Golden City Brewery

Domingo

Colorado

4/5  rDev +3.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | $$

Yet another one of those places that has been around forever, but I had just never made it over to visit.
Located a few streets off of Washington, the main street running through Golden. Looks a bit like a house or corner store that was gutted. Did I mention there's a biergarten? Yup! A lot next to their building is a full fledged biergarten with lots of tables/chairs and even a window to order beers from. I bet that's killer during the summer months.
Inside the tasting room there's a cooler with bottles, lots of misc. snacks, and a big board with all of the taps listed.
There's also some food available (pizza, sausages) but we didn't try any. I like the convenience of that, though.
Since this trip was in late Winter, it was a little too cool for the biregarten and we stayed inside. It's a pretty small area, so I imagine it might be cramped on really cold weekends.
I did a sampler so I could give everything a try. I've had many of their beers here and there, but it's been a little while.
They had a kolsch, alt, oatmeal stout, IPA, English mild brown, and 2 seasonals (Belgian stout, and "Cuvee" Javapeno). Everything was really good...and even the styles that are normally pretty "ho-hum" like kolsch were good, and worthy of a full pint. My wife and I ended up doing pints of the IPA and the English dark mild, but I think we could've ordered any two pints and been happy. Just because you're brewing everyday styles doesn't mean they have to be boring and it's pretty clear GCB knows that.
Prices were normal $4-5, and they do both pitchers and growler fills, too. I didn't see 1/2 pints on the menu, but I did see glassware for them.
Service was quick and we got descriptions of everything while our sampler was being filled.
I like this place and I really am pretty eager to come back in warmer weather so I can enjoy the biergarten.
This place reminds me of the small town breweries I encountered over on the Colorado western slope - and that's a good thing.

02-22-2011 15:01:45 | More by Domingo

dirtylou

Washington

2.86/5  rDev -26.1%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 2.5 | service: 3.25 | selection: 2.5 | $$

Not often does Beerfly lead me astray, but aside from the lovely garden/patio, this place was a major dud.

Only 4 beers on tap - the IPA was flat as a pancake and the amber was nothing to write home about.

Food consisted of pretzels and a fiery hot mustard. There was a truck slinging "texorado" bbq but nobody was buying it. Not sure why - looked pretty great.

And to top it off, I understand the "second largest brewery in Golden" is now actually the 4th :(

05-29-2013 02:50:28 | More by dirtylou

DesolateDave

Colorado

4.88/5  rDev +26.1%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5 | $$$$

I showed up for happy hour (which is open to 3pm every day apparently). 3$ a pint for fine craft beer is unbelievable. They have the best German alt beer I have had in the states. Their IPA was very thick and balanced. The Kölsch was phenomenal. They only have 5 of their beers on tap but they had a few guest taps from other breweries and a craft cider. They do impromptu brewery tours if they aren't too busy so that is worth checking out.

They are pretty much all beer garden located in the historic district of Golden, behind a neat old Victorian style house. It's like drinking beer in the back yard. Very laid back and casual atmosphere.

They don't serve food but they had a food truck. They had guy who makes hot dogs out side and they were amazing. Biker Dave's gourmet hot dogs I think it was called. They do allow outside food which is a big plus for me.

the only down to this place is the lack of enough proper bathrooms. They have 1. but they hid some tacky porta pots around the corner, so, It works.

So all in all, amazing German beers, brewed true to style.

05-26-2013 16:23:02 | More by DesolateDave

Akiva

Colorado

3.02/5  rDev -22%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 3 | service: 3 | selection: 2.5 | $

The Good: I don't know if anything says "craft beer" more than walking up to somebodies back yard that has been converted into a bier-garden, placing your order in a 100 year old carriage house that has been converted into a tap room and looking across the garden at an old workshop which is now a brewery. Really, really cool.

The Bad: Golden City has a habit of mainstreaming their beers. Making them as palatable to the non-craft beer drinker as possible. For someone that loves to dive into a double-IPA or experiment with a cherry ale, I don't appreciate the Red Ale that is designed to appeal to Bud Light drinkers.

The Ugly: As a business owner there are a few things that really chap my hide when other businesses do them to me. Firstly, I understand verifying that I'm over 21, but an ID scanner at a tiny craft brewery like this, overkill. Second, I understand that credit card companies charge you a percentage for every sale, but on a $10 sale the most that will be is less than a dollar (and that is if you get killed on the per swipe flat fee, which no one pays now a days). On a $100 sale it would be less than $3 to run my card. When you have me use an ATM that charges me $2.50 so that you can save less than a dollar, well, that makes me not like your brewery very much.

Overall, I'd give this wonderful little craft brewery a B, but the ATM machine and no credit card policy is horribly unfriendly to consumers, so I have to knock off a whole letter grade, give it a C. Great place to visit, just bring some cash.

03-20-2013 03:45:28 | More by Akiva

champ103

Texas

4.36/5  rDev +12.7%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | $$

An awesome place to stop and have a beer if in the touristy town of Golden. I love the sign on the street corner. Golden's second largest brewery, in the shadows of one of the behemoths in the beer world. Ultra laid back and chill. The main area is basically a backyard with some picnic tables, and a tiny area inside that can maybe seat 6-7 people. A perfect spot for a few afternoon beers.

