Beer goes great with anything, don’t you think? Especially while on vacation.
Whether you are a casual beer drinker or a true connoisseur, you’ll be glad to know that Puerto Rico has as many local beer brands as it has breathtaking ocean views. From large manufacturers to local indie favorites, Puerto Rican beers are highly accessible at restaurants, pubs, bars, and microbreweries throughout the Island, and are often highlighted on menus and specials boards.
So, if you’re eager to add a unique brewery experience to your list of places to visit while you’re on the Island, read on for more!
Medalla is the most popular local beer on the Island.
Puerto Rico's Most Popular Beers
If you want a taste of local favorites, you can’t go wrong with Medalla Light. It is the most popular beer on the Island — it even has its own bar in Condado, Taberna Medalla, as well as a sports bar at Distrito T- Mobile. It tastes just like get-togethers and celebrations, no matter the time or place.
Two other local favorites are Residente Maibock and Residente Tripel, both created by Puerto Rican rapper and Grammy Award winner René Pérez (known artistically as Residente) for the Del Oeste brand. You can find it in dive bars and lounges alike. Both of these brands are brewed by Cervecera de Puerto Rico in Mayagüez, which was founded way back in 1937 by brothers Alfonso, Sabino, and Ramón Valdés Cobián.
Puerto Rico has plenty of local beer gardens and microbreweries, each with unique flavors.
Breweries in Puerto Rico
If you thought rum was the only craft beverage on the Island, think again! Beyond the more prominent brands like Medalla Light, you’ll find that Puerto Rico is filled with specialty shops, local beer gardens, and microbreweries, each with its own charm and unique flavors.
FOK Brewing Co.
What started as a hobby among friends has grown into one of the Island’s most popular beer brands – FOK Brewing Co. Located in the urban, artsy town of Caguas, FOK’s beers are simple yet elegant, and use fresh, local ingredients such as passion fruit and mango. The brewery offers a large outdoor patio so visitors can simultaneously enjoy their brews and soak up the Island sun.
The Beer Box
Since opening in 2012, The Beer Box has evolved from a small microbrew to one of the largest and most forward-thinking breweries on the Island. Visitors can choose from 16 beers on tap, which include many of their in-house brews as well as a small selection of beers from other local microbreweries. The Beer Box also offers a robust selection of elevated bar food that utilizes locally sourced ingredients.
Boquerón Brewing Co.
An artisanal brewery hailing from the West region of Puerto Rico, Boquerón Brewing Co. is known for its unique takes on classic styles, delicious tasting notes of fruity, bitter, soft, sweet, and malt, and an amazing array of seasonal beers inspired by iconic spots across the Island, such as the El Yunque Pale Ale, Montones West Side IPA, Porta Coeli Amber, and El Morro Imperial Porter.
Ocean Lab Brewing Co.
Overlooking the shores of Isla Verde Beach at the Vivo Beach Club (just a few short minutes from San Juan's airport), Ocean Lab crafts beers that are meant to be sipped on the pristine sands of Puerto Rico’s beaches. It's a beach bum and brew lover's dream! At their taproom, guests can enjoy a flight or pint of their home-brewed staples, like the Mayawest Puerto Rican Lager, the famous Ocean Mambo, and the Baraka Coffee Stout, made with whole coffee beans from the town of Adjuntas. You can take a tour of the brewery to experience firsthand how these ales come to be.
Enjoy the breeze of the coastal town of Rincón and beers like Sandy Blonde.
Cervecería del Callejón
Located in the heart of Old San Juan, Cervecería del Callejón is a small-batch artisanal brewery that gives bold, full-flavored twists to classic brews with tropical notes. Sit down in the cobblestone alley and take in the old-world ambiance with their signature Rienda Suelta full-flavored IPA or seasonal Dinámica Fluida Saison in hand. Looking for something seasonal? Try their Dinámica Fluida Saison in the summer months and the Callejón Oscuro during in winter.
