The Top 10 Places To Try Craft Beer In Costa Rica

Craft beers and microbreweries are all the rage in Costa Rica these days, after decades of only having a couple of beers to choose from: Pilsen and Imperial. They are delicious, especially when served ice-cold after a long day in the sun, but it’s great to discover that Costa Rica now has an impressive selection of craft beers and some really great places to enjoy some of them. Here’s our pick of the best.

1. La Planta Brewpub

Bar, Craft Ale Bar, Pub, Pub Grub

La Planta Brewpub is part of the Costa Rica Craft Brewing Company, one of the most popular and widely distributed microbreweries in Costa Rica. They have two permanent beers, Libertas Tropical Golden Ale and Red Ale Segua, as well as multiple seasonal beers. La Planta Brewpub is the perfect place to come and enjoy some of their craft beers along with a nice selection of pub food. They also have a beer-tasting option, if you are interested in trying a wider variety of their tasty brews.

2. Costa Rica Beer Factory

Bar, Craft Ale Bar, Pub, Pub Grub

If you’re a true beer fanatic, this is the place for you. The Costa Rica Beer Factory has more than 140 different types of beer, from Costa Rica and abroad. No other place in Costa Rica has such an immense collection. The staff are very knowledge about all the different types of beer available, which makes the experience here even more enriching and exciting. They also serve up a great selection of bar food to accompany your drink.

3. Wilk Craft Beer and Grub

Bar, Craft Ale Bar, Pub, Pub Grub

Wilk Craft Beer and Grub is dedicated to and passionate about craft beer. They have three brews of their own: Alfa (red IPA), Lena (Kolsch), and Friedrich (Sour de Das). They also serve a fantastic selection of beers from other Costa Rican microbreweries such as Costa Rica Craft Brewing Company, Bri Bri Springs, Rancho Humo, Costa Rica Meadery, and Ceverceria Garcia.

5. Tap House

Bar, Craft Ale Bar, Pub, Pub Grub, North American

The Tap House has over 30 different types of beer on tap and in bottles, including craft beers from Costa Rica and from international microbreweries. If you love burgers, BBQ, and beer, look no further than the Tap House. They also serve up other pub grub such as nachos, wings, mozzarella sticks, and tacos, which pair quite nicely with a frosty brew. Pets are welcome.

6. Lake Arenal Brewery

Hotel Restaurant, Contemporary

The Lake Arenal Brewery is part of the Lake Arenal Hotel, which is an environmentally conscious and sustainable hotel. This is a truly picturesque location to come and stay, try 12 different in-house brewed beers, and eat some delicious food. The brewery makes some unique craft beers, such as Lake Arenal Chili Birra, Lake Arenal IPA, Lake Arenal Surf Saison, and Lake Arenal Paradise Pale Ale.

7. Sharky's

Bar, Craft Ale Bar, Gastropub, Pub Grub, American

Sharky’s is the epitome of fun. It is one of the most happening bars in Tamarindo. You can watch world sporting events, sing karaoke, play beer pong, and dance the night away. And to top it all off, they serve up a delicious selection of craft beers from the Costa Rica Craft Brewing Company and Lost Coast. The food is also exceptional. It is likely that this will be your favorite bar in town, especially if you are looking to get a bit wild. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, all craft beers on tap are $4.

8. El Vaquero

Bar, Craft Ale Bar, Pub, Restaurant, Gastropub, Pub Grub, Central American

El Vaquero is a beachfront bar that is part of Witch’s Rock Surf Camp and the Volcano Brewing Company. It is one of the best spots in Tamarindo to grab a Volcano Brewing Company craft beer, put your toes in the sand, and watch one of Tamarindo’s famous sunsets. El Vaquero is also very dog- and kid-friendly. They have weekly bonfires and live music. Happy hour is from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.

9. Puddlefish

Bar, Craft Ale Bar, Gastropub, Fusion, Central American

Puddlefish Brewery is located in the popular beach town of Jaco on the Pacific coast. This boutique brewery is passionated and dedicated to created high-quality and delicious craft beers and food. You can even take a tasting tour. The menu is delectable and includes such delights as lobster mac and cheese, tuna basil taquitos, fresh catch of the day, and pecan-crusted portobello mushrooms. If you are looking for exceptional food and craft beers while you are in the Jaco area, definitely check out Puddlefish.

10. Kaya's Place

Boutique Hotel Restaurant, Craft Ale Bar, Restaurant, Fusion, Pub Grub

Kaya’s Place is home to Bri Bri Springs Brewery in Puerto Viejo. Bri Bri Springs Brewery is a 100% organic and environmentally conscious microbrewery that uses ingredients such as locally grown coconut, cacao, mango, and pineapple to create some one-of-a-kind beers. They offers tours at 4:20 p.m. every afternoon. Kaya’s Place has a fantastic view of the beautiful Playa Negra and is the perfect place to enjoy a cold craft brew.

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