LaCer Laboratorio Cervecero
Since 2008, Guadalajara’s annual craft beer festival has grown in both size and popularity. The LaCer Laboratorio Cervecero is a bar that takes this concept and makes it a year-round fixture. Less a bar than a series of bars under a single roof, patrons can wander from one to another, enjoying the huge variety of craft beers in the venue.
LaCer Laboratorio Cervecero, Chapultepec 20, Americana, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Patan Ale House
One of the most stylish places in the city to knock back a craft beer, Patan Ale House has an extensive drinks collection and a fun, relaxing vibe. The waiting staff are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the subject of beer and will happily guide you through the drinks menu. The venue also has a pleasant rooftop terrace and regularly hosts local live DJs. In addition to beer, Patan Ale House has a great menu. The torta ahogada de camarón is highly recommended.
Patan Ale House, Calle Morelos 1281, Americana, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico +521 333 826 6613
El Grillo
This tiny bar on Guadalajara’s trendy Chapultepec Avenue has friendly staff, great music and a lively pub atmosphere. Its burgundy walls are festooned with beer coasters and witty phrases and it wouldn’t be hard to imagine Jimi Hendrix or Jim Morrison stopping in for a drink. El Grillo also has an extensive range of local and American craft beers on offer. The bar’s popularity means downstairs can get pretty crowded, but there is a second-floor terrace upstairs.
El Grillo, Chapultepec 219, Americana, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico +521 333 827 3090
Brewe
Part dive bar, part serious craft beer venue, this centrally located spot has a laid-back atmosphere and an impressive variety of local beers on tap. The venue also hosts “pop up” food nights, when visiting chefs offer dishes from other parts of Mexico or beyond. In recent years, Brewe has also earned a reputation as one of the best places for live DJs and music.
Brewe, Calle Argentina 16, Americana, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico +521 333 113 0569
Casa Híkuri
This cozy craft beer venue offers more than 30 beers on tap and has an excellent tapas menu. As one of the few venues open before 6pm, it’s a great place to visit for afternoon drinks with friends. The venue is named after the peyote cactus, a hallucinogenic plant sacred to the Wixárika, or Huichol people who are native to western Mexico.
Casa Híkuri, Calle Emeterio Robles Gil 143, Moderna, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico +521 333 826 6312
La Taberna Minerva
In front of the factory that produces Minerva – one of the biggest names on the Mexican craft beer scene – La Taberna Minerva offers the pioneering company’s eight regular brand fixtures along with numerous rotating special edition beers. Inside, the venue has a glass wall that looks out into the factory, with its huge cylindrical brewing kettles and vessels. The bar has an extensive food menu and Minerva’s imperial stout or pale ale offerings are highly recommended.
Taberna Minerva, Periférico Sur 4250 int A-3, Los Periodistas, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico +521 332 005 0134
Cervecería Escala
Another restaurant, bar and brewery in one, Cervecería Escala offers 11 excellent craft beers on tap. The Vanilla Porter, with its vanilla aroma and coffee and chocolate aftertaste, is a particular favorite. The spacious bar also offers food, although the menu is limited to salads, pizzas and hamburgers.
Cervecería Escala, Ruben Darío 1519, Providencia 4a. Secc, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Cervecería La Blanca
This popular craft beer hangout has great variety, excellent service and a fun atmosphere. The bock beer is highly recommended and the bar also offers excellent pizzas. Cervecería La Blanca is also regarded as one of the city’s best venues for live music. Regular visitors include the jazz group Trioker, one half of Troker, who have performed at the Glastonbury Festival in the UK.
Cervecería La Blanca, Calle Lope de Vega 127, Arcos Vallarta, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico +521 333 616 8909
San Lúpulo Cerveteca Artesanal
One block from the Templo Expiatorio, one of Guadalajara’s most impressive churches, the San Lúpulo offers at least 60 brands of Mexican craft beer. The menu is not extensive, but the bar does offer delicious German-style hot dogs. Surprisingly for a Mexican bar, the San Lúpulo also offers mead, an alcohol made from honey and water – so the perfect place for an off-duty Viking.
San Lúpulo Cerveteca Artesanal, Calle Prisciliano Sánchez 807, Americana, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico +521 333 825 5457
Malta 33
A little bar with tons of craft beers and a cozy atmosphere, Malta 33 is set in the Santa Tere neighborhood near Chapultepec Avenue. The venue does a great deal to support local microbreweries, and all of the beers are from the city of Guadalajara or the surrounding state of Jalisco.
Malta 33, Calle Hospital 1557, Andrés Teran, Santa Tere, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico