The spouse of one of my ride partners once asked, “Why do you all have to reward yourselves with beer after every mountain bike ride? It’s as if you accomplished something.”
In that particular case, we had accomplished something. We rode mountain bikes every weekend in the Pacific Northwest rain, often at roughly 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit, and returned with all of our toes. Some rides felt like a battle with ourselves and the elements combined. We were riding the line between type 1 and type 2 fun, cracking jokes about it along the way to keep our minds off the pain.
Now an avid trail runner, said spouse fully understands the post-ride imbibe.
Though not all rides are brutally cold or hot, bellying up to the bar after a good shred is a cherished tradition for many of us. The list of reasons to stop for a pint after a hard ride is a long and growing one. It gives us a chance to refuel with some protein and carb-heavy pub-grub, to chat with our friends about the ride and the rides to come, and to support the communities where we ride. Additionally, for those of who put mountain biking near the center of our lives, these traditions are as important as some national holidays. This is how we commune with “family.”
While you are texting with friends about who will be the designated-driver this round, check out our list of beverage centers located near great places to mountain bike.
West, USA
Seward, AK Seward Brewery is conveniently only open during mountain-biking season.
Boise, ID Woodland Empire Ale Craft brews a variety of creative beverages, including a hoppy pint that they call Big Sticky.
Coeur D’Alene, ID Crafted Tap House hosts 62 taps and has a “vibe like no other.”
Ketchum, ID Sawtooth Brewing serves up 25 taps with beer, wine, kombucha, and root beer! They serve high-quality pub fare using fresh and seasonal local ingredients.
Salmon, ID Bertram’s Brewery is “nestled in the beautiful Salmon Valley, Idaho, gateway to the Frank Church River-of-No-Return Wilderness and the mighty Salmon River.”This place treats mountain bikers right.
Sun Valley, ID Power House Brewing is a bike shop, beer house, and grub pub.
Downieville, CA The Brewing Liar is a nearby brewery with a variety of IPAs to choose from.
Laguna Beach, CA Laguna Beach Brewery and Grill is a friendly spot to grab beers and tacos.
Lake Tahoe, CA Sidellis is a brewery with good-looking grub, right on the shores of Lake Tahoe.
Mission Viejo, CA Unrestricted Brewing offers brews, food, and brewing classes.
Santa Cruz, CA Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing offers seasonal beers and growler fills.
Truckee, CA Truckee Brewing Co serves up a long list of craft brews, as well as growler fills and kegs.
Breckenridge, CO Breckenridge Distillery‘s chef is a 2x winner of the Best Chef In New York award.
Crested Butte, CO The Secret Stash is another one for pizza and beer enthusiasts.
Durango, CO Ska Brewing is a wind-powered beer factory with a solid music selection. Steamworks Brewing Company is another popular spot with mountain bikers.
Fruita, CO Hot Tomato has the beer and pizza game locked down.
Grand Junction, CO Kannah Creek Brewing Co is the place to stop for brews, pizza, and frequent events in Grand Junction.
Gunnison, CO High Alpine Brewing: Where beer meets treeline. Yes, they also have pizza.
Salida, CO Moonlight Pizza & Brewpub offers the perfect post-ride combination.
Winter Park, CO Derailleur Bar is the spot to hit at the resort, followed by dinner at Hernando’s Pizza Pub.
Bozeman, MT Mountains Walking Brewing is crafting beers from international traditions.
Helena, MT Blackfoot River Brewing Co has ten original beers on tap and loads of cool community fundraising events.
Missoula, MT Great Burn Brewing has some sweet nectar on tap, including their Apricot IPA.
Ashland, OR Standing Stone Brewing serves up a variety of beers, backed by a clear social and ecological mission.
Hood River, OR Double Mountain Brewing is a spacious brewpub serving up innovative beers, grub including brick-oven pizzas, and regular live music. If you are up toward the 44-Trails, Solara Brewing in Parkdale has some unique sour suds and ample outdoor seating.
Oakridge, OR Brewer’s Union Local 180 is the only game in town, and it’s a good one. The B.U.L. 180 claims the “Only Real Ale in Oregon,” and you will have to stop in to find out what that means.
Bellingham, WA Aslan Brewing Co. makes certified-organic beers in downtown Bellingham.
Leavenworth, WA Icicle Brewing Co has a large outdoor patio and a great selection of their own beers.
Mt. St Helens, WA The Cougar Bar & Grill offers sweet outdoor seating and a selection of brews.
Spokane, WA Iron Goat Brewing is a craft brewery with a snug taproom & patio offering pub grub, trivia nights, and live music.
Tiger Mountain, WA No Boat Brewing Co in Snoqualmie, WA serves up food and suds, and they donate a portion of their profits to charity.
