Building the House of Lager: Pikes Peak's Downtown Expansion Opens

Building the House of Lager

Opening a brewery expansion in a pandemic should present some unique challenges, but that definitely did not seem to be the case for Pikes Peak Brewing in the opening of their new Lager House in downtown Colorado Springs. Owner Chris Wright said their primary challenges arose from the typical construction delays and inspections that usually push out the timelines of brewery openings, adding nothing COVID-19 specific delayed them in getting open.

The Beer

Offering 16 beers on tap from upstairs (dubbed the Star Bar) and downstairs tap locations, they are currently pouring 4 lagers and 8 flagships from the Monument Pikes Peak location. The lagers at the opening include a Marzen (or Oktoberfest), a toasty-malty Bock, a light yet flavorful Mexican Lager, and an Imperial Pilsner that doesn't drink at all like the 7+ percent it weighs in as.

The volume of lagers will increase over time to later include some offerings that have been finished in horizontal American oak foeders from Foeder Crafters of America. We're probably a couple of months out on those beers as they get spun up for full brewing operations at that location and get the foeders filled. Lagering takes a bit more time than ale fermentation, but it’s worth the wait.

The Facility

Aside from the beer, the Lager House is a true brew pub, so expect a small menu featuring some tasty small bites and other pub-style offerings. A highlight for us was the Kayak — a pretzel filled with a savory quiche. Tied into the upcoming COATI space, in the Trolley Building, there won’t be a shortage of good food to be had either, as Pikes Peak holds the liquor license for the entire food court and brewery, so when that space opens up, you can grab a beer and walk around anywhere within the two spaces you’d like.

Their rooftop patio could very well be the best in the Springs. No really, we think it’s easily one of, if not the, best brewery patios in town. Featuring a luxuriously soft artificial turf area, numerous picnic tables, and breathtaking views of America's Mountain (that's Pikes Peak, folks).

The interior decor is industrial, but also carries a warmth like an old English pub. They made good use of the brick interior of the old trolley building that lends this new facility a historic charm combined with the modern amenities. If you didn’t know, you’d think the brewery had been there for years, as it feels “lived in” as opposed to squeaky clean.

A large glass partition separates the brewing area from the front of the house seating and tap areas on the main level. This affords patrons a view of ‘where the magic happens’ and all the shiny stainless cradles housing the beer destined for their tongues.

When Can I Go?

Pikes Peak’s Lager House opens today at 3pm. We encourage you to go check them out at your first opportunity. Despite no delays from COVID-19 during construction, they do still have to navigate the challenges this pandemic brings for customers, staff, and managing capacity and social distancing.

Opening in a pandemic is already challenging, but we think Pikes Peak Lager House has risen to that challenge and raised the bar a bit for any other breweries looking at calling Colorado Springs home.