Portuguese Craft Beer. A topic that is near and dear to my heart.

The Portuguese craft beer scene is still young compared to other beer capitals, but every year I watch it grow stronger, louder, and a little more creative. And if you listen closely, you might even hear whispers of my past… stories of monks brewing beer in monasteries long before craft beer became fashionable.

So today I thought I’d share five places where I often see travelers discovering Portuguese craft beer for the first time.

PORTUGUESE CRAFT BEER BARS IN PORTO

1. Catraio, the first craft beer bar in Porto

If you want to understand my craft beer culture, I usually think of Catraio first. Back in 2015, this small bar became my first craft beer bar and shop… and it quickly turned into a meeting point for the city’s beer pioneers.

Even now, many local craft beer lovers still end their nights here. The vibe is relaxed, the selection is constantly changing, and sometimes the best strategy is simply to close your eyes, point at the menu, and trust what arrives in your glass. Most of the time, it’s excellent.

How to get there: a 10-minute walk from the subway station Aliados.

2. Fábrica da Picaria, where beer travels straight from tank to glass

Some places make beer drinking feel almost like a science experiment. Fábrica da Picaria is one of them. Here, beer goes straight from the tanks to your glass. No bottles, no pasteurization, no complicated filtration… just fresh craft beer at its purest.

And I’ve noticed something else that makes people stay longer than planned. Their bar menu includes some of my favorite local comfort foods, including Francesinha and other Porto-style sandwiches. Fresh beer and traditional food usually make a very convincing pair. Go there!

How to get there: a 5-minute walk from the subway station Aliados.

3. Musa das Virtudes, where rock music and craft beer meet

Happiness is a Portuguese craft beer on one hand and a bifana on the other and, at Musa, you’ll find true happiness. They have an incredible selection of Portuguese craft beers and a beautiful rock playlist to go along with your beverage. Rock lovers will enjoy this spot a lot. Don’t visit for glamour or comfort and don’t ask “what’s this?” before trying the fried pork’s ear. It’s simply amazing! They love beer. You love beer. Go get it!

How to get there: a 15-minute walk from Aliados and São Bento subway stations.

4. Armazém da Cerveja, where beer lovers get curious

Some nights, I see travelers arrive here with one simple plan: try something new. At Armazém da Cerveja, that’s easy to do.

With more than 70 craft beer styles, the menu can feel almost overwhelming (in the best way). Fortunately, the staff enjoys helping people explore different flavors and styles. Another thing I’ve always liked about this place: it’s relaxed and unpretentious. You can even bring food from another restaurant and enjoy it here with your beer. Simple pleasures.

How to get there: a 10-minute walk from the subway station Aliados.

5. Colossus, where locals sometimes escape the crowds

When my central streets get busy, some locals quietly drift toward Colossus. This brewery was born here in Porto in 2015 and has been brewing 100% Portuguese craft beer ever since. Their beers — like Wonderlust and Adamanteia — have already travelled across the country. But if you ask me, the best place to drink them is still right here, close to where they were born. There’s something comforting about that.

How to get there: a 10-minute walk from the subway station 24 de Agosto.

Over the years, I’ve watched many visitors discover Portuguese craft beer for the first time in these places.

Some arrive curious.
Some arrive skeptical.
Most leave pleasantly surprised.

And my beer scene? It just keeps getting better.
À nossa! (the literal translation of Cheers)

Your friend,
Porto Portugal ❤

PS: This content was originally published on our Taste Porto app, where we share carefully curated tips, local insights, and practical recommendations to help you make the most of your stay in Porto, Portugal. You can download it on the Google Play or the Apple App Store.