i love this place! great food, beers, and atmosphere. Great location and near other great bars. I always recommend this bar to people visiting as well. Very cool concept and well priced. read more

Such a fun place to gather with friends. Great indoor and outdoor seating, beverage selection, and food. Staff was super friendly. We will be returning! read more

Very fun concept! You walk up to the counter and leave a tab open and get a card you scan to open the taps for the beers and you pay by the ounce. Some are pricier than others, which is to be expected. I really like how everything is split up by style and the choices are awesome! They don't only have beer, they also have cider, kombucha, and wine on draft. We had just eaten lunch or else we would have ordered food because the menu looked absolutely amazing and had a lot of interesting options. They have tv's upstairs if you are looking to watch a sporting event, and they also have a really nice patio area that was a little chilly to enjoy on this specific day so we just sat downstairs in the main area. The service was good, even though we served ourselves for most of our visit! read more

The concept behind Freshcraft was cool but how it translated into a real business wasn't great. Freshcraft is a pay-by-the-ounce tap house. They offer a vast selection of beers and even a few ciders. Agreeing with some of the other reviewers, the accuracy of the measurement system is lacking. I was overcharged for almost every pour I got. On top of that, several of the taps were empty and the food was very overpriced. I hate leaving bad reviews but this just wasn't my type of place. read more

Cool bar with a great patio. Location is great - near other fun spots. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Didn't partake in the beer draft wall (GF - there are wine options) but very cool concept. Will be back!! read more

Solid place. Great beers. Shout out to our Barkeep, Pierce, he was awesome. 10/10. If you're looking for a large space with plenty of room for you and friends, definitely check it out. read more

First Draft Taproom & Kitchen - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

We came to eat here on evening of 8/22/2020 and we had one of the worst experiences because of the manager in charge that night. He was extremely rude to us when we brought up a complaint about our food. We also saw that manager around the restaurant without a mask. read more

Went here on a Sunday afternoon. The guy up at the front was very helpful in explaining how the wristbands and taps worked. Even got us started with recommendations based on our taste. After that, it was a fantastic free for all. Poured a few tasters and sampled a little of everything. They even have the glass cleaner water spout thingy so you could rinse your glass between beers. We had a blast, and I found two great beers that I switched between while we hung out. If we lived in Denver, this would be a very dangerous place. But, I do hope the concept catches on - and quickly. Couple dings. Huge patio out front was unusable in the sun. No umbrellas or shade out there, so the inside got packed pretty quickly. Who wants to roast while they drink? Also, the brunch menu was being served until 4:30, which seems a bit late. Really wanted to try the corn and pretzel and other delicious things I saw in previous reviews. Overall, I fun stop on our little vacay. Will be back next time we're in town. read more

First Draft Taproom & Kitchen - Where do I start?? So good. - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Extremely upset. Called to get a reservation and the man on the phone told me first come first serve basis. I told him we're from Miami would like to come for dinner. Asked until what time are you open and the man said cut off time was 8:30 pm. We drove from Colorado Springs to Denver just for this place. Arrived at 7:30 only for the host to tell us they can't sit us because they were going to close soon. Didn't make an effort to accommodate us. read more

This review is based off strictly the pour it yourself drinks and not the food. If you are a fan of trying a bunch of different beers this place is a must when in Denver. Those who like wine, cider, and kombucha have options as well just limited compared to the beer. You go up to the ordering counter and get a card set up that is attached to your license and a credit card. Then you go over to the wall of taps and tap the card to bottom of a sensor that sets off a green light. Then start pouring and repeat for other drinks, as simply as that. The beers ranged from 0.60 cents an ounce up to $2 an ounce for a 13%+ stout. So the prices are reasonable especially since you can just sample a bunch. I wish more areas had bars like this, as it seems to be a popular spot. Will be a go to place if I return to Denver. read more

This place is awesome! Not only do they offer food, they have pour your own drafts. You can taste as many drinks as you would like. They have a card system that charges you per ounce poured. I tried 2 different ciders (I'm gluten free) and my boyfriend tired about 4 different beers before pouring a pint of the one he liked the most. We shared the chicken wings which were good, cooked just right. I just wish they had more sauce on them but the flavor was good. I would recommend this place. It appears they have a decent happy hour, although we weren't present during happy hour. read more

First Draft Taproom & Kitchen - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

