Craft Beer and Culinary Comfort: Riff Raff's Brewing Company, Pagosa Springs' Premier Destination for Flavorful Brews and Locally-Sourced Cuisine!

Pagosa Springs sits in the folds of southern Colorado, where the San Juan River cuts through town and the hot springs steam like something ancient. Along the downtown strip, tucked inside a restored Victorian house, is Riff Raff Brewing Company. A place that brews beer with conviction and serves food that earns its reputation. But you’ll need patience. Or luck.

The first time I went, I stood near the entrance long enough to question my existence. Peeked into the bar. Got a bartender’s attention. He didn’t make eye contact. Just said, “Someone will be with you in a moment.” No one was. So, I left.

But I went back because the beer I heard was that good. And the food—when you finally get some—is among the best in town.

Riff Raff’s Pagosa Pale Ale is crisp and clean, brewed on-site, and tastes like the Rockies in late afternoon. Their lineup includes hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, and seasonal experiments that lean bold without being gimmicky. The outdoor beer garden hums with live music most nights, and the crowd is a mix of locals, hikers, and people who just finished soaking in the springs.

The food is tavern fare with a pulse. Burgers are made from lamb, goat, beef, or veggie. Sandwiches stacked with intention. Salads that don’t feel like afterthoughts. Everything is locally sourced when possible, and the kitchen knows what it’s doing.

Inside, the vibe is cozy and chaotic: wood floors, mismatched chairs, and a layout that feels like someone converted their grandmother’s house into a brewery. Which, in a way, they did. The building dates back to the early 1900s, and the charm hasn’t been sanded down.

But the service? It’s an asterisk. Sometimes warm, sometimes indifferent, and sometimes absent entirely. It doesn’t ruin the experience, but it does shape it. You learn to lower your expectations, then raise your glass.

If you’re in Pagosa Springs, go to Riff Raff. Sit outside if the weather’s kind. Order the Pale Ale. Try the lamb burger. Let the music drift in. And know that sometimes, the best places come with caveats. This one’s worth it.