The selection is not as extensive as other places can be, but the quality is incredible. The main stays are a kolsh, alt, brown, stout, and IPA. Also a Gose and barleywine were both killed when I was there. Everything is very good to great. The IPA specifically is one of the best I have had anywhere. The Gose and Alt are both very unique styles and done perfectly. The quality here is top notch, all fresh as can be.

The service is very good. The one bartender and owner take care of everything and are very knowledgeable and personable. They gave a round of free beer out to some people that helped a family from the neighborhood find their lost dog. That is great. The food looked really good, but I did not grub. Pizzas, sandwiches, and salads that all look really well made.

Overall, one of my favorite places in the Denver area. All around top notch and well run. I would sit here all day if I could.

06-09-2012 04:18:37 | More by champ103

Flounder57

Massachusetts

4.06/5  rDev +4.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | $$

The atmosphere of this place is cool. Brewery is located behind the owners house. A small beer garden was open to the public yesterday and a fir pit was going for the people to keep warm and huddle around. Beer was available inside for purchasing. Very small inside, but nice and warm. A few tables and chairs with some board games, cards, and cribbage boards to pass the time while enjoying some fresh quality beers. What an awesome and chill place to enjoy some beers at the foothills of Golden and footsteps of Coors.

The quality and selection of the beer was good, but limited. They had 7 or 8 beers to choose from and also growlers, bombers, logs, and 1/2 barrels for sale too. The drafts we purchased were enjoyed outside near the fire pit and out back in the brewery while I was talking to one of the brewery employees. I even got a taste of their awesome barrel aged brew.

We called ahead to find out details, but our bartender and entertainer Josh was very courteous and nice. They only accept cash or check and they have pints and pitchers available for purchasing to be consumes inside or outside in the beer garden. I could see this place getting busy during the nicer warm weather months, but that didn't seem to affect us and fresh and quality beer is always worth the wait.

This was a great find and a few blocks away from the Coors brewery in Golden. Awesome people plus awesome beer equals a great time which the three of us had last night.

12-17-2011 18:20:27 | More by Flounder57

StonedTrippin

Colorado

3.79/5  rDev -2.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5 | $$

an awesome little spot. tiny tiny brewhouse with an open air back sitting area which stays open all year round. not sure if you can even sit inside at all... they have 5 or 6 beers going at any given time and the stout is really the pick from what ive had. prices fair for sure. the reason this place is so great though is the atmosphere. right in the foothills its perfect after a hike. people just sit outside and play backgammon or checkers and sip beers. apparently they have bonfires at night, but i have not been to one. great place to check out!

12-15-2011 22:16:55 | More by StonedTrippin

Fiona8051

Colorado

3/5  rDev -22.5%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 2 | selection: 4 | $

Third time to try out this place, & it was the last! Never again, I have to remind myself, that it's not worth it to stand in line for over 30 minutes cuz they can't figure out that they should have a beer server & food server (yes, 2 separate people). The folks in line inside & out were just as upset as I was. Yes, it's a small location, but it's a busy Saturday afternoon, & most folks were changing their orders (buy a pitcher versus a glass) as they stood in line becuz they didn't want to have to come back & endure.

Yes, good beers, but poor poor service...they could be so much better! The 'beer garden' atmosphere is fabulous, but not fun if you're dying of thirst!

09-25-2011 15:07:41 | More by Fiona8051

MilwaukeeCrusher

Wisconsin

4.06/5  rDev +4.9%
vibe: 3 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | $$

After finding this place, I discovered some really good beer. They excelled at IPAs and I enjoyed their others in a sampler. I bought bombers of their DIPA and bottles of their barleywines and they were a joy to consume. Unfortunately the place really doesn't have the amenities other places have and the building is rather old and plain lacking any sort of charm. It fits the bill if you want a place to hang with someone over a good beer, but is lacking in the "experience" department. A new facility and this place would be golden, maybe bring in some more styles and it definitely has real potential. Right now probably a mom and pop brewery. If I had the chance they currently make, I would probably buy their beers ALL THE TIME.

01-08-2011 20:58:14 | More by MilwaukeeCrusher

rmdownward

California

4/5  rDev +3.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | $

I was in Denver for work and this little gem was recommended. My trusty GPS got me there fine and I parked on the lovely, tree lined street, almost in the shadow of the massive brewery down the hill.

Went into the taproom first. Small & funky, but with it's own character. Bartender was fast & courteous, even as he was showing a new employee the ropes. Sat inside & had the Evolution IPA. Very good for such a small place. Sipped & took in the atmosphere. Seems to be a very local hangout, as the staff seemed to know everyone. Finished the IPA and decided on their Octoberfest next. Took it outside to the beer garden to enjoy the sun. Nice color with a malt finish that didn't overwhelm.

Small area for kids to play & lots of tables & chairs. It was very relaxing to sit & read & catch bits of the happy conversation around me. Finished my Fest & got ready to go. This is a very charming and lo-tech establishment. I'd certainly not rule out a return.

While there is a porta-pot outside, there is a restroom in the tap house. Unisex, but clean.

10-05-2010 17:35:10 | More by rmdownward