Boulder’s beer scene makes it possible to enjoy a unique craft brewing experience for any meal (or every meal if you’re up for the challenge). There are a dizzying number of breweries to choose from in town, so here are my picks for the best places to try for each meal:

Beer for Brunch: FATE Brewing Company

Photo courtesy of Fate Brewing

If you don’t know about weekend brunch at FATE Brewing (1600 38th St.), you’re missing out. Nothing is better than starting the morning with a Coffee IPA, Coffee Kolsch, or a Beermosa. But the brunch food is the real treat. If you’re ready to indulge, go for one of these: the Bread Pudding French Toast Monte Cristo (that’s all one thing), Chicken-n’-Waffles (jalapeno cornbread waffle with fried chicken and peach-ginger compote), or the Fate-a-Rito (breakfast burrito stuffed with eggs, potatoes, and meats from the smoker).

Unlike other brunch places around town, there is rarely a wait because of the ample seating. Try to grab a spot on the large patio so you can eat your brunch in the sun. If you have kids, bring them along because kids eat for free from 10am–12pm on weekends!

Beer for Lunch: Avery

If you haven’t been to the new Avery location (4910 Nautilus Ct.), head over for lunch and leave time for a tour of their new craft-brewing wonderland. (The tours start at 2pm on Saturday and Sunday, so it’s perfect for a lunch-time excursion). When you’re done, head to the taproom or the restaurant. Most of us in Boulder know about Avery’s staple brews, like Ellie’s Brown. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, try the passion fruit Liliko’i Kepolo, Gored pumpkin ale, or the Out of Bounds Stout. If you’re hungry, the Duck Poutine is a great way to soak up the beer. For vegetarians, the Sloppy Seitan has all the richness and flavor of a slow-cooked meat dish.

Beer for Dinner: BRU Handbuilt Ales and Eats

The BRU restaurant (5290 Arapahoe) is tucked away and easy to miss. But make sure you stop here for great brews and great food. The Obitus Brown Ale, Rigly Red Rye IPA, and Osito Stout are my favorite BRU beers. If their solid beer selection wasn’t enough, the menu offers beer-infused items such as a mouth-watering pizza with IPA tomato sauce and oysters with beer mignonette. You can finish your meal with a Beer Float (pair any ice cream with any beer).

Beer for Dessert: Piece, Love & Chocolate

Check out Piece, Love & Chocolate (805 Pearl Street) for some beer-infused chocolate truffles. Here are a few of the flavors I’ve enjoyed: Boulder Beer Shake Chocolate Porter Cordial, Avery’s Out of Bounds Stout Ganache, West Flanders Black Immaculate Caramel (with IPA), Left Hand Milk Stout Ganache.

Miranda Kozman