Pizza, wings, burgers, and beer have gone together as long as we can remember, but it’s not every day two separate businesses decide to collide to create the ultimate brewpub. Thanks to a decades-long relationship, the Great Divide Brewing Co. and Vibe Concepts (Spanky’s Urban Roadhouse, Reivers Bar & Grill, TStreet, and more) have come together to birth Great Divide Roadhouse & Brewery, which recently opened a second location in Lone Tree.

Both places have a long history operating in Denver and the metro area. For brothers John, Dan and Mike Shipp, they started what is now Vibe Concepts in 1991 with the purchase of  Spanky’s Roadhouse in the Denver University area. Brian Dunn’s Great Divide launched downtown a few years later in 1984. Fast forward to 2020 when the two came together to make Great Divide Brewery & Roadhouse in Castle Rock. This past February the team opened a second location in Lone Tree, and a third in Lakewood is already in the works. 

We recently checked out the new Lone Tree spot. Turns out it’s a great middle point when going from Denver to Colorado Springs and needing to catch a game or simply fuel up. Or, if you live south of the city, head there for a pint to go with brunch, lunch, or dinner.

The Food

Like the other concepts run by the restaurant group, Great Divide Roadhouse & Brewery features a menu full of recognizable comfort food in a sports-bar-meets-brewpub setting. Off the appetizer list, the pretzels with queso ($15) got devoured by a 9- and 6-year old, and their adult, with one kid proclaiming they just ate the best soft pretzel ever. Deviled eggs ($13) were another hit, especially because the snack comes topped with bacon. Also off the starter menu, find house-made pickles chips ($12) with chili ranch dipping sauce. The nachos ($18), laden with chorizo (or chicken), queso, lime crema, tomatoes, radish, shaved jalapeño and cilantro, may be on the same list, but prove hearty enough to be a meal.

Overall the menu has a lot to offer, with the other categories made consist of greens, wings, pizza, burgers, and two kinds of soup ($6/$9), green chili and French onion. Look for signature items too, such as short rib enchiladas ($22), blackened fish tacos ($19), and fish and chips ($19), made with a Great Divide Hazy IPA beer batter.

In general the dinner and breakfast-lunch menus remain the same, save for breakfast items, a few signature item changes, and the evening additions of grilled entrees and fried chicken. On that note, definitely plan on stopping by for the 24-hour brined fried chicken, served as a half bird ($24) or a whole ($46). Each order comes with two or three sides, respectively, such as fries, Brussels sprouts, creamed spinach, risotto, and coleslaw.

The Drinks

Naturally Great Divide Beer is the main show, and the 8,200-square-foot space offers 14 of them on tap ($7.50-$8.50). Think seasonal Yeti stouts, strawberry-rhubarb sour ale, Samurai Japanese lager, and Car Camper hazy pale ale. Get them by the pint or, to try multiple brews, the $15 beer flight offers five small pours, your choice. 

Further on the drink menu find non-Great Divide bottles and cans of beer, hard kombucha, and cider. The wine list also proves worthwhile, with vintages from around the world in red, white, pink, and bubbly. 

Look for signature cocktails such as The Roadhouse Margarita ($11), a company staple with El Jimador silver tequila, blue agave, and fresh lime. Take a sip on the wild side with the Campfire Old Fashioned ($15), a lovely creation made with Whistlepig Piggyback rye, marshmallow, and bitters, with a graham cracker rim. Try these drinks and more either at the huge bar in the center of the space, complete with large-screen TVs. Or, order at one of the large and comfortable booths or tables.

Don’t Miss

Whether going for lunch or dinner, don’t sleep on the prime dip ($23). The pleasantly pink prime rib gets shaved to order, giving the tender beef a freshness not always found with a dip. The side of creamy onion horseradish and rich au jus make it sing even more. On the side diners choose from fries, coleslaw, tortilla chips, or ranch potato chips, the clear winner in our book. Pair that with a pint of Titan American IPA ($7.50), and it’s the perfect meal any time of day.

Visit Great Divide Roadhouse & Brewery Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. 9878 Schwab Way, Lone Tree, greatdividebreweryandroadhouse.com

About The Author

Linnea Covington

Linnea Covington is the managing editor of DiningOut. She comes to us with a long background in food, restaurant and drinks journalism. Over the last two decades she's written for tons of publications including Denver Post, Washington Post, Forbes Travel Guide, 5280 Magazine, New York Magazine, New York Times, Time Out New York and more.

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