It's a very cool concept...when it works! First Draft offers a modest (but tasty menu) and a card operated, pour-it-yourself draft wall. And this wall has a lot to choose from: mostly beer, a couple ciders and wines, and even local kombucha. The environment is very open, with a garage door that opens to a sunny outdoor patio. All of the aforementioned is great! My only issues were with the customer service and the card operated pouring. When going to pay afterward, I somehow got blatantly overcharged for a drink. Trying to remedy the situation with the cashier was met with stoic, short responses, and a minor discount that barely dented how much I was over charged. I get it, it's hard to avoid glitches in electronic systems like that, but dismissing it as "it's all you can do" just highlights the negativities of using tech in your restaurant schtick when you can't really control it. And not only that, but I visited on a non busy weekday when I was one of three present customers. You'd think the customer service would be a little better. Not really keen on the idea of visiting again, which blows because I really wanted to try their Brussels sprouts... read more

First Draft Taproom & Kitchen - Know before you go! - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Unique concept. The girls (as well as myself) loved the fact that they served wine on tap! Normally when I go out for drinks with my fiance and her friends, breweries are NOT an option. This place solves that problem! They had beer, coffee, & wine to choose from. I was happy, and so were the women! Everyone wins. This place loses a star due to beer selection. As I visited in October, they had pumpkin beer. A LOT of pumpkin beer. Too much pumpkin beer. I don't like pumpkin beer :( Fortunately though, they rotate the taps, so I'm eager to go back & see what new they have now! We ordered some food, & it was overall pretty good. Outdoor seating is recommended, as the inside of First Draft smelled weird. read more

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I call guy at the phone tells me they don't take reservations it's first come first serve but they are filling up. I show up to sit inside, same guy says, I have the remaining seats inside reserved I have to sit outside. Why he didn't just say that on the phone idk but I wasted a lot of time coming all the way there to be lied to. Never again. read more

What a great concept: get a bunch of great beverages on tap, give everyone access to pour their own via a wristband that keeps track and have decent food. Customer service here will never fail due to you getting your own booze but in my book that's smart. Gone are the days of waiting around for someone to take your drink order, go get the drink and bring it back 15 minutes later. You drink what you want at your own pace. The price is somewhat steep at .38-.60 an ounce (may not seem like much but multiple that by 16 and its pricy). With all this being said 5 stars and I have already made plans to come back. read more

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How have I not written a review for this place?! I have been going here since they first opened and LOVE it. This is my go-to start out the night or happy hour spot. You walk in and go to the registers by the front (or back by the kitchen) and give them your ID and credit card. They give you a RFID card that you then scan on whatever tap you want to drink. I really like to do a bunch of small pours and try a number of different beers. They are constantly tapping new and interesting beers. Starting out they didn't have much of a food menu but now that have some great small plates for sharing and really nice main dishes like the fried chicken sandwich. It can get a little busy on the weekends but overall it is very easy to get beer and usually easy to find a place to sit. They have employees near the taps that are super helpful and can recommend beer if you are overwhelmed. read more

This was my first experience at First Draft, and I have to say, I enjoyed it! I love the concept of using a card to select your pour and charging per ounce. It's a similar concept to the wine "vending machines" some places have. Instead of pre-paying, they track your ounces and charge you at the end, so it has the potential to be an expensive night if you're racking up the ounces. The food was really good. I had the mini pretzels with the mornay sauce and the Brussels sprouts. My only complaint was that the aioli on the Brussels sprouts had a pretty greasy feel to it. Otherwise; delicious! read more

First Draft Taproom & Kitchen - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

If you like beer, you'll like First Draft! If you like tasting multiple beers without paying for a full pint then you'll LOVE First Draft!! Its a great concept where you show your ID on arrival, get a card, grab a glass and you have options of not only beer but wine, cider and Kombucha to choose from. You simply tap your card on whatever beverage you've chosen then pour into your glass and it measures how much you've taken and charges it to your card. There is bench style seating and tables downstairs with more communal seating upstairs. It's a great place to get with friends and try new drinks. They also have a kitchen serving what looks like good food (I've never had the food here, just the drinks) They also have a quiz on a Monday night, so you hang out with mates, drink beer, eat good food and test your quiz skills all at the same time. read more

THANK YOU FOR EXISTING. FroYo style drafts with a card you just scan each time you want a pour. Official favorite spot in Denver. Also thank you for having (slightly pricey) vegetables available, I nommed on some Brussels sprouts while drankin' my 2 oz. Porter. I was a happy camper at First Draft, can't wait to go back (and/or find a similar establishment near me)! read more

First Draft Taproom & Kitchen - Brussel sprouts - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

First Draft was cool. It's a pretty cool concept. I like that you don't have to wait to get a drink, but that could also be dangerous. I'm not really a beer drinker so I tried the Moscow Mule. It was delish! I'm not usually a fan of them, but these were hitting the spot. Hubby and I usually don't get down to this part of town, so not sure how often we would return, but I would be up for coming back. Cheers! read more

