Passionate owners and staff make Madrid a top craft beer destination.
Long gone are the days when your only options upon entering a bar were Mahou or Mahou Sin (non-alcohol beer). While we love Madrid’s classic, historic old bars, sometimes we’re looking to try something different as far as beer goes.
The craft beer revolution has taken Europe by storm in recent years, and craft beer in Spain should not go unexplored. If you’re wondering where to enjoy great craft beer in Madrid, here are eight excellent bars and shops you can’t miss.
Be Hoppy
Perhaps the most highly curated selection of craft beer in Spain, Be Hoppy is a favorite among local craft beer aficionados. Madrid born owner and operator, Pepin, keeps the taps and fridges well stocked with only the best. Enjoy a pint on site from the constantly rotating taps, or from the extensive list of bottles and cans, which are also available to go.
Be Hoppy is centrally located in Barrio de Las Letras, making it a a fantastic place to check out after a morning or afternoon at the Prado Museum.
La Caníbal
Located just behind Museo Reina Sofia, La Caníbal is an ideal spot for a pre-or post-museum drink. The kitchen cranks out incredible tapas and entrees, and the extensive beer list nestles cozily amongst a great selection of wines from all over Spain and Europe.
La Buena Cerveza
The always sweet and welcoming owners and brothers, Manu and Nacho, started their wonderful little shop in 2013, making them one of the original craft beer destinations in Madrid.
Nestled just between the lively neighborhoods of Malasaña and Chueca, this craft beer haven offers everything from tastings to beer bingo. The selection at La Buena Cerveza reflects the preferences of the brothers: fresh & super hazy IPAs, classic beer lovers will be delighted by their wide selection of porters, lagers, stouts, and sour ales.
La Tape
Fresh, artisanal ingredients and products are the name of the game at La Tape (also located in Malasaña). This philosophy extends to their incredible selection of craft beer. With seven taps and dozens more beers available by the bottle, this vibrant, contemporary bar is a must for lovers of craft beer in Madrid.
La Tape even offer quite a few gluten-free craft beers, making it a great place to eat and drink regardless of dietary needs.
La Maripepa Cervecería
A former karaoke bar converted into one of the most dynamic craft beer selections in town. La Maripepa offers a range of craft beers on draft – including a cask engine, which is rare in Spain.
The exterior and interior blend into the iconic tapas bars of the Las Letras neighborhood. This spot boasts the best blend of classic soul with modern brews. And in case your travel companion prefers vino or cocktails, they also offer great wines and spirits. La Maripepa is just a few blocks away from the Prado & Botanical Garden, making it another ideal pit stop on your day of exploration.
Beerhouse | Craftbeer Bar
Most guests will hardly reach the southernmost entry point to the Chamberí neighborhood before turning back around towards the familiarity of the Centro & Sol neighborhoods. That means that most will miss the opportunity to visit a local favorite.
Beerhouse has been a reference for craft beer in Spain since 2015. With 12 taps to choose from, and an extensive list of bottles and cans, this no-frills beer bar gives definite dive bar vibes. The staff are friendly and eager to serve up local and global craft beer.
Brew Wild Pizza Bar
A collaboration that dreams are made of. Brew Wild is a pizza joint on one hand and de facto tasting room for La Quince Brewery on the other. The tap list features a mix of super fresh La Quince beers, as well as several options from around Spain and Europe.
The pizza alone is also worth the visit: proper ingredients, 24 hour fermentation times, and quality toppings. Brew Wild is located on one of the coolest streets in the world for grabbing a drink – and just down the road from Peninsula Centro. This is the perfect stop for your next tapas crawl in the Las Letras neighborhood.
La Osita | Craft Beer | Oso Beer Co
The tasting room for Oso Brew Co, this cozy and uber welcoming bar is a local favorite. Founders Dave and Patrick (both from the UK) started Oso Brew Co with the goal of bringing high quality craft beers to the city they fell in love with during their studies. With fresh lagers, IPAs, Porters, and fruited sours, they offer something for beer lovers of all stripes.
Located on the famous Cava Baja street in the La Latina neighborhood, La Osita is surrounded by iconic tapas bars on every side.
Related reading: If you’re also headed to Italy, don’t miss our guide to craft beer in Italy for the best brands and breweries!
Update Notice: This article was updated on August 19, 2024.
George Thornton is beer writer and educator, Advanced Cicerone®, & National Ranked Beer Judge. Born and raised in San Diego, he now lives in Madrid, and is the highest ranking Cicerone® on the Iberian Peninsula.