Vine Street Pub & Brewery: Queer-Owned, Community-Loved, and Pouring Pride in Uptown Denver

On the corner of 17th and Vine, in the heart of Denver’s vibrant Uptown neighborhood, there’s a place that doesn’t just serve beer—it serves belonging. Welcome to Vine Street Pub & Brewery, where the taps run cold, the food hits hot, and the welcome is always warm.

This isn’t just another craft brewery. It’s a queer-owned, community-powered hub that’s been infusing the Mile High City with joy, flavor, and radical hospitality since day one. And this Pride Month, there’s no better place to raise a glass—to yourself, to your people, and to every beautiful way we show up in this world.

Let’s talk about the man behind the mission. Kevin J. Daly, founder of Vine Street Pub & Brewery and its Boulder-born sibling Mountain Sun, is the kind of entrepreneur who builds more than businesses—He builds community.

A lifelong Deadhead and longtime advocate for people over profit, Daly opened Mountain Sun Pub in 1993 with a big dream and a lot of heart. His vision? Create a neighborhood pub that felt like a living room—one where everyone was welcome, from scruffy beer geeks to starry-eyed first daters, solo readers to seasoned queers.

Vine Street, opened in 2008, brought that spirit to Denver in full force: house-brewed beer, chalkboard menus, open seating, and the kind of staff who learn your name after two visits. Daly, a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, didn’t just create inclusive space—He led by example, with values that showed up in everything from hiring practices to fundraiser nights.

Beer with Personality, Food with Soul

Let’s get into what’s pouring—because at Vine Street, the beer is brewed on-site and served with pride.

• Flagship Faves: Try the Colorado Kind Ale, FYIPA, or Annapurna Amber—They’ve got loyal followings for a reason.
• Seasonal Rotations: There’s always something new on tap, from crisp saisons to rich porters that feel like velvet in a glass.

And if you come hungry (which you should), the kitchen is equally legendary:

• Burgers & Sandwiches: Whether you’re a meat-lover or a tofu-taster, they’ve got something that’ll hit the spot.
• Vegetarian & Vegan Options: Lovingly crafted, never treated like an afterthought.

Everything is made with care, often from scratch, and always served with the kind of friendly vibe that reminds you why you walked in—and why you’ll come back.

A Space that Feels Like Home

Vine Street isn’t flashy. It doesn’t need to be.

There are no TVs shouting over your conversation. No QR codes replacing menus. Just wood-paneled walls, chalkboard specials, clinking pint glasses, and actual human connection. It’s the kind of place where your server might recommend their favorite sour and ask about your dog’s birthday.

It’s also a favorite hangout for Denver’s LGBTQ+ community—not because it’s exclusively queer, but because it’s unapologetically inclusive. At any given table, you’ll find drag performers, dads with strollers, nonbinary poets, and beer bros comparing hop profiles. Everyone belongs. And you feel it.

Thursdays are for Tunes

Every Thursday, Vine Street keeps the groove alive with free live music from local artists. No tickets. No velvet rope. Just real, honest performances that pair perfectly with a pint of porter and a side of garlic fries.

Whether it’s acoustic folk or funky jazz, there’s always a seat for you—and a reason to stay a little longer than you meant to.

Pride Isn’t a Month Here—It’s a Mindset

It’s easy to spot the rainbow flags and seasonal hashtags in June. But at Vine Street, Pride isn’t performative—It’s foundational.

As one of the few openly LGBTQ+-owned breweries in Denver, Vine Street walks the talk. From diverse staff and leadership to partnerships with local nonprofits and support for queer artists, this is a space where inclusion lives beyond the buzzwords.

Pride Month at Vine Street Means:

• Celebrating your whole self, loudly and with a lager.
• Supporting a business that supports your community back.
• Making memories in a space built for joy, resilience, and connection.

And most importantly? It means having a seat at the table—whether you’re flying a rainbow flag, an ally showing up, or just someone who appreciates great beer and good humans.

How to Do Pride Right (Vine Street Style)

Want to make your Pride month extra meaningful (and extra delicious)? Here’s how:

Gather your crew for burgers and board games
Tip your queer bartenders like a rockstar
Try something new on tap—you never know what you’ll love
Bring your dog—yes, the patio is pup-approved
Post a cheers selfie with #PrideOnVine
Make it your ritual—not just in June, but year-round

A Place for Now—and Always

Vine Street Pub & Brewery isn’t the kind of place that trends come and go from. It’s the kind of place that grows with you, stays consistent through change, and reminds you that food and drink can be a powerful act of community.

It’s more than a pub. It’s a local landmark. A queer-owned institution. A living room for Denver. And during Pride—or any day, really—it’s one of the most affirming, delicious, and joy-filled places you can be.

Photos courtesy of Vine Street Pub & Brewery