There are many better places to get microbrewed beer in the area, although clearly I'm the only person who thinks so because this place was packed. Â So much so there was no place to sit and enjoy our beer. Â We stood and tried each beer on our sampler and then left. Â The room and the patio were packed like sardines and I'm sure it was breaking several fire codes. Â
The beers are lackluster at best. Â They have one thing going for them... Laughing Lab. Â None of their other beers are even worth mentioning, even on tap. Â Sadly, the Laughing Lab tasted better at Texas Roadhouse on 8th which also has it on tap. Â
If you want an overcrowded tap room with no seating and mediocre beer this is your place.
It looks like this is well on it's way to becoming. . . . . something special. Â Great venue! Nice, modern bar. Clean lines. Simple!
Plenty of viewing to watch the brewing, as it's happening!
Great outdoor area. I only wish it could face west, toward the mountains. Then, it would be completely perfect. Â But alas, it just doesn't seem a possibility. You can corn hole on the patio. . .the game, silly!!!
Took a quick look-around. Â A restaurant/deli, and a meat market. There is a smallish specialty market in the works.
The restroom (the ladies anyway) still has the original toilets  (they're kinda low, but that's ok cause so am I). And there are all sorts of drawings on the walls, in the bathroom. I'm not sure if they were recently done or if they are from another era but it's so, so cool!!!
c'mon Colorado Springs, hit the Bristol!
I had heard that Bristol Brewery had moved into an old school and turned the Principal's office into a bar. Â So Hubby and I decided to go check it out. Â What a cool place! Â It was formerly Ivywild School and is across the street from Blue Star on S Tejon.
They just opened there earlier that week so they're still getting settled in there, but what they've done so far is great! Â They have outside seating which is on either side of the front door.
The Principal's office has been turned into a bar. Â But there's also a small restaurant which was serving some light food. Â The "Meat Locker" is next to it and then the bakery. Â If you go down the other half of the building, they have a little souvenir shop where you can get Bristol Brewery wear. Â There's a room which today had some running company vendors. Â Then that leads into the bigger bar & restaurant. Â Across the hall was the gym/auditorium with a stage. Â It was set up with chairs for presentations or something so it would be a great place to host an event at. Â
Parking is very minimal. Â That may change though as the plaza has the Millobo (sp) theater and I think a couple of other stores there. Â We will be spreading the word on this new location as they did a great job on it and although I'm not a beer drinker, my husband loves their beers!
Very good atmosphere, sat at the bar, service was wonderful. Â Only 3 stars though because it's a brewery, and we had a flight of 11 different beers and did not care for many of them. Â Being from Chicago, we have experienced aLOT of great beer (like three floyd's anyone heard of them :))....anyways, the beer was mediocre. Â Can't comment on the food, didn't eat, left after the flight didn't even get a full glass of beer.
Review Source:What a terrible experience. My husband and I walked into the brewery on Saturday night 05/11/13 and were ignored for a good five minutes. When I asked the waitress/hostess if we had wait to be seated, she looked at me like I had just punched a baby in the face. After the roll of the eyes, and hideous facial expression, she proceeded to tell us restaurant procedures like we were idiots. We walked right out, because of this chick's rudeness. I love supporting small businesses, but I will not tolerate rudeness.
Review Source:I was staying in the Springs for a few days and couldn't resist checking out some of the local breweries. Â Amazingly, I had no clue that Bristol was located only about 2 miles from my hotel. Â Perfect!
Bristol is in a residential area with little parking specific to the brewery. Â However, there seems to be plenty of on street parking in the surrounding area, just make sure you read the signs!
This brewery is hopping! Â I couldn't believe how packed it was for a Wednesday night! Â Nearly every seat was filled during my visit, but I weaseled my way up to the bar and parked myself for a few hours. Â I made sure to try the sample flight of course, which was served up on a great little tray with descriptions of each beer. Â Perfect! Â I was quite surprised to discover I had actually tried many of Bristol's beers but didn't realize that they were. Â So it was a great learning experience. Â
I really enjoyed every beer on the flight! Â All have great flavor and are memorable! Â
If you find yourself in the area, definitely make sure to pop by Bristol. Â It's a friendly little brewery with delicious beers!
