by Jessica Hughes
In the midst of restaurants and breweries trying to reopen and stay open during the Covid-19 pandemic, a popular local brewery has plans to expand by adding a third location. Thriving and not just surviving, Denver Beer Co. (DBC) is opening a third metro area brewery and taproom slated to open in late fall of 2020.
The newest addition to the DBC family comes to 2425 South Downing Street, near the Rosedale and University neighborhoods. The owners, Charlie Berger and Patrick Crawford, purchased the south Downing Street property back in December 2019, after a long look for new real estate for their newest endeavor. Despite a few setbacks (not because of COVID-19, according to Crawford) they have steadfast plans to open their doors late this fall.
The purchase of the South Downing Street location, originally a gas station and most recently Maddie’s Restaurant, was well received in the area. The closing of Maddie’s was a shock to those in the neighborhood, and with locals anxious to fill the abandoned space, the opening of the new DBC came at an opportune time.
Plus, the recent announcement of the closure of nearby brewer, Declaration Brewing, who filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year, the news of DBC’s third metro location has given the neighborhood something to toast to. Despite those businesses that have come and gone, DBC joins good company with others still standing in the area such as The Roaming Buffalo, John Holly’s Asian Bistro, Little India, and the SoDo Village Market.
The renovation will include two separate buildings surrounding a communal patio and garden. The small taproom will be housed in the larger 2,563-square-foot building, that will include a tasting room, seating 60 to 70 people. Aside from the beer, the biggest attraction will be the 10,000-square-foot patio in front of the main building. The outdoor space will feature a beer garden, tiered decks, bike parking, a tiki bar, an outdoor game area, firepits, and a shady lounge area underneath the trees.
Be sure to come hungry as well as thirsty as they plan to offer food in a similar set up to their Arvada location with The Mighty Burger, a vintage airstream food truck serving gourmet burgers and fries. The adjacent, smaller 761-square-foot building is planned for an additional restaurant partner, that is yet to be determined.
“We hope this new taproom will become a community gathering place and hub for the surrounding south Denver neighborhoods including Platt Park, South Wash Park, DU area, and Harvard Gulch areas,” stated Crawford, co-founder for Denver Beer Co.
Like their other taprooms, they will offer a similar menu concept of rotating seasonal beers with their flagship brews including Princess Yum Yum and the Incredible Pedal IPA, plus several specialty brews specifically for the Downing Street location.
Plans are in place to adhere to all social distancing guidelines with groups of no more than eight people allowed, and tables outside will be kept six feet apart.
For more information and updates on the Denver Beer Co. Downing Street location visit denverbeerco.com/downingst or follow them on social media @DenverBeerCo.