Finding a freshly brewed beer on the west coast gets easier every day. This coast has the second largest variety of microbreweries after the metro area. Most are small operations run by passionate brewmasters who enjoy both experimenting with flavors and putting out very respectable versions of the classics. Every one has a set of fixed favorites and rotating choices with hundreds of recipes that flow from their taps.
BOXLAB- Aguadilla
This microbrewery enjoys experimentation in all forms. They are hop transformers as this ingredient can even appear in their cocktails and food. They are known for high ABV brews with their 2014 Demolition Stong Ale clocking in a 11%. (Fear not, they have a Table beer at only 2.3%). Their toasted coconut Cocotero Stout is popular and always among the 14 options on their board along with collabs with other local brewers.
Top 30 breweries in the U.S.
In 2025 they were recognized as one of the top 30 breweries in the US by Vine Pair. Menu features plenty of savory options; smash burgers, wings, etc. They also do kitchen takeovers with local cooks and restaurants. Their tiny taproom in Old San Juan features outdoor seating, 5 of their brews on tap and food from neighboring restaurants.
Open 7 days- 12M to 11pm (9pm on Sun)
(787) 291-3963
https://goo.gl/maps/CVQwQ67gBX1xUrew8
La Grifería/Camacho Brewing- Aguadilla
Alberto Camacho is a brewing pioneer in the west. He began in 2012. You can taste his experienced hand at La Grifería a small outdoor kiosk on the seaside promenade Aguadilla. He’s best known for his IPA’s and casual, happy personality.
All his beer names have a local history behind them, so you can learn about the area as you refresh your palate. He also has a well-curated local liquor offering of hyper local, unique rums, flavored vodkas and more. His Black Lager is another customer favorite. Food, usually on weekends, is a welcome selection of Asian and Boricua favorites along with pop ups and takeovers.
Open 7 days- 3pm (12m Sat and Sun) to 10pm
(787) 214-0373
https://goo.gl/maps/ps95DS7mrGPaU9gL6
Rincon Beer Company- Rincón Plaza
Although it’s only 11 years old, Rincón Beer Company epitomizes the Rincón Beach Culture that has made this small town famous. Located on the plaza or the heart of Rincón, upon entering you immediately feel at home in the welcoming atmosphere of the place. Whereas other breweries emphasize their beers, Rincón Beer Company emphasizes in the entire process and ingredients that lead to the creation of really good, innovative beers.
Along with brewing, the sister passion of the owner, and all who are involved in this culture, are cocktails. Surprisingly, these two fields merge seamlessly in their taps and their glasses. They pride themselves on being a zero waste bar and that has led them to eliminate pre-made mixers and syrups.
Everything locally sourced and made in-house
They have a lab in the second floor dedicated to producing all of their ingredients from local farms. They extract, dry, concentrate, etc everything from melons to beets, cucumbers, dozens of tropical fruits and these find their way into their beers, cocktails and menu. The results are surprises such Abuelita Leo Beet Sour and even a Cucumber Sour Beer.
Their canned beer is also a celebration of all things Rincón. On the Sandy Blonde can you’ll find a QR code that connects you to a live camera at Sandy Beach and B.O.N.U.S has one that let’s you see Domes (it was called the BONUS Reactor)
There’s a lot more to discover at Rincón Beer Company, including the food and Co., a bar restaurant with great Neapolitan pizza next door. So go, grab an outdoor table and enjoy your time at this Rincón hangout.
Open 7 days- 4pm (12m Sat and Sun) to 11pm
(939) 904-9115
https://goo.gl/maps/fivNhQH2VTbX7Jgc9
Reina Mora- San Sebastián
This brewery in Sabana Grande is named for a colorful, endemic bird and you’ll notice an avian theme in all their operations. Their locale is called El Nido de la Pajarita or the Bird’s Nest and one of their more popular beers is called Spindalis after the scientific name of the Reina Mora. Another offering is their Beer for Birds birdwatching tours to local forests.
The brewery has offers solid core beers with a variety of experimental tropical flavors from their 11 taps. Their brews are also available in cans at select places throughout the island. You’ll locale is inside the Plaza del Mercado or local farmer’s market in Sabana Grande so it’s a great informal setting to get a taste of Puerto Rico.
Fri: 4-10:30pm, Sat: 2-10:30pm, Sun: 12-7:30pm
(787) 679-6900
https://goo.gl/maps/a1N3bnVxQ2vYnyuX7
Boquerón Brewing Co- Cabo Rojo
In the town of Cabo Rojo, in the southwest corner of the Island, you’ll find this brewing pioneer. At this small brewery you can partake of their Caribe Ale Experience. Their brews, as with most in Puerto Rico are adapted to be lighter, more refreshing and to be served cold. Boquerón Brewing’s most popular styles, named after iconic landmarks and coastal beaches are also available in cans in most supermarkets and convenience stores.
Open Thu. – Sat. 1pm- 8:30pm (Thu. 7:30pm)
(787) 381-4334
https://goo.gl/maps/7jaVuxnYNyJwN9Zg8
Pura Vida- Cabo Rojo
This small brewery also in Cabo Rojo, exemplifies the west coast laid back attitude. If you’re looking for fresh brews flavored with local tropical touches this is the place. It’s a refreshing experience and attitude where you bring your own chair and your smile.
Officially they open only on Saturdays but check their social media since they occasionally have pop-ups with local restaurants and cooks and squeeze in Sunday or even Friday on long weekends.
Open Sat. 11 am to 8pm
https://goo.gl/maps/UYJpaQQC8ZJ1ha9y7
Have you enjoyed a brew at any of these fine establishments? Leave a comment to let everyone know!
