The microbrewery scene in San Juan is alive, kicking and growing. There’s a whole range of styles available from classic old world and american brews to tropical variations. What they all have in common is that you can taste the passion and pride of the brewmaster behind operation.
There are 28 microbreweries on the Island. There are 7 microbreweries in the San Juan area. Here’s the Places To Go list for your metro craft beer fix.
Taprooms and microbreweries in San Juan
Taberna Lúpulo (Hop Tavern)
This chill taproom in Old San Juan has the largest variety of beer on tap in the Caribbean and of the 44 taps, at least half are dedicated to microbreweries in Puerto Rico. Although not a microbrewery, at the Taberna del Lúpulo you can do a tour of the entire PR beer scene without leaving your seat (although it might be a bit difficult getting off the seat if you complete it). They also have imported draft and about 100 different bottled beer labels on hand. A true beer lovers paradise in paradise. Brews are definitely central here, their delicious fries are marinated in beer and even their Piña Colada is served with a coconut stout float that you can mix in. The cubano sandwich is legendary!
Open 7 days 11-1am (2am on Friday and Saturday)
Latabernalupulo.com
La Taberna Lúpulo- (787) 367-9519
https://goo.gl/maps/WNhjqUUXX7BucVjY9
Ocean Lab
This is the largest craft brewer on the island. They have three large taprooms; one on the beach in Carolina where the brewery is currently located, Old San Juan in front of the cruise piers and at the San Patricio Shopping Mall in Guaynabo. This local craft beer is readily available in most supermarkets all over the island. The San Patricio taproom is also a microbrewery with a constantly rotating selection of different craft beers. Plenty of merch available at all locations. All are open 7 days a week.
Oceanlabbrewery.com
Carolina Beach-(787) 648-5655
https://goo.gl/maps/4uT9W1afD5YkTeZG7
Old San Juan-(787) 606-5655
https://goo.gl/maps/69UVRCNJw2KUmRkU7
San Patricio Shopping Mall- (787) 708-6486
https://goo.gl/maps/icLV6D4wubosPhXN7
Old Harbor Brewery
This is the oldest craft brewery and the second largest with good availabilities in most supermarkets in the metro area. They have a taproom in Carolina alongside their brewery that has a varied menu of brew house favorites. They also host a variety of events.
https://oldharborbeer.com/
Old Harbor
(787) 936-3140
https://goo.gl/maps/byeDQPFau7dXCLno6
Takabrú
This small microbrewery has two distinctive features. They offer a card operated self serve tap wall with a12 of their beers ready to serve. You can pre-fill your card with a fixed amount or arrange an open tab with your server. Either way prices range between 50 and 60 cents an ounce. This is a great option for beer explorers to create their own tasting flight.
The do it yourself mentality also extends to their steaks. They offer Stone Grill steaks where you’re served a heated stone where you can finish your steak exactly to your liking. They also offer great wagyu burgers and hot dogs, tapas, pizza and a host of vegan options (there’s a health food supermarket next door) They offer live music on weekends along with sports.
Open 7 days from 12m
https://takabru.com/
Cervecería Takabru- (939) 382-1000
https://goo.gl/maps/mcfmvYNaAymARHSMA
Cervecera Frutos del Edén
If you’re a beer purist this small microbrewery in Guaynabo will be your nirvana. The brewmaster’s emphasis is on the classics; German Pilsner, West Coast IPA, Munich Dunkel Dark Lager for example. They are executed according to standards and it shows. Even the water used is subject to a reverse osomosis filtration system to eliminate minerals and deliver a very light, clean taste. Different flavored novelty beers are the exception. Along with their own brew, they feature guest taps from different Island brewers. Popular menu favorites are their Cheddar Wagyu Burger, the Churrasco Skirt steak and their Beer batter Chicken Sandwich.
Open Wed-Thu 3pm – 10pm, Fri- Sat 12m-12pm, Sun 12m-8pm
https://cervecerafde.com/
Cervecera Frutos del Edén- (787) 674-
microbrewery operating in Old San Juan and on tap the feature a rotating selection along with their standard favorites such as their IPA- Flecha Veloz. On Sunday they offer Bomba classes, along with live music every once in while. It’s a very casual environment with a laid back vibe. NO smash burger extravaganza here, they only offer empanadas or turnovers for snacking. They’re in a small alleyway (callejón) and there’s an outdoor bench you can use.
Open Wednesday through Monday from 3:30 to 8:30 (weekends open at 1pm)
https://www.facebook.com/cerveceriadelcallejonPR?
Cervecería del Callejón
https://goo.gl/maps/Ze41g5qd5JPtHpBE9
La Esquinita Beer Garden
The “little corner” beer garden in Bayamón has a neighborhood vibe to it with many regulars. Part of its attraction is that it’s open air, plenty of tables and of course, a great selection of local and imported craft beer, and a great selection of smash burgers. They just recently set up a micro-micro brewery on premise and are turning out decent pilsners and IPA’s and will continue to develop even more styles. Their small batches run out quickly so new possibilities are constantly coming into production.
Open Wednesday – Sunday 3pm-10pm (12m on Sunday)
La Esquinita Jardín Cervecero
https://goo.gl/maps/kHivpscdwidPUGqA9
https://www.facebook.com/laesquinitajardincervecero?
Lúpulos Hermanos
This small brewery feels more like a beer club than a commercial taproom. Getting there is also part of the adventure. They’re located in an industrial warehouse type area in Carolina and just when you think “this couldn’t be the place, you’ve found it. They have great beer and rather tasty pizzas.
Open Wednesday -Saturday 3pm to 10pm (Wed 5pm)
Lúpulos Hermanos- (787) 486-0356
https://goo.gl/maps/HoFbh8Jr5Z9Vgm9P7