Green River, WY There is a self-serve tap wall at Green River Taproom. Enough said.
Laramie, WY Altitude Chophouse & Brewery serves 84 unique beers, and reportedly their quality matches quantity.
Jackson, WY Snake River Brewing Co is Wyoming’s oldest brewery, offering 125 beers for your tasting pleasure.
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Southwest, USA
Sedona, AZ Oak Creek is about as chill as breweries get, and the beers are delicious.
Tuscon, AZ Barrio is said to be “Arizona’s neighborhood brewery.”
Phoenix, AZ After a sweet desert shred, refuel with pretzels and beer at Mother Bunch Brewing!
Boulder City, NV Boulder Dam Brewing is adorned with relics from the famous Hoover Dam, and they serve food, beer, and live music regularly.
Las Vegas, NV Started by four brothers who share its name, Lovelady Brewing in Las Vegas has some creative flavors to quench your thirst. They also offer growler fills and you can bring your dog along.
Reno, NV The Citra Solo IPA at Lead Dog Brewing sounds delicious!
Tahoe, NV Alibi Brewing is a great place to pick up craft-brewed cans for camp or trail snacks.
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Alberqueque, NM La Cumbre Brewing Co is a “microbrewery with house staples and seasonal specials, food trucks, live music events, yoga, and more.”
Angelfire, NM When in Taos, check out Enchanted Circle Brewing.
Santa Fe, NM At the Blue Corn Cafe you will find local cuisine and margarita pairings.
Saint George, UT Silver Reef Brewing is a recently-opened pub, so stop in and check out the new digs.
Moab, UT Visit Moab Brewery for great burgers, brews, and canned beer to go.
Park City, UT Squatters Pub and Craft Beers has canned brews and offers a deal for frequent customers.
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Midwest, USA
Nashville, IN Big Woods Brewpub has a number of locations, and this pub in Nashville is the original.
Copper Harbor, MI Brickside Brewery sits on the shore of Lake Superior, and there’s a taco truck in the parking lot!
Marquette, MI Blackrocks Brewery is a great place to grab cans to go or stop after a ride for one of their 20 unique beers.
Duluth, MN “Bent Paddle Brewing Co. is named for the bent shaft canoe paddle Bryon used to mix his brewing mash while at Rock Bottom Brewery, as well as a shared passion for canoeing.”
Mandan, ND Laughing Sun Brewing has a handful of ciders on tap in addition to their extensive beer list.
Minot, ND The folks at Souris River Brewing pride themselves on making quality products from locally-sourced ingredients.
Watford City, ND With their company slogan “hopped up on homegrown,” Stonehome Brewing is all about community and quality.
Custer, SD Sick-N-Twisted Brewery hosts regular comedy events and keeps next to 20 of their own beers tapped on a given day.
Mitchell, SD Nearby Monks House of Ale Reput in Sioux Falls is a dog-friendly pub with 39 beers on tap.
Sturgis, SD Sandwiches, burgers, and wings. The Nuckle Brewery has all the traditional pub things.
Hayward, WI Angry Minnow offers food and beer in a historical location near the CAMBA trails. At Rivers Eatery and Pub you can order beers for your friends to be enjoyed the next time they visit.
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South, USA
Anniston, AL Cheaha Brewing Company uses all natural, organic ingredients in their craft brews.
Bentonville, AK Bike Rack Brewing crafts “local, quality ales for our community and trails.”
Birmingham, AL Good People Brewing believes “great beer is meant to be set down on a tabletop and overshadowed by conversation, friends, [and] family. And every glass is an invitation.”
Ellijay, GA Forbes rated the River Street Tavern “One of the best craft beer destinations.”
Eton, GA In addition to craft beer and food, Cold Creek Taphouse hosts trivia nights on Thursdays and live music on the weekend. Hit this stop after a ride on the Pinhoti Trail.
Trenton, GA Just down the road in Rock Springs, Phantom Brewing‘s Old Greeneyes IPA sounds like a thirst pleaser.
Woodstock, GA Reformation Brewery “is a values-based company and we believe why you drink is just as important as what you drink.” Stop in after a ride at Blankets Creek or Rope Mill.
Ocala, FL Greenway Bicycles is a great place to get your bike tuned while you sip a cold beer. Their beer selection is great, and you can purchase single cans and bottles to go.
Livingston, KY Jarfly Brewing is open most days. Check their site for hours.
Jackson, MS Lucky Town Brewing invites you to “boldly rediscover beer”.
Banner Elk, NC Flat Top Mountain Brewery’s citric Session IPA should make for a good post-ride sipper.
Brevard, NC Ecusta Brewing Co is “located at the entrance to the Pisgah National Forest with outdoor seating next to the beautiful Davidson River.”