First Draft Taproom & Kitchen - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

LOVE the concept. Nativ hotel in downtown has a similar concept but with an awesome patio and delicious food, First Draft is my choice. The set up is simple, as others have mentions- walk in, get your card, and start the pours! This place gets packed sometimes so keep that in mind if you're venturing out on a weekend. The food: we sampled the Brussel sprouts, wings, and the pretzels. The sprouts? SO GOOD!! I don't really remember the wings (which says something). All in al, the place can get a little pricey if you aren't watching the pours (or your hubs like to go all in & only do full pours....) read more

This is a great concept! The beer selection is fantastic! It's not cheap, but I guess you pay for then concept -the opportunity to try lots of beers in one place. There is also an out door seating area! A few of the taps seemed to dispense less beer than what was indicated on the screen. Both my friend and I noticed this. Some calibration is likely in order. read more

First Draft is fun. I like that you can control your portions, even if the wall of taps is essentially a beer buffet. [Those who know me know that I normally hate buffets of any type.] The food is elevated pub grub, which I like. Atmosphere is casual & friendly. The bracelets can seem tricky at first, but staff are willing to help you get the hang of it. There is kombucha and water if you're the DD. Staff can answer questions about teh beers and guide you to one that you'll enjoy. But let's get back to the food. Oh. Em. Gee. The spaetzle mac and cheese made my husband so happy that I got one bite before it was all gone. When we was done, he wished he could order two. The brisket grilled cheese rivals the brisket at Masterpiece. Yeah, I said it. First Draft brisket grilled cheese is pretty darn good. It came with an arugula salad that was great--especially when added to my sandwich. I've visited for small plates, and those are good too. Deviled eggs, pickles, and more. Hearty snacks if you're sampling a lot of beer. The pretzels are VERY hearty--almost like brioche pretzels, if you can imagine. They're a little sweet, but they still have a chewy pretzel texture. I also recommend dessert. Milk and cookies is sooo good. The cookies are warm and gooey and chewy and hearty. The malted stout milk is super-thick and delicious. A very adult milk and cookies but not terribly boozy. This place is exceeded my expectations on all levels. read more

A range of styles available from a wide range of breweries both regional & national, in a setting that's perfect for the area. Inside & out are perfect with the industrial finishes and huge communal tables. Prices are reasonable, and the pour-your-own is done well, with easy tech that works. Friendly helpful staff. I wasn't there for a meal, but food offerings looked minimal. read more

Calling all Beer connoisseurs! Perfect place to try many different beers without having to drink a full glass:) This a really unique concept that I think everyone would enjoy. Not only do they have beer, yes they have wine, cider and coffee as well if you're just not feeling the beer. There is a nice patio to sit out on if the weather is nice and there's plenty of inside seating as well. So don't fret there will definitely be a place for you to post up! read more

Good variety of beers ciders and a cocktail and kombucha option. This is a pay as you pour concept. The bar food was okay the fries seasoning was not really preferred by me read more

It's great to read previous reviews and agree with yourself on the experience. I come here time-to-time when I'm in the area. I really enjoy walking around and trying all sorts of beers. I also like the feel of the place- super casual, community tables, outdoor patio. It's hard to beat the location as well. read more

Service here is fantastic. The seating is mostly long, communal tables. It's a nice place to hang out when the garage doors are open and there is patio seating as well. I love the concept here - serve yourself and only pay for what you pour - and the food is good. Most of the beers I tried weren't to my liking, so I never opted for a full glass, but it is still fun to taste. They also have a couple of wines on tap and even kombucha. I mostly drank wine when I was there. The cheese board is nice. I thought the deviled eggs had too much vinegar & salt. Three of us didn't finish 6 deviled eggs. The pork sandwich was really tasty - I would order this again. Super chill spot for hanging out & I'll be back. Parking in this part of RiNo is not plentiful, so you may have to walk a block or two. read more

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I wish this self serve fad would go away. Way too expensive to pour your own beer. The prices vary between 50¢-$1.00 and ounce. So, at 60¢ an ounce, it was $9.60 for a pint of just a basic IPA. And am I supposed to tip someone for getting my own beer. Other than that, food was good. Service was fine. Seems unwise to me that in the time of COVID-19, they let people touch beer handles and serve their own beers. Definitely were not being sanitized after each person touched a beer handle. read more

Everyone loves to options. At First Draft, you get to choose kombucha, wine, cider, or beer. You also get to taste, sip, or glug your drink depending on your budget. I love the instant readout showing how much was spent per drink. The tasting notes and descriptions of the drinks on digital displays were also very helpful in making selections. read more

