Wynkoop Brewing Company, Denver’s oldest brewpub and a cornerstone of the LoDo historic district, has been serving award-winning craft beers and elevated pub fare since 1988. Founded by a group that included future Colorado governor John Hickenlooper, the Wynkoop occupies a beautiful 1899 mercantile building at 1634 18th Street and helped kick-start the craft beer revolution in the Rocky Mountains. Today it remains a beloved local institution known for flagship beers like Rail Yard Ale, the quirky Patty’s Chile Beer, and an ever-rotating lineup of seasonal and experimental brews, all paired with a menu of creative comfort food in a lively, billiards-filled atmosphere.
What makes the Wynkoop even more legendary is its friendly resident ghost, “Sam.” According to staff and countless guests over the decades, Sam is the spirit of a former merchant or worker who never left the building after his death in the early 20th century. He’s most often noticed on the second floor near the billiard room and the private event space, where lights flicker, doors open and close on their own, cold spots appear, and people report feeling a gentle touch or hearing footsteps when no one is there. Far from frightening, Sam is considered a benevolent presence who simply enjoys the energy of the bustling brewpub. The Wynkoop leans into the legend with ghost tours during Halloween season and even a beer named “Sam’s Slight Return,” making a visit feel like stepping into living (and slightly haunted) Denver history.