Rincón Beer Company
With more than a dozen rotating taps and new beers released every Friday, you’re always guaranteed a one-of-a-kind brew at Rincón Brewing Company. Enjoy a beach town atmosphere while savoring some of their notable beers like the Sandy Blonde, a twist on the typical light blonde ale, the refreshing Overhead IPA, and the fruity B.O.N.U.S. Guava Piña Gose. The brewery also offers a robust “beer food” menu, including fish tacos and nachos, as well as craft cocktails. Stay for the beer, bites, and good vibes, or grab your growler and head to the beach to experience one of the most breathtaking sunsets you’ll ever see!
Papa Rupe Brewing Co.
Immerse yourself in Puerto Rican history at Papa Rupe Brewing Co., located inside the former home of Thomas Armstrong Toro, one of the most important figures in Ponce’s history. While historic in spirit, Papa Rupe offers an innovative gastronomic experience with more than 20 Puerto Rican beers on tap, several of which are made in-house and can only be purchased in the taproom, as well as a beer-based food menu, and live entertainment from local musicians nearly every weekend.
Cervecería Takabru
Cervecería Takabru, located in the town of Guyanbo, was established in the year 2021, against all odds during the pandemic. This brewery has the first self-service Beer Wall in Puerto Rico, which consists of a wall that has all of its artisanal ales on tap. Try some of their most popular brews like the Lager, Pilsner or the Blonde Ale.
Reina Mora offers tropical citrus beers, ideal for enjoying the Island vibes.
Miramar Brewing - Old Harbor
The Island’s first artisanal brewery that opened its doors in 1996, the beers of Old Harbor are brewed for flavor and promise both quality and freshness, along with fruity, soft, sweet and floral notes. Some notable beers to try include Coqui Helles, Santo Viejo Pilsner, Taina Blonde Ale, Kofresi Stout and Yunque Session IPA.
Cold Blood Brewery
Offering a cool combination of classic tastes and bolder treats and tasting notes of tropical, floral and malt, Cold Blood Brewery is located in Quebradillas and offers unique sips such as their Hard Ginger Beer and the Imperial Whiskey Stout. Other notable beers include Puente la Bellaca, Puerto Hermina, Matabuery, Pirata, El Merendero and Guajataka.
Reina Mora Brewing Co
Located in Sabana Grande, Reina Mora Brewing company offers 11 different beers on rotation throughout the year, four core brews including Spindalis (Dry Hopped Ale), 873 (NEIPA), Unidad 9 (IPA) y La Pajarita (Blonde Ale). With notes of tropical citrus, it is the perfect place to grab a brew and enjoy the Island’s atmosphere.
The Aviator’s Brewery
The Aviator’s Brewery began as a home brewery in 2013 and evolved into a microbrewery that produces beers in both draft and bottles in the mountainous town of San Lorenzo. They stand out for their experimental ales, which have fruity and barrel-aged tasting notes. Try their most notable beers like Julia a black IPA with hints of caramel, refresh yourself with an Aguita de Playa, a Belgian Ale brewed with bananas and papaya, or be adventurous and taste Vegijante, an Imperial Stout brewed with coconut and organic cocoa.
Many bars and pubs in Puerto Rico offer excellent products for beer lovers.
More Places to Drink Puerto Rican Beer
Outside of the brewery experience, many bars and pubs in Puerto Rico pride themselves on being premier destinations for beer lovers. Although the product selection may vary between them, all of these are great to sit down and grab a cold one.
El Tap
Situated in the middle of San Juan’s nightlife hub of Calle Loíza, El Tap features more than 46 taps of rotating beers and wine, 18 of which are always reserved for local craft brews. El Tap also offers to-go beer growlers and crowlers. Whether kicking off a night of bar-hoping or just stopping in for a quick pint, El Tap has something for everyone.