We were having a little "day out" Â for my birthday, Â exploring The Springs. Â We found this place after being ignored at Colorado Mountain Brewery. Â The two places could NOT be more different.
What a little gem.  I've heard places like this called "tasting rooms"--the only food is pretzels.  So,  be warned about that.  TRULY great beer (the Laughing Lab is seriously wonderful). Unlike some others,  I didn't feel that the staff were surly.  Busy,  yes!  It's a "come up to the counter and order"  situation.   The clientele is definitely "Colorado Mountain Town",  but IMO that's a good thing.  Seating is communal,  so if you're shy about sidling up to people,  you might have a little problem.  We immediately made friends with a couple of soldiers from Fort Carson and a (retired?  they mentioned grandkids)  couple from town.  Nice conversation,  good beer,  great people watching.  Made  us a little wistful that it is so far away!
This was probably the worst experience visiting a microbrewery I have ever had. The staff were extremely rude, as were the other customers. It's definitely a locals only type of place, where if they don't know you they treat you terribly. This was really too bad because their beers were actually very good, and the building is really neat (complete with shuffleboard on one side). The atmosphere seemed like it was probably pretty good if you could get into it without being shunned by the staff or other patrons first. Was really unhappy about my visit here, and if it wasn't for the solid beers I would be giving this place a 1.
Review Source:A friend and I went to Bristol for drinks and appetizers. When we arrived at 5 the bar was empty and by 6 Most of the tables Were full. They had an impressive bar, and very nice staff. I tried their pale ale and was surprised to find it tasted quite IPA-ish (sort of an unpleasant surprise). The appetizers were good, but nothing about the food or venue really "wowed" me.
Review Source:Its time as colorado springs residents we get behind this amazing.brewery and fully support their push for growth, exposure and expansion. Â A staple in colorado beer circkes, bristol offers unique, sharp, memorable flavors. Â Do they present familiar tastes, safe choices and beer menu musts? Â Of couse, but if you have to offer a wheat beer, why not mke it rjch w flavirs of honey and citrus notes? Â More impressive than their high quality beers, is their small staff is friendly, proud to reprrsent our community, and knowledable. Â Their tours are just the right combk of beer making infkrmation, and peanut eating beer sampling fun. Â Take a growler home, buy a tye dye t shirt, and supportba brewery that needs to be known nationwide, similar to bew bekgjums explosion years ago.
Review Source:Bristol's brews are phenomenal! Â I love the Beehive, with their other beers coming in a very close 2nd. The excitement of the Ventucci Pumpkin Ale release makes me feel like a kid waiting for Santa to bring the presents. Â It's the most amazing Pumpkin Ale I have ever tasted! Â Love you, Bristol!!
Review Source:Today we visited Bristol for the first time. Â I love how it sits right in the brewery itself. Â I had the IPA, which I thought was good. Â I have to say, it was warm in there on a hot day. Â It seemed like they needed to turn on the air conditioner. Â That said, I enjoyed the brewery atmosphere. Service was good. Â Will go back again sometime, maybe winter.
Review Source:The only thing I knew about Bristol Brewing when I visited their tap house, was Laughing Lab. Â You can't live in Colorado and not see the smiling face of the golden lab smiling at you every time you go to the liquor store. Â I've always liked the beer, but knew nothing about Bristol's other brews. Â Boy have I been missing out! Â
The Bristol tasting room was hoppin' (no pun intended) when we stopped in on a Saturday night. Â It was a really diverse crowd and everyone seemed to be having a good time. Â There's a few games around the bar, and a shuffleboard table if you're not into just sitting quietly with your beer. Â As for the beer, we really liked the Mass Transit Ale and Compass IPA the best of the Bristol offerings. Â The Mass Transit was a smooth amber ale that I will definitely seek out in the future. Â The Compass IPA has a really hoppy aroma and bitterness. Â Although these were our favorites, the Red Rocket Ale and of course the Laughing Lab were both also good. Â You can even get beers from Black Fox Brewing at Bristol (I think they brew there too?). Â Of the Black Fox beers , I tried the Som, which was dark, sweet and delicious. Â
I really liked Bristol. Â I felt comfortable here, and enjoyed their beers. Â 4 stars!