Marshall, NC For craft beer, wine, and snacks, check out Mad Co. Brew House.
Pisgah Forest, NC The Hub & Pisgah Tavern is a bike shop and pub in one!
Chattanooga, TN The Ingenious IPA at Hutton and Smith Brewing is said to live up to its name.
Knoxville, TN Last Days of Autumn Brewing‘s Pre Prohibition Ale is an old-school twist on our modern notion of beer.
Oliver Springs, TN The Smokey Mountain brewery has been around since 1996, and today offers a full menu of gluten-free drinks and food in addition to traditional gluten-rich pub food.
Canyon, TX The Imperial Taproom has a giant snack menu, dinner, as well as bottles and kegs to go. Hit this one after a big ride at Palo Duro.
Comfort, TX Hill Country Distillers will wet your whistle after a long ride, but be sure to check their website for tasting hours.
Grapevine, TX Grapevine Craft Brewery claims, “more than just another consumer product, beer to us is an expression of community.”
Harrisonburg, VA Three Notch’d Brewing Co has a wide selection of bottled and canned beers to go, as well as taps and grub.
Timber Ridge, VA Devil’s Backbone Brewing Co not only has craft brews and good food, but you can camp onsite!
Richmond, VA The Veil Brewing Co’s Dirt Nap IPA might come in handy.
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Roanoke, VA Big Lick Brewing Co was Roanoke’s first nano-brewery.
Slaty Fork, WV Down the road a stretch, the staff at Bacova Beer Co are “Purveyors of liquid hope.” ‘Nuf said.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BoefJZbAY5E/
East, USA
Hampton, CT Fat Orange Cat Brew Co is a small seasonal farm brewery run out of a barn. I’m sold!
Newark, DE The Sundown Saison will be my first pint while visiting the Midnight Oil Brewery.
Carrabassett Valley, ME Shipyard Brew Haus “is located inside the Sugarloaf Inn, slope-side off the Birches trail and the base of Sawduster lift. The Bar & Restaurant features an outdoor patio with live music, innovative food, and classic Maine beer.”
Pownal, ME Maine Beer Company has some of the most photogenic pizzas you will ever seen.
Presque Isle, ME Get your deep-fried pickles at Northern Maine Brewing Co.
Ellicott City, MD Brewers at Ellicott Mills Brewing Co are making quality beers in a German tradition.
Tilton, NH Kettlehead Brewing is your spot in Tilton to fetch cans of beer or grab after-ride refreshment.
Franklin Township, NJ The chef and brewers at Harvest Moon Brewery work together to create unique beers and food with complimentary flavors.
Hackettstown, NJ In the converted space of a former Ford factory, Czig Meister Brewing is turning out a handful of mainstay beers alongside a hefty list of seasonal beers.
Mountain Creek, NJ The Biergarten is Mountain Creek Resort’s slopeside pub.
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Ellenville, NY New Paltz Brewing Co. is “a historically-named brewery. Brothers from German heritage growing up in the Catskills, NY and New Jersey now [make] old-world handcrafted German Style Beers in the Hudson Valley, NY.”
Lake George, NY Adirondack Brewery says, “springs located deep within Lake George’s bedrock provide beautifully-pure water for brewing; the perfect blank canvas for our beer. We use locally-sourced ingredients to create a beer that is all-natural, unpasteurized, and fresh.”
Sherman, NY Big Inlet Brewing is a farm-based brewery open for growler fills. Check their website for hours and availability.
State College, PA Happy Valley Brewery has a mug of pickles, in addition to other delicious-looking ways to refuel.
Cumberland, RI Ravenous Brewing Co keeps their batches small and quality high.
East Burke, VT Burke Public House is a gastropub.
Pittsfield, VT Killington Beer Company is “family friendly with food, soft drinks, and a spacious game room for our younger generation to enjoy.”
Waterbury, VT Prohibition Pig‘s smoked meat menu and solid beer list will make for a great post-ride stop.
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Mexico
La Ventana / El Sargento Cerveceria Paceña By Pinshi Paceña looks like a good place to dance while you enjoy craft beer if you have the legs left.
Mexico City Calvera Beer in central Mexico City has put a little Mezcal in some of their beers for an extra kick.
Oaxaca Oaxaca Brewing Co has all of the hoppy goodness you are looking for.
Queretaro Cerveza Toro brews a number of craft beers, including a dark ale to offset the traditional lager flavors of Mexico.
Santiago, Nuevo León Cerveceria Fundadores uses all natural ingredients in their malty cold snacks.
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Canada
Banff, AB At Bear Street Tavern you will find some grand steins, and “Ridiculously Good Pizza.”
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Burns Lake, BC The Grapevine Pub and Bistro is conveniently connected to a liquor store for your campsite needs.
