecamp for your exploration of the town’s elite drinking destinations, as well as being conveniently nearby great Crested Butte restaurants and activities. Our dedication to customer service, commitment to cleanliness, and passion for providing a touch of the extraordinary ensure your stay is as remarkable as the beverages you’ll enjoy.
