Founded in 1979, on a farm just northeast of town, Boulder Beer has come a long way since it planted its roots in the Boulder Valley 38 years ago. As Colorado’s First Craft Brewery, Boulder Beer quickly took off, giving beer lovers an extraordinary change. After expanding their product, the brewmasters realized that they needed to expand their space as well, moving to the Pub on Wilderness Place in 1994.

There are now two Boulder Beer locations – the one on Wilderness Place, and the other just off the Pearl Street Mall on Walnut. The Pub on Wilderness has to be my favorite location, with its open patio seating nestled beneath the Flatirons. I just stopped by there the other day to catch “Hoppy Hour,” and to my surprise the food was just as good as the beer. Starting the meal with garlic, bacon, and balsamic drenched brussel sprouts, I was in complete heaven, with a perfectly paired Pulp Fusion. The Pulp Fusion’s citrus tones really outshine the hops in this lighter IPA, which is exactly what I was looking for before ordering my next course. I then moved onto the BBQ platter, complete with pulled pork, beef brisket, and pork hot links – all smoked in house. The meal was topped off with tater tots, cole slaw, and various sauces – my favorite was the Buffalo Gold sauce, a spicy mustard BBQ that delights the senses. I wanted another beer, but was in need of something a bit less filling, so I went with the Sweaty Betty – a Hefeweizen, much lighter on the stomach. It was a great brew that complimented the BBQ like peanut butter compliments jelly.

If you’re looking to stop by a “Hoppy Hour” to not only grab some awesome ales, but some tasty food too, then pop into the Pub on Wilderness any day from 3pm-6pm for $4 pints & $15 pitchers. Other than happy hour, listen to live music on Saturday’s and Thursday’s at the Boulder Brewery. Be sure to check out their other events, like the Oktoberfest Party held at the Walnut location on Saturday, October 23rd.