Monolith Brewing
Monolith Brewing is a small craft brewery on South Broadway in Denver's Platt Park neighborhood. Since opening in November 2023 it has become one of the most music friendly taprooms in the city. Two weekly open jams bring players through the door on Tuesday and Wednesday nights and the rest of the week is filled with trivia and feather bowling and good beer made with local ingredients. Westword recognized Monolith in its 2025 Best of Denver awards for Best Weeknight Brewery Event which says a lot about how lively this room gets during the week.
The Story Behind the Brewery
Monolith is the project of owner and head brewer Stephen Monahan. The nanobrewery took over the former Black Project space on South Broadway and set out to do things a little differently. Sustainability and community sit at the heart of the business. Monolith brews with 100 percent local barley and wheat and yeast and runs as a paperless operation. The brewery also donates one percent of all revenue to the Brew Like a Girl Scholarship Fund which supports women studying brewing science.
The Vibe
Guests often compare the taproom to an old school speakeasy with thoughtful decor and a warm and welcoming feel. It is a neighborhood spot where the owner is often behind the bar and the staff are happy to steer you toward a beer that suits your taste. The playlist gets plenty of praise on nights when there is no live music. It is an indoor taproom with no patio and dogs are not allowed inside.
The Beer
The tap list leans toward modern and eclectic styles. Past favorites have included a Coffee Blonde and a West Coast IPA and a Peanut Butter Banana Stout along with jalapeno beers for anyone who likes a little heat. Guest beers and wine and a small bar selection and non-alcoholic options round out the menu. Crowlers are available to take home.
Food
Monolith offers a menu of craft bites designed to pair with the beer and guests rave about the empanadas. You are also welcome to bring in food from the many restaurants along South Broadway.
Funk'd Up Tuesdays
Tuesday nights at 6:30 PM belong to Funk'd Up Tuesdays. This open jam centers on funk and groove music and the brewery provides drums and percussion and amps and microphones and a PA so players only need to bring their instruments. Each musician can lead two songs and sit in on others when there is room. Other styles are welcome as long as the energy stays upbeat and groovy. The jam is all ages. Tuesday has long been a music night at Monolith and the slot previously hosted a jazz jam before the funk session took over.
Wednesday Night Bluegrass Jam
Every Wednesday at 7:00 PM the taproom turns into a bluegrass circle. Pickers and strummers and fiddlers and bass players gather to trade tunes and take breaks on classic bluegrass standards. The jam is listed as hosted by Elle Michelle's Grateful Holler. Bring your instrument and join the circle or just grab a pint and enjoy the music.
Why Musicians Like It
Few taprooms in Denver offer two different styles of open jam in the same week. The Tuesday funk session gives players a full backline to plug into and the Wednesday bluegrass circle is a relaxed acoustic hang for string players. Both nights are great for meeting other musicians and finding new bandmates. South Broadway is one of Denver's best live music corridors so it is easy to make a night of it.
More to Do
Thursday Night Team Trivia starts at 7:00 PM each week. Monolith is also known for feather bowling which blends shuffleboard and curling and bocce into one game. The brewery has a custom 20 foot feather bowling table built by Fin Art and it is free to play. Just keep your drinks off the table and use the cupholders. Community meetups such as bike club nights have also been part of the calendar.
Good to Know
Monolith Brewing is located at 1290 S Broadway Denver CO 80210. Hours are Sunday and Monday from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Lot and street parking are available. Call (303) 381-1222 or visit monolithbrewing.com for the latest events. Schedules can change so confirm with the venue or host before heading out.