Where to Find a Party in San Juan
La Taberna Lúpulo
Right on San Sebastián street in Old San Juan, La Taberna Lúpulo has one of the most diverse beer catalogs on the Island, including 50 taps and 150 bottles of brews from all over the world — and of course, Puerto Rico! Visitors can also enjoy refreshing cocktails and delicious pub food at their open-air bar. It's a great place to grab a brew and a bite to eat with friends and family!
Taberna Boricua
Taberna Boricua in the Hato Rey neighborhood of San Juan is known is known for their ample menu and beer-garden vibes. With more than 310 artisanal beers from around the world, there’s something for everyone at Taberna Boricua.
Many places offer great food and plenty of local and imported beers, both bottled and on tap.
Beerloteca
If you're a literature fanatic with an affinity for craft beer, then Beerloteca should definitely be on your Puerto Rico vacation itinerary. They believe in connecting information with consumption, bringing guests a complete and informative tasting experience. Located on the first floor of Aguadilla Rooftop Experience, this bar and restaurant offers a thoughtfully curated collection of books and poems as well as 16 local beers on tap and a variety of unique cocktails and small plates.
Bier Garden
For craft beer connoisseurs lodging in the Central Mountains, there’s no better spot than Bier Garden. Both cozy and innovative, Bier Garden’s menu is filled with rich food and loads of local and imported beers, both in bottles and on draft.
El Patio de la Cerra
Nestled in the heart of Santurce's art district, El Patio de la Cerra offers 12 beers on tap from all over the world and Puerto Rico, as well as a selection of nearly 120 canned and bottled local and international brews. The bar features a light menu with innovative bar food and a large outdoor patio with several televisions, making it a great spot for game day.
Other can’t-miss beer bars include La Esquinita Jardín Cervecero in Bayamón and Aibonito Beer Garden in Aibonito.
Don't miss out on Puerto Rican artisinal beers.
Aibonito Beer Garden & Restaurant
In Aibonito, this tavern specializes in craft beer and has a wide variety both bottled and on tap. Aibonito Beer Garden & Restaurant also offers a food menu with savory dishes to accompany your cold beer of choice.
Brew!! Taller Experimental
Located in Rio Grande and home to Brewer Jose Ortiz of DragonStone Abbey, Brew!!! Taller offers a unique space for visitors to try local artisanal beer. Notable beers include Dragon Stone Abbey’s Nativa Pilsner, Saphira Saison and Paradise Serie.
Broadway Gastro Bar
Broadway Gastro Bar is a restaurant located in Ceiba, that offers visitors a chance to experience the flavors of the Island, including local beers.
El Grifo
Located in the urban center of Caguas, El Grifo is a craft beer and vegan joint. Aside from their extensive craft beer selection and plant-based menu, the team at El Grifo also offers multiple cooking classes throughout the year. This location is also described as a collective with a multi-project approach rooted in plant-based culture, local production and sustainable planning. Beer lovers should check out some of El Grifo’s most notable brews including R.E.B.L.’s La Hogaza Puerto Rican Wheat Ale, The Aviators’ Gallo Pinto Red Ale, and Zurc’s Resistencia Coconut Hefeweizen.
Recommended Articles
6 Days of Culinary Adventures in Puerto Rico
Get to know the Island through its cuisine.
Most of the coffee consumed in Puerto Rico is Arabica.
Where to Taste Puerto Rican Coffee
A quick overview of coffee shops and haciendas on the island.
Experience immersive rum tastings and mixology classes at Casa BACARDÍ.
Visit the Rum Distilleries of Puerto Rico
If you love rum, visiting a distillery gives you the opportunity to learn about this spirit’s history, how it’s made, and, of course, to sample a drink or two.
Guide to Puerto Rican Pastries
There are two rules to live by while on vacation: calories don’t count and there is always room for dessert.
Puerto Rico is the paradise you've been dreaming of for your retirement.
Celebrate Your Retirement in Puerto Rico
Try this arroz con pollo by chef Juliana González at Fairmont El San Juan Hotel
Puerto Rico’s Top Chefs Share their Recipes
Recreate staple Island dishes from some of Puerto Rico's fine-dining cooks.