Ouray Brewery — Restaurant in Telluride

I wish I'd read more reviews here instead of relying on social media recommendations for this place. I had seen lots of hype for Ouray Brewery and of course the rooftop + brewery combo caught my husband's eye during our trip but it unfortunately just fell short of our expectations. We stopped in early one evening for some beers and probably food. We stopped at the host stand and asked about availability on the rooftop. The host told us that it was full sun only at the moment and also a wait. We told him that was fine. He pointed us across the street to some shade and called our name about 10 mins later. I also wanted to note that I had read recent negative reviews here regarding the host. We had a pleasant interaction with him and he thanked us for waiting and following the instructions on the multiple, clearly printed signs outside of the restaurant directing us to wait outside to be seated. Which seemed to be the process at most of the restaurants in town.

Everything started off pretty positive. We were given menus that included a map of the entire building and directed upstairs. The rooftop was open seating with barstools around the perimeter and picnic tables. We really wanted the view so we chose barstools that were in the full sun rather than the picnic tables knowing the sun would last only another hour or so. And as soon as the sun dipped behind the mountain, it was a mad dash for the rest of the barstools. The view was fab as we expected and we enjoyed it a lot as well as people watching below. My husband ordered a beer which he said was very good, me being 33 weeks pregnant stuck with water. There are no servers on the rooftop so you must order from the bar. They served his beer but pointed to Gatorade style dispensers next to the bar for the water. The water was barely cool and tasted strongly of chlorine. Being pregnant, I drank water at every restaurant we visited during our 4 night stay and also at our hotel directly from the tap and it did not have the same chlorine taste anywhere else so that was odd. I had to switch to tea. My husband ordered another couple beers and were undecided on if we'd order food or not but we met another couple and got to chatting and ended up staying for a while. Last call for food on a Friday was called at 7 PM and last call for alcohol was at 7:30. Again, food must be ordered at the bar. My husband ordered us food as they announced last call, we each got a burger. The menu stated that they'd be cooked medium unless otherwise specified. Medium is perfect for us so that was great. They however arrived well done and were obviously a premade/precooked patty. Rather disappointing after all the hype about "the best burgers" and the $18/19 price tag. Condiments were in packets next to the bar. Just a very casual experience with an upscale price. I know that it's a tourist town and food and the cost of doing business (and everything really) has really shot up these last couple of years. But that was steep compared to other places in town with full service (and honestly much better food). They shut down for the night at 8 PM sharp.

Overall was just a "meh" experience. Not disappointed that we tried it. Can't say for certain if we'll be back. If we are, it'll be just for a couple of beers mid-afternoon and we'll...

Ouray used to be our favorite place to visit. Ouray Brewery was one of the things that made it such a fun stay for us. We haven’t been able to visit for a few years, so we were thrilled when we arrived Sat. The host wasn’t overly friendly, but it seems like it was a better day for him than others have recently reported. However, the bartenders upstairs are why I’m giving this 2 ⭐️ review.

Because it’s been so long since we’ve been to Ouray, we didn’t know what the current brews are like. Since you can’t even get a sip to see if it’s a beer you like, I naturally had questions. The male bartender acted like I was an idiot for asking questions about specifics beers. Then the other female bartender acted annoyed that we weren’t going to order food. After we sat down across from where the bar is, we heard the female bartender say to the male, “ya, well you want to know what MY ‘dumb question’ of the day was today? A customer asked me if he could get a cold one.” It’s highly unprofessional for staff to speak about customers in such a condescending manner and to do it in front of other customers is ridiculous. I understand you are at the end of summer tourist season, but be professional, or quit.

The male bartender also kept starting at me in a really odd manner. I’ve never felt so uncomfortable in a public setting like that. It made me so uncomfortable that my husband and I decided to down our beers and leave.

I’m providing this much information with the hopes that the owners, who we met when they first opened years ago and were great, take a lot of consideration of the lack of professionalism that their staff has and they work to correct it. From the looks of it, we aren’t the only ones in the past month who have had poor experiences with the staff. Super unfortunate because this used to be one of the highlights of our trip.

For a town that relies so heavily on tourism, you’d think they could gut out the season with at least a smile and some patience of their own. They may work daily in Ouray, but visitors who are respectful deserve to have the same kind of respect given. It’s not every day that people get to go on vacation and good service plays a big part in how well it goes. It’s disappointing that the upstairs staff on Sat really...

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque town of Ouray, Ouray Brewery stands out not just for its stunning location but for its exceptional craft beers and welcoming atmosphere. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by the inviting aroma of freshly brewed beer and the warm smiles of the staff, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.

The brewery's commitment to quality is evident in every sip. Whether you're a hophead craving a bold IPA or prefer a smooth, malty stout, their diverse selection of beers caters to every palate. Each brew is crafted with care and creativity, showcasing the expertise of their passionate brewers.

Service at Ouray Brewery is exceptional, with knowledgeable staff who are eager to recommend the perfect beer pairing or share the story behind their latest brew. Whether you're a beer aficionado or new to the craft beer scene, they make you feel right at home.

And let's not forget the views. Situated in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, the brewery offers breathtaking vistas from its outdoor patio, making it an ideal spot to unwind after a day of hiking or exploring the nearby attractions.

Overall, Ouray Brewery is more than just a place to grab a beer—it's a destination. With its stellar brews, delectable food, warm hospitality, and stunning location, it's no wonder this brewery has become a beloved gem in Ouray. Whether you're a local or just passing through, a visit to Ouray Brewery is an experience you won't...