San Juan’s craft beer scene is booming. Once known primarily for its rum culture, Puerto Rico has embraced craft beer with open arms. Breweries are pushing creative boundaries, blending tropical flavors with bold hops and rich malts. From beachside taprooms to hidden gems in the city, there’s no shortage of places to grab a great pint.
If you’re a craft beer enthusiast, get ready to explore the best spots in San Juan. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back taproom experience or a lively bar with an extensive selection, this guide has you covered.
Breweries with Taprooms
Ocean Lab Brewing – Isla Verde & San Patricio Plaza
Ocean Lab Brewing is a must-visit for craft beer lovers. Their original taproom in Isla Verde offers stunning ocean views and a relaxed, beachy vibe. Try their SJU Lager, Ocean IPA, or Hop Diver while soaking up the sun. The brewery often hosts live music and special events, making it a great place to enjoy both great beer and a fun atmosphere.
Now, they’ve expanded with a brand-new location at San Patricio Plaza. This taproom offers an exclusive lineup of small-batch brews direct from the serving tank, that you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re a fan of experimental and limited-run beers, this is your spot. The space is modern, sleek, and perfect for beer lovers who want to try something truly unique.
Old Harbor Brewery – Carolina
One of Puerto Rico’s original craft breweries, Old Harbor Brewery has made a strong comeback in Carolina. With a focus on lagers, pale ales, and stouts, their beers are well-balanced and easy-drinking. The taproom has an inviting atmosphere, featuring rustic decor and comfortable seating. Whether you’re trying their Santo Viejo Pilsner or the smooth Coqui Helles, you’re in for a treat.
Lúpulos Hermanos – Carolina & Lote 23
This small yet mighty brewery has been making waves with its bold and flavorful beers. Their Carolina taproom is intimate but packed with personality, featuring handcrafted brews made in small batches. Their 2 Minutes to Midnight Black IPA and Confidential Pale Ale have become favorites among locals.
Recently, they opened a kiosk at Lote 23 in Santurce, bringing their creative brews to a bustling foodie hub. It’s the perfect place to grab a craft beer while sampling delicious bites from nearby vendors.
Cervecería del Callejón – San Juan
Tucked away in the heart of San Juan, Cervecería del Callejón specializes in handcrafted, locally inspired beers. Their Cale Belgian Golden Strong and La 8 Rye IPA are crowd favorites, offering refreshing flavors with a distinct Caribbean touch. The taproom is charming and cozy, with a laid-back ambiance that makes it easy to stay for a few rounds.
Cervecería Takabru – Guaynabo, Condado & Plaza Las Américas (Coming Soon)
Takabru is redefining the beer-drinking experience in Puerto Rico. Their self-serve tap wall in Guaynabo lets you pour your own beer at your own pace, featuring an ever-rotating lineup of local and imported brews. The interactive experience makes it a great place for craft beer enthusiasts who want to try a variety of styles.
They also operate a popular tap wall in Condado, offering a convenient spot to enjoy high-quality craft beer while exploring the neighborhood. And soon, they’ll open another location at Plaza Las Américas, making it even easier to get your craft beer fix.
Cervecera Frutos del Edén – Guaynabo
One of the newest additions to Puerto Rico’s craft beer scene, Cervecera Frutos del Edén is making waves with its fresh, tropical-inspired brews. Their Guaynabo taproom is already a favorite among locals, featuring beers that highlight the island’s unique flavors. Try their Bohemian Pilsner or American IPA are already crowd favorites. The taproom’s modern design and welcoming staff make it an exciting new stop for craft beer lovers.
Best Craft Beer Bars in San Juan
La Taberna Lúpulo – Old San Juan
A legendary spot in the Puerto Rican craft beer scene, La Taberna Lúpulo boasts an impressive selection of local and international beers. With over 50 taps and countless bottles, this Old San Juan institution is the place to go if you love variety. The atmosphere is lively, and the knowledgeable staff can guide you to your next favorite beer. It’s a must-visit for beer lovers exploring Old San Juan.
Taberna Boricua – San Juan
For a laid-back, no-frills craft beer experience, Taberna Boricua is the spot. It’s a favorite among locals, offering a strong selection of Puerto Rican and international brews. The warm, friendly vibe makes it a great place to unwind after a long day. If you enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with quality beer, this is the place to be.
100×35 Beer Boutique – San Juan
If you love rare and unique beers, 100×35 Beer Boutique is a must-visit. This beer shop and bar features an incredible variety of hard-to-find craft brews, both local and imported. Whether you want to enjoy a beer on-site or grab a few bottles to-go, this spot is a treasure trove for beer lovers. Their constantly rotating selection ensures that there’s always something new to try.
El Tap – San Juan
A rising star in San Juan’s craft beer bar scene, El Tap offers a well-curated selection of local and international beers on tap. The bar has a modern and casual vibe, making it a great place for beer lovers to gather and explore new flavors. Their rotating beer menu keeps things exciting, and they often feature special events and tap takeovers from local breweries.
Salitre Craft Beer – Lote 23, Santurce
Salitre Craft Beer is a rising star in the Puerto Rican craft beer scene. As a local craft beer distributor, they have curated an excellent selection of craft beers and now operate a dedicated beer bar at Lote 23 in Santurce. Recently, they introduced their first in-house brew, Salitre Session IPA, a flavorful and refreshing IPA contract-brewed at Cold Blood Brewery. Whether you’re looking to explore a variety of beers or try their exclusive new release, this is a great spot to check out.
Final Pour: The Craft Beer Scene in San Juan
San Juan’s craft beer scene is thriving, and there’s never been a better time to explore it. Whether you’re sipping a fresh brew by the beach, trying an experimental beer at a new taproom, or diving into an extensive beer list at a bar, there’s always something exciting to discover. So grab a pint, support local breweries, and cheers to Puerto Rico’s booming craft beer movement!
Photos: Ocean Lab Brewing Co. Old Harbor Brewery, Cervecería Takabru, Cervecera Frutos del Edén,
