Best Spots for Craft Beer in Mexico

Mexico is often celebrated for its tequila and mezcal, but its craft beer scene has been quietly booming over the past decade. For travelers who appreciate a well-crafted brew, Mexico offers a variety of unique and flavorful options that go beyond the usual commercial lagers. Whether you’re wandering through vibrant cities or exploring charming towns, the best spots for craft beer in Mexico provide an exciting way to taste local culture and creativity.

Barra rústica con grifos de cerveza artesanal coloridos en Ciudad de México

Mexico City: The Heart of Craft Beer Innovation

Mexico City leads the country’s craft beer revolution. The city’s diverse neighborhoods host a growing number of breweries and taprooms where you can sample everything from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts infused with local ingredients.

• Cervecería de Barrio: This popular chain started in Mexico City and offers a wide selection of craft beers paired with traditional Mexican dishes. Their “La Morena” dark beer is a favorite among locals.

• Falling Piano Brewing Co.: Located in the Roma neighborhood, this brewery is known for its experimental brews and cozy taproom. Try their seasonal releases for a taste of innovation.

• Brew Garden: A lively spot with a rotating tap list featuring local breweries. It’s perfect for those who want to explore different styles in one place.

  
  

The city also hosts the annual Festival de Cerveza Artesanal CDMX, where you can meet brewers and taste dozens of craft beers in one event.

Guadalajara: A Growing Craft Beer Hub

Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city, has embraced craft beer with enthusiasm. The city’s breweries often blend traditional brewing techniques with Mexican flavors, creating distinctive beers that reflect the region’s culture.

• Loba Brewing Co.: Known for its bold IPAs and smooth porters, Loba has become a staple in Guadalajara’s craft beer scene.

• Cervecería Revolución: This brewery offers a variety of styles, including a popular Mexican-style lager that balances crispness with malt sweetness.

• La Patrona: A female-led brewery that focuses on quality and creativity, La Patrona’s beers often feature local ingredients like agave and chili.

  
  

Guadalajara’s craft beer bars, such as La Cervecería Chapultepec, provide a welcoming atmosphere to enjoy these brews alongside delicious local food.

Monterrey: Craft Beer Meets Northern Flavors

In Monterrey, the industrial north of Mexico, craft beer has found a passionate audience. The city’s breweries often emphasize bold flavors and strong beers, matching the region’s robust culinary traditions.

• Cervecería Albur: This brewery is famous for its smoked beers and barrel-aged varieties. Their “Albur IPA” is a must-try for hop lovers.

• Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma: While known for mass-market beers, their craft division produces some excellent small-batch brews worth seeking out.

• Cervecería La Rana Dorada: Originally from Panama but with a strong presence in Monterrey, this brewery offers fresh, balanced beers that appeal to a wide audience.

  
  

Monterrey’s craft beer bars, like La Nacional, often feature live music and a lively crowd, making them great places to experience local nightlife.

Mesa de madera con degustación de cervezas artesanales y botanas mexicanas en Guadalajara

Tijuana: Border City with a Bold Beer Scene

Tijuana’s proximity to the United States has influenced its craft beer scene, blending Mexican and American styles. The city has become a hotspot for innovative breweries that push boundaries.

• Mamut Brewery: One of the pioneers in Tijuana’s craft beer movement, Mamut offers a wide range of styles, including IPAs, sours, and barrel-aged beers.

• Border Psycho Brewery: Known for its edgy branding and bold flavors, this brewery produces some of the most exciting beers in the region.

• Cervecería Insurgente: This brewery focuses on quality and creativity, with beers that often incorporate local ingredients like coffee and cacao.

  
  

Tijuana’s craft beer bars, such as La Justina, combine great beer with a vibrant atmosphere and excellent food trucks nearby.

Oaxaca: Craft Beer with a Local Twist

Oaxaca is famous for its mezcal, but its craft beer scene is growing steadily. Breweries here often experiment with indigenous ingredients and traditional methods.

• Cervecería Calavera: This brewery blends Mexican culture with craft beer, offering unique brews like their “Oaxacan Chocolate Stout.”

• La Revolución de los Cangrejos: Known for its creative flavors and community focus, this brewery is a favorite among locals.

• Cervecería Insurgente Oaxaca: A branch of the Tijuana brewery, it brings a fresh take on craft beer to the city.

  
  

Oaxaca’s craft beer bars often pair their offerings with local dishes like tlayudas and mole, creating a full sensory experience.

Tips for Exploring Craft Beer in Mexico

When searching for the best spots for craft beer in Mexico, keep these tips in mind:

• Try local ingredients: Many breweries incorporate native flavors like hibiscus, chili, or cacao.

• Visit taprooms: These places often offer the freshest beer and a chance to meet the brewers.

• Attend festivals: Craft beer festivals are great for sampling many beers in one place and learning about the scene.

• Pair with food: Mexican cuisine and craft beer complement each other well, so try local dishes alongside your beer.

• Ask locals: Bartenders and brewery staff usually have great recommendations.

  
  

Exploring craft beer in Mexico is more than tasting beer; it’s about discovering the stories and traditions behind each brew.

Discover Your Next Favorite Brew

The best spots for craft beer in Mexico offer a rich variety of flavors and experiences. From Mexico City’s bustling taprooms to Oaxaca’s innovative brews, each destination has something unique to offer. Whether you prefer hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or refreshing lagers, Mexico’s craft beer scene has a beer for you.