First Draft Taproom & Kitchen - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

This place has an awesome patio and outdoor space. They have ample seating options - small tables, picnic tables, groups of chairs, etc. The concept is simple - provide a credit card when you arrive and they then provide you with a First Draft card which you use to serve yourself from their taps. As a first timer here, I was somewhat nervous about my pouring skills! However, there is a helpful short video and pictures on the taps which provide you with directions. The taps are well-labeled and there is a large variety of options. I tried beers, ciders, and wine. Since it's self-service, you can pour yourself as much or as little as you please. This place is a great place to hang out with a group! read more

If you're looking for something novel to do in Denver, definitely consider First Draft. It's a really cool tap house where you can pour your own beer and the selection of available beers to try is huge. Occasionally, there's even something really special on tap. On top of the great rotating beer list, their food is actually exceptional. Great charcuterie bird and awesome sausage. The fries are really good too. And it's open till 12 or so which is really convenient when the conventional bars are no fun. read more

Great tap room with great eats and friendly service. The taps will rotate and include wine, cider and Kombucha. Beautiful atmosphere especially when the weather is nice. read more

On my most recent trip to Denver, my friends and I did a brew tour, and our tour guide took us here! The self serve bar is such an awesome concept! When you check in, they give you a card that is linked to your credit card. You tap the card above the tap and you can pour as much as you want! I believe its $0.50/ounce, so pour as you please. You can grab different cups, or use the same cup and just rinse in between your pours. They have all kinds of brews from all kinds of places to try - sours, hefs, ambers, browns, porters, you name it! I wish they would bring this concept to California! read more

First Draft Taproom & Kitchen - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

I really like this place, it's unique and the concept is refreshing! It's like an arcade for adults and it's a bonanza of beer choices and wines! In addition to that the staff are friendly especially being my first time and first stop in Colorado! The food looks very delicious but I settled with the pretzels only which I can say it's on point! Very comparable to TAPS brewing in socal and it's a must! The beer choices are meh to my liking, but hey you can't please everyone but you can entertain everyone! I just hope there were more Ales and Lagers when I visited. (Only missing star) In short, get a card, drink a lot, and eat pretzels so you can drink some more! It's affordable as long as you drink what your pour and if you're tasting be gentle on the tap or it'll cost you! They measure it by oz's you pour in case you don't know. My bill was a little pricey because i got carried away on a stout that was stupid pricey and I think there was also a first time card fee, just be aware because I was too buzzed at the end to care haha. Oh and ask the staff for suggestions, they seem very optimistic with their stuff and I didn't go wrong asking them. Cheers! *clink* read more

First Draft Taproom & Kitchen - My freshly baked pretzels with home made mustard and cheese with a side of a delicious witbeir! - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

This is a really cool spot to sample lots of different beers. That said, your tab tends to be pretty high at the end of the night because beers are a bit over-priced. The food is so-so. I have been here about 10 times because I live right down the street and it's an awesome place to bring Denver visitors. I've tried about everything on the menu and would only eat here if someone else is buying. read more

This was a really awesome place for drinks! The meat and cheese plate was weak but the pickle chips were amazing!! They had really good beer and an amazing selection. We ended up paying around 30 dollars for a couple and a plate of food, which was affordable! read more

First Draft Taproom & Kitchen - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Oh yeah. GREAT location with great everything. Check this place out. Easy in and out with excellent choices of both beer and food. Service is great. Can get a little crowded but that's a good sign. Clean amd bright with a great location to all of what downtown has to offer. read more

What a great experience. Trying different types of beer. The food we ordered was incredible. It was fun learning about the different types of beers and breweries. My only issue is that they closed the kitchen on us without notice. I didn't get my brisket grilled cheese. Will have to come back next time in Denver. read more

First Draft Taproom & Kitchen - Wings, sprouts, peppers and pickles - Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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The best part? The endless taps that you can pour on your own. This trendy idea is a winner--show your ID on the way in and get a card that you scan whenever you want a drink. Pour as much or as little as you want. Then pay on your way out. Plus, the food is legitimately amazing. I was pleasantly surprised when we ordered a few appetizers. Quickly served and delicious. The hard part? It's not exactly cheap. I wouldn't say that it's too expensive, but I was definitely surprised to see our tab at the end of a few hours. Granted, we tried a variety of drinks, but didn't have a lot of anything. Plus, at peak hours, you can count on it being packed since it's walkable within the RiNo neighborhood. Should you try it? Yes. And get some food. You'll thank me later. read more