Service: 5/5 - The bartender was very friendly, helpful and quick
Setting: 2/5 - It's too small, hard to find seats, one shuffleboard that one group was on for the hour+ we were there
Food/Drinks: 3/5 - There is no food, which is ok as long as you know that going in. The beer is, of course, fantastic and we only paid $3.00 a pint at 5pm on a Sat.
Overall: 3/5
It's so small! It seats 30 or so people and so we couldn't get a table, which was fine because we found a seat by the bar so I could stand and my lady friend could sit. The beer is of course delicious and one of the best breweries in Colorado in my opinion, but I can drink everything they had there in the comfort of my home. I was hoping for maybe some exclusive brew that wasn't available in stores or something and I may have come at the wrong time of year for it or something but there were just their standard beers available. We got pints for $3.00 each around 5pm on a Saturday so that was very reasonable.
This is a really nice place, but there is no food other than pretzels and it is hard to find a seat. It's worth a visit for sure and I would especially recommend it for people coming in from out of town who do not have the pleasure of enjoying Bristol beer on a regular basis!
I FINALLY made it to Bristol after wanting to go for so long when I was on a date down in the Springs.
First of all, the tap room is really cozy. It's spacious, with plenty of seating, but it still feels like a small brewery. You feel this even more when you walk to the restroom and their vats are just on the other side of the wall.
They all have their regulars on tap, plus a few special beers. I went for a Mass Transit (my favorite of their usuals) and a dark saison that was really, really delicious. I didn't get any so I'm not sure if they're free, but I saw some folks with dog bowls filled with pretzels. Cool/funny little touch.
Pints are $4, which is very reasonable, and you can also buy six packs, growlers, and even kegs (I highly anticipate the day when I throw a party and can afford a keg of Mass Transit)
The one down note of this place when we were here was the bartender...she seemed awfully morose and bored for someone working at such a great place. I don't think she smiled once. Come on, you work at an awesome brewery! I got home and discovered I got charged twice...seeing as I live in Denver and they're in the Springs, I can't exactly jog over to see if they can correct. That's slightly off putting.
Still, I really liked this place overall. The folks who come here are super laid back but active people. I saw a gal filling her camelbak at the water fountain just outside the restrooms. They have a shuffleboard table too, which seemed really fun.
I liked Bristol a lot, even if our bar tender wasn't the best. The beer and the atmosphere were great, and I'll definitely be back when I'm in the area.
We attended the Colorado Brewers Guild Firken Rendezvous at Bristol Brewing. Â
Hats off to Bristol. Â They were again GREAT hosts! Â The event is very well organized. Â Everyone there is incredibly nice and helpful, which is amazing considering the huge crowds and tight quarters. Â Beers were amazing and many local restaurants offered tasty samples of their food.
This is THE premier event for real cask ale. Â But heck, even if you've never tried cask ale served from a traditional firken, you should check it out.
Colorado Springs is a military town and if you want to be more specific it also seems that it can run on religion alone. The town is big enough that there is diversity here if you look for it. With that said I am happy to review our first breweries in Colorado Springs that we paid a visit to which was an instant jackpot!
Easily our favorite brewery in Colorado Springs without a single doubt! Black Fox brewery is also housed at the same address as Bristol and both are wonderful! When we were here for Black Fox we ordered the Diablo and the Som beers and for Bristol, the Laughing Lab and the honey beer. Steven was so impressed with Laughing Lab that he bought a six pack to bring home back to Fort Collins with us. Fort Collins' liqour stores sometimes get Bristol beer but it is known up here in Northern Colorado well enough that it doesnt stay on the shelves for long. The tasting room space is kind of small and finding a place to sit may be difficult but the beer is good enough that it is worth standing and mingling for.
I was on vacation in CS over the Summer and found this place on Yelp. What a great find! We did a Brewery Tour (I forget the ladies name who showed us around) It was very cool. She gave us the history of the owners and the Brewery - Great Story.