Jasper National Park, AB Canada’s first national park brewery, Jasper Brewing CO offers a few different bike-themed beers.
Squamish, BC Backcountry Brewing has a long list of canned beers as well as on-tap goodness.
Revelstoke, BC Mt Begbie Brewing‘s master brewer, Bart, “has a Ph.D. in nuclear physics, but he prefers to make beer not war, right here in Revelstoke.”
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Rossland, BC The Paydirt Pale Ale at Rossland Beer Company reportedly tastes nothing like dirt.
Nelson, BC Touchlight Brewing serves some truly good-looking grub, and a long list of beers.
Whistler, BC Whistler Brewing Co has been warming the slopes since 1989 and is still 100% owned and 100% BC-brewed. Just down the street, Coast Mountain Brewing is cooking up suds in a European tradition.
Bromont, QC Up for some Poutine at Le Brouemont Brasserie?
Mont St. Anne, QC Micro Brasserie de Beaux Prés has sixteen unique beers for riders to choose from.
Hardwood Hills, ON The owners of Belmont Lake Brewery moved “from England in 2011 with a brewery in our shipping container, our rescue dog Jack, and a vision of brewing traditional English beer with a Canadian twist.”
Global Party!
*This section will be divided by nation as soon as we have more info.
Vallnord, Andorra The British Golden Ale at Boris Craft Beer is likely a good one to start with after a long day of park laps.
Sölden, Austria Jati Burger Bar & Craft Beer is in the space of a former cobbler’s office, and now serves up heaps of post-ride goodness.
Málaga and Granada, Spain Cervesas Alhambra brews four of their own craft beers and has a solid selection of local food to slow soak up the drinks.
Sierra Nevada, Spain The mountain lodges are your best, and possibly only options?
Alpe d’Huez, France “Goodwin Brewery came to life at the end of 2015, the first of its kind in the Alpine market town of Bourg d’Oisans, nestled in the valley below the ski resorts of Les Deux Alpes & Alpe D’Huez.”
Chamonix, France Micro Brasserie de Chamonix has a beer flight taster, in case you don’t feel up to choosing.
Les Gets/Morzine, France Bec Jaune says, “beer is best enjoyed fresh and local. Our little brewery gives us the flexibility to brew new and old beer styles ranging from American IPAs to lagers and porters to traditional French and German styles. There’s nothing like a flavorsome craft beer after a day in the mountains.”
San Tropez, France Brasserie des Arts is the French Riviera party you would expect, and after riding the steep local tracks all day you will likely need to loosen up again.
Canazei, Italy Kaiserkeller is one of the best après ski/MTB spots in town.
Finale Ligure, Italy Sir Arthur Craft Beer not only has a delicious IPA, but their tacos are quite good as well.
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Lake Garda, Italy Birrificio Manebra have ten of their own beers on tap, and each can also be purchased in bottles.
Pila, Italy Located at the bottom of the mountain in Aosta, Birrificio Aosta has an IPA that will quench your hop hunger.
Punta Alla, Italy All trails lead to Micro Birrificio In Bocca al Luppolo.
Sauze D’Oulx, Italy Cafe Della Seggiovia is directly at the end of the main lift, and there is plenty of bike parking.
Turin, Italy At the base of the Alps, Turin is covered in trails and good beers. Check out Bici e Birra and Open Baladin for starters.
Saint-Luc, Switzerland Beer Workshop Turtmann brews custom beers for customers, and they also have a few ready to drink.
Verbier, Switzerland White Frontier Brewery will sell you all the beer you like, including online sales once you return home.
Zermatt, Switzerland At Grizzly’s bar Zermatt you can drink the local suds with a view of some of the most iconic mountains in the Alps.
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Stuttgart, Germany Get you fruity brew fix at Cast Brauere.
Fort William, UK Dry out and wet your whistle at the Crofter Bar.
Istria, Croatia Stop by Istrian Brewery, as long as you are over 18.
Hafjell, Norway Where you will find the world’s northernmost brewery.
Rotura, New Zealand “Born in Rotorua and loved all over, Croucher is the taste of discovery, from the home of adventure! We are all about celebrating the beauty, the adventure, and the hospitality that Rotorua is renowned for all around the world.”
Lousã, Portugal Window’s Cafe & Bar is your refueling station in Lousã.
Madeira, Portugal Beerhouse did not mess about with their name.
Maribor, Slovenia Is a green-beer paradise!
For more brew-inspiration, check out this past article on packable beers, this piece highlighting a few exceptional mountain bike inspired brews, or any of our other cold snacks stories.
This inventory of post-ride pubs will grow with time, and we hope it serves as a resource to help you locate suds while traveling.
Where is your favorite place to grab a beer after a mountain bike ride?
