5 places to grab a craft beer.

We’re sure this week’s topic will blow your mind; once you finish reading our recommendations, you’ll be craving a beer so much in this heat that you’ll be taking notes for your next weekend out with friends or your partner.

And let’s be honest, when it comes to nightlife, Guadalajara is in a league of its own, especially when we’re talking about quality craft beer. From the classic and traditional to the most innovative, the city offers a wide range of beers with distinct flavors.

We have excellent breweries all over the city, but here we’ll share a few of our favorites for a chill weeknight plan or to kick off the weekend the way it should be—with a drink in hand.

Loba Gastro Pub:

Formerly known as Umho, this spot is located on the second floor of the “Loba” brewery factory. We love it for its atmosphere, food, and, above all, its authentic beer. Whether you’re on a date or flying solo, we recommend sitting at their warm and cozy bar overlooking the factory; the lighting is perfect.

We’re big fans of bar seating, and one of the perks of sitting here is having the service right in front of you, along with expert recommendations from the bartenders to help you find the perfect brew for your palate. Whatever you try, you’re bound to love it and want another round.

Don’t forget to try something from their menu to pair with your beer. If we may offer a recommendation, their fish tacos on blue corn tortillas, calamari, or roasted beets are absolute must-haves for the night.

Almacén de Botellas:

If you’re looking for a beer lover’s paradise, let us tell you: we’ve found it! This place is a city staple thanks to its extensive selection of craft beers, ranging from local and national to imported labels.

With such a huge variety, it’ll be hard to pick just one, but with so many options, you’re sure to find a new favorite. We recommend taking your time and coming ready to try them all. You can also ask the staff at the bar for their top recommendations to find the one that’s just right for you.

If you like trying something eccentric and innovative, order the stout with croissant and dulce de leche, featuring notes of cocoa, butter, and fresh-baked bread. It’s a treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Their food menu is small but perfectly curated to pair with a good traditional beer. Try their Caesar salad with fried chicken, or if you’re not too hungry, their serrano ham and cheese croquettes—they’re delicious!

El Habanero Negro:

If your idea of a perfect Sunday involves a great spot with a fun vibe, cumbia music, delicious food for those hot afternoons, and good beer with friends, this place is destined to become one of your favorites.  

That’s exactly why we’re interrupting our usual Monday blog post at Barrio México, because this drink is worth it. We know we came here to recommend craft beer—and you can find plenty of options for that on their menu—but the real star of the show is their “Chejuino.” This drink is a mix of tejuino, beer, salt, and lime. We’re sure that once you try it, you’ll thank us for this commercial break.

And to top off your visit, you can try their unbeatable fried fish tacos, a fresh tuna tostada with various ingredient combinations that will make your mouth water, or how about an all-time favorite: their famous Lyn Mei taco with cubes of pork belly and chicharrón in a peanut sauce. You won’t be able to resist an afternoon of beers and these delicious bites!

Zorra Bistro:

The following recommendation is considered one of the best and most beautiful bars in downtown Zapopan. Since we’ve already mentioned how much we love bars, we want to take you to this spot so you can enjoy it as much as we do.

The space is so harmonious and welcoming that from the moment you arrive, you’ll be eager to try everything on the menu and pair it with their famous “Zorra” beer. Everything you choose promises to be spectacular, like their Argentine chorizo gordita, a tuna aguachile with watermelon for these cool afternoons, or their delicious marinated pork shank served with frijoles puercos and small tortillas.

In the “On Tap” section, you’ll find a variety of house craft beers, such as the Imperial Peanut Stout with roasted peanuts, the Amellis Purpúrea mead with lemongrass, green tea, orange blossom, and butterfly pea flower, or some from Sonora and Tijuana, like the tropical-style Pineapple Express.

Turbio:

A favorite among favorites, this bar located in Colonia Americana is a sure bet and a must-visit. We love the music, the vibe, the beer, the great wine, and the spectacular food they serve.

On weekends, they have a DJ at the bar to set the mood, and they’ve just debuted an expanded outdoor terrace to welcome everyone. You’ll love the wide variety of beers on their menu and the style they bring to serving them in glassware; that’s just very Turbio.

We recommend ordering some snacks to pair with your beer, such as their delicious and authentic pizza, which is one of our favorites in the area; their grilled cabbage with peanut sauce, which is a true delight; or their Thai-style noodles, which are a party for your taste buds in every way.

After checking out these 5 breweries that we love visiting, you’ll be their number one fan. We hope to see you out there as a true craft beer connoisseur, and we look forward to you sharing your own recommendations for spots as cool as these soon.

One of the things we love most is that most of the breweries mentioned are just a few blocks away from Barrio México, so it will be very easy to get to them.

See you soon!