Red Rocket Pale Ale was my Favorite, second on my list of Pale Ale's behind Bell's Two Hearted Pale Ale.
If you like a great Micro-Brew...you have to stop in!
When you think of a bar, what comes to mind? If it involves extensive decor and pumping music, move on. If you're thinking along the lines of beer and a place to catch up with friends, you've come to the right place.
Fair warning, there currently is no food served aside from pretzels in doggie bowls on tables. But they've started the process to add food to the bar, and you can sign up to test the food Monday's, signups and more information on their website.
Until then, you can try my solution and stop by Old Chicago's for take-out before going to the brewery. Absolutely magical, and I've never had a problem or complaint from them about doing this.
Once they have a food menu though, I'm sure it will be frowned on.
Bristol probably has the best beer in the Springs. Try the Winter Warlock once it comes in season, hands down my favorite beer from Colorado.
Only drawback is that it closes at 9pm . I guess people from Colorado need their sleep to wake up at 5am to go on runs, bike rides and all that healthy stuff
This place is a Springs institution, or is quickly getting there. Â Was there on Thursday with a friend.
We were after the oktoberfest and it was awesome. Â We try to stay away from the laughing lab and beehive 'cause you can get those any place in town and focus on the seasonals. Â Good stuff at the moment. Â
Cracked was another of the seasonals...peppercorns and coriander, not really my thing, but A for effort.
It was interesting to people watch. Â It was about 90 percent dudes sitting around the place but about 50% of the growler customers were women! Â Doesn't matter who you are, I appreciate a person that enjoys a good beer.
Blue Star is right next door, FYI. Â Also, parking does suck...find a close side street.
My husband is in the Army and I know the day will come when we leave this city for good. I won't miss much, but I will definitely miss Bristol! I absolutely love this place! The atmosphere is incredibly laid back, you eat pretzels out of a dog bowl and the shuffle board is very entertaining. But, the shining star has got to be their beer!
My personal favorites are the Beehive and the Red Rocket, but I will drink any Bristol beer that is put in front of me, they are all delicious. I am also a fan of the Black Fox beer that is brewed in the same brewery.
They have super cool schwag for purchase and the bartenders are incredibly knowledgable about all of their beers.
I wish I could take this place with me when we move!
Yup, this  is the place beer lovers have always dreamed about. I moved to C/S just for this place, ok not really but i was looking forward to living close by.
Beer is simply amazing AND very well priced. It is a no frills joint so if you';re a douche and want to get laid you should probably keep on driving. On tap is their classics but also seasonals are always tasty.
Service has always been friendly and patrons are easy to talk to, think not pretentious.
I love going to breweries! It is so fun to try them all out and go to new ones! Going to Bristol was a first for me and hubs last weekend. I've heard of Laughing Lab and thought we better give a try...fresh! The other thing about breweries that I love is the sampler trays.
At Bristol we tried out a sampler of what they had available the day we went. I really enjoyed the Lab and Beehive Honey Wheat. I haven't seen the wheat in Denver but I should request it in the local liquor stores because it is fantastic! The hubs enjoyed the IPA (as he usually does). We had a coupon for a free pint, which was a double bonus to the experience.
The brewery was medium sized with a very nice front sitting area for sipping on your brews. I'm not sure if tours were an option, though.
Love Bristol Brewing Company!
Not only are the beers amazing-- they give back to the community via their Community Beer program:
<a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bristolbrewing.com%2Four_beers.asp%3Fbrs_id%3D42&s=0ad38d866b3093166d1f74e4518f052d7d69b9b8abd4b0a2f0052388d08ea18b" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.bristolbrewin…</a>
<a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bristolbrewing.com%2Four_beers.asp%3Fbrs_id%3D28&s=332c142f633fc7f51c1b9fa3636d69cf8c4716ff705028947eab6bd98da75ffb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.bristolbrewin…</a>
<a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bristolbrewing.com%2Four_beers.asp%3Fbrs_id%3D24&s=96c4aaf911945971f5ddf555a0570010c069a9667d8145b0b8f8c36cc73230be" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.bristolbrewin…</a>
Always a fun time at the Tasting Room as well.
