The craft beer scene in Mexico has expanded rapidly in recent years, moving beyond the well-known national brands like Corona, Pacifico, Modelo, and Dos Equis. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast searching for the perfect local brew or a casual traveler looking for a refreshing pint with a view, Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay offer a thriving craft beer community worth exploring.
Here’s a roundup of the top craft beer spots and breweries in Puerto Vallarta:
Los Muertos Brewing
📍 Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta
Established on November 2nd, 2012, Los Muertos Brewing proudly holds the title of Puerto Vallarta’s first craft brewery. This local favorite offers an impressive array of 10-15 beers on tap at any given time, ranging from classic ales, IPAs, and stouts to seasonal brews that rotate throughout the year.
Pair their handcrafted beers with their famous wood-fired pizzas for a complete dining experience. The lively atmosphere and prime location in the Romantic Zone make it a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re grabbing a cold pint or enjoying their delicious pizza, Los Muertos Brewery is a must-visit.
Los Cuentos Taproom
📍 Lucerna 131A, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Founded in 2015, Los Cuentos Taproom quickly became a standout in the Puerto Vallarta beer scene. Their selection of three core beers — a crisp lager, a tropical IPA, and a robust stout — keeps beer lovers coming back for more. Additionally, they often feature guest taps from other local breweries, offering a rotating selection of the best craft beer in the region.
One of the taproom’s unique highlights is its free snack offerings with each pint. From bone marrow tacos to chicharron gorditas, you’ll find creative pairings that elevate your beer experience. Try their beer flights or take a growler to go to continue enjoying their brews at home or on the beach.
Cerveceria Buclas
📍 5 de Mayo 36, Bucerías, Nayarit, 63732
Cerveceria Buclas, named after the colloquial term for Bucerías, has been making waves since its establishment in 2017. This Nayarit-based craft beer venture has not only impressed with its incredible flavors but has also played a pivotal role in supporting the local craft beer scene. By collaborating with other brewers and advocating for legislation to streamline the industry, Buclas has become a pioneer in promoting and elevating the craft beer culture in the region. In 2023 they opened their beer garden and taproom!
Their selection includes a standout IPA, a smooth stout, and a crisp Vienna lager. Buclas’ beer garden and taproom opened in 2023, offering a welcoming atmosphere to enjoy a cold brew. Happy hour from 5-7 pm offers a great deal on beers at just $45. The food menu at Buclas has also been stepping up its game, with a mouthwatering burger. Their chicken wings may be the best in town with buffalo, parmesan, and lemon pepper flavors. My usual order though are the fish tacos… 3 huge tacos for only $150!
Yambak Brewery
📍 Abasolo 169, Downtown Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Known for its laid-back vibes and stunning rooftop terrace, Yambak Brewery offers fantastic craft beer, tasty pizzas, and a lively music scene. Originally established in Sayulita in 2011, Yambak expanded to downtown Puerto Vallarta, bringing with it a well-loved selection of brews and a welcoming environment.
Enjoy one of their craft beers while soaking in the panoramic views of Puerto Vallarta’s downtown from their rooftop terrace.
Monzon Brewery
📍 Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta
Monzon Brewery offers an eclectic selection of craft beers, including IPAs, blondes, and experimental styles. In addition to their excellent brews, Monzon’s food menu features crowd-pleasers like burgers, mac & cheese, and fish tacos. Don’t forget to order their famous tater tots!
For those on the go, Monzon also offers beers to take away — perfect for enjoying by the beach.
Cerveza El Terrible
📍 El Coapinole, Puerto Vallarta
Cerveza El Terrible is a nano-brewery located in El Coapinole, a neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta. This proudly Mexican operation focuses on producing small-batch, high-quality beer. Most of their brews are made with 100% malt, and they take great care in selecting the best ingredients to ensure premium quality.
El Terrible is all about community and sharing, and they represent the growing craft beer movement in Puerto Vallarta’s local neighborhoods. A stop at their brewery gives you a true taste of the town’s grassroots craft beer scene.
Puerto Vallarta Beer Festival
Now in its fourth year, the Puerto Vallarta Beer Festival is a must-attend event for beer lovers visiting the area in November. The festival gathers the best craft breweries from Puerto Vallarta and around Mexico, offering a wide range of beers to sample. With live music, DJs, and plenty of food stands, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a lively afternoon and dive deeper into Mexico’s booming craft beer culture.
Whether you’re a passionate beer connoisseur or just looking for a fun event while on vacation, this festival should definitely be on your list of things to do in Puerto Vallarta.