$3 pints on Mondays and $1 off Growler refills for Wednesdays makes this a must stop for out of town beer drinkers.
The Laughing Lab Scottish Ale is in fact the MOST Award-winning Colorado Mirobrew!!
<a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bristolbrewing.com%2Four_beers.asp%3Fbrs_id%3D5&s=8a043ee4f8af2e667d04d72d184f4be3d65120d91f6f2e78d23f9ac372156660" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.bristolbrewin…</a>
"Nine scottish ale medals since 1994 make Laughing Lab the most decorated Colorado beer at the Great American Beer Festival.® A careful blend of specialty malts gives Lab a nutty, roasted flavor that's mildly sweet, but not too rich. Smooth and luscious!
Winner of the Silver in the Scottish Ale category at the 1996 World Beer Cup®, the 2000 and 2006 Gold Medals, the 2007, 2002, 2001, and 1996 Silver Medals and the 1994, 2005 and 2010 Bronze Medals in the Scottish Ale category at the Great American Beer Festival®. "
Available Year round-- and named after the owners Golden Lab pet (who was a rescue dog!!) Check this out: <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bristolbrewing.com%2Fguest_lab.asp&s=c94824387d6a891e42c886eb55bbaf61b5663d97afefddecd57d8a1c26e0b8a5" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.bristolbrewin…</a>
I was really really sad that my table didn't have a dog bowl full of pretzels.
I can't speak to the service, as I wasn't the one up at the bar getting drinks, but the Beehive and the, uh, other beer I can't remember (their winter/christmasy beer) were nummy in my tummy. The atmosphere is great - it is the type of place where strangers chat with strangers and come out friends. But not in the creepy way. :D
What better way to end the weekend than with good beer?
On our way through Colorado Springs we had to stop at Bristol Brewing to try the stout we've been waiting to have released. Â Unfortunately we were still a month early but they did have a Smokehouse Porter in a bottle that we split. Â Good smooth creamy stout.
Next, I had the Blonde Wheat and it was light and refreshing without bitterness or bite to it.
Another good choice is their Laughing Lab Ale. Â Beautiful red ale.
All the while we munched on pretzels out of a dog bowl.
And as Arnold says, "I'll be back" for that porter!
This is what a local brewery tap room should be.
We walked in to a lively scene on a Thursday. We were not regulars but every one was friendly to us.
It was a release party of their Oktoberfest fest beer. It came in a neat mug style class unlike the usual pints. It was quite good. As were many of the beers in the sampler.
They seemed to have a free buffet of food, some brats, and potato salad for the Oktoberfest release party I presume, a nice touch.
There are tables, a small bar and a nice table shuffle board. The brew tanks peek over a glass block wall. I like this interior.
EXCELLENT BEER! Â That's why you need to come here. Â Check their web site for daily specials.
It's a small place that serves beer and sells 6-packs, bombers, growlers and kegs. Â Perfect after a ride or hike at Cheyenne Mountain State Park or North Cheyenne Canyon.
They recently opened a taco stand (with very reasonable prices) open on certain nights. Â Check their web site for day and hours of the taco stand.
There's seating for about 25-30 with a shuffle board setup along one wall. Â Just a good atmosphere if you can get a seat. Â Parking can also be an issue with the Blue Star restaurant next door and Edelwiess around the corner.
They also started offering beer from Black Fox Brewery, which is belgian style and was started by a Bristol employee. Â There is also root beer on tap, which is cool to see for those of us with kids or those that don't drink beer.
We have a home keg and always have Red Rocket Ale on tap. Â Support your local micro brews!
Interesting info about Bristol - they send their spent grains to Venitucci farms to be used as compost/fertilizer. Â Venitucci has let school kids come pick free pumpkins in the Fall for many years. Â Venitucci then gives some pumpkins to Bristol for their pumpkin ale and all proceeds from that beer go to Venitucci. Â So, have a beer and give a kid a free pumpkin!!
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