Don’t Craft for Me Argentina: Where to Go for the Best Craft Beer in BA

Buenos Aires is home to a million different bars. Whether you’re in the mood for a fun and fancy speakeasy or you just want to kick back on a street corner with a beer, this city has more options than you could possibly swallow. The craft-brewing scene is ripening and it seems like there’s a new beer spot on every corner these days. Fear not dear travelers, we’ve got the lowdown to help you “strain” out where to go, what to drink, and why these places are worth your while.

Strange Brewing

Colegiales neighborhood
Delgado 658
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If you’re looking for top quality beer and the most interesting flavors (and the most similar to those killer West Coast sours) this is the spot. You really can’t go wrong with any of the options, but if you want your mind blown we recommend the Sour IPA (Torre de Marfil) or the Acidic Saison made with Malbec grapes (No Llores, Uvita). Warning: this place is the hippest of the hip.

Darsena

Palermo neighborhood
Jose Antonio Cabrera 4354
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The contrast between the beautiful low hanging plants and the industrial gas barrel tables might sound confusing at first, but their design team knew what was up. We’d say it’s one of the coolest places in town with craft beer (and cocktails) flowing. Mostly outdoors, this bar is huge and a prime spot for meeting up with everyone you know. Sit on the stacked crates or get there early and snag a table. We recommend going on a Thursday, but head there before the crowds or you’ll be stuck waiting in line. Sip on their Pale Ale or the nicely balanced APA, but be careful those IBU’s tend to creep up on you.

Desarmadero Bar

Palermo neighborhood
Gorriti 4295
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Just a block away from Darsena is the next star on the list. Easy to spot, with its huge artistic face welded to the outside, this trendy joint is almost always packed. Skip the line for beer downstairs and head straight to the upstairs terrace. There you’ll find a separate bar to order from that’s (slightly) less crowded. The food’s on point, the beers are crisp, and on a warm night sipping on their rooftop bar is pretty much everything we’ve ever wanted. Any beer on the menu here will do the trick. If you can’t find a spot (which is likely to happen on a Saturday night) there’s enough bar traffic in the surrounding area to satiate your needs.

Bierhof

Palermo neighborhood
Nicaragua 4427
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The minute you enter this bar you feel like you’re in the backyard of your laid-back artsy friend’s house. With murals on the walls, rotating art exhibits, and the low-key but trendy improvised wood seating, this wide-open bar has a more “local feel”. They offer the most famous (and mainstream) of Argentine’s microbreweries—Patagonia. While these beers aren’t going to change your life, the atmosphere is worth paying them a visit. Play a game of foosball with friends or grab a bite to eat and you’ll feel right at home in this city.

La Birreria

Palermo Hollywood neighborhood
Honduras 5618
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Buenos Aires is all about that stoop, sidewalk beer. If you want to fit in, grab yourself a beer (try the Red Honey or go dark with the Porter) and hit the curb. With two bars pouring a variety of taps, this is the type of place to go with a group of people with varied palettes; there is bound to be something for everyone. It is always crowded outside on weekends and pretty much anytime the weather permits. Perfect for mingling and acting like the cool kids smoking those hand-rolled cigarettes.

Bier Life

San Telmo neighborhood
Humberto Primo 670
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Known as the “King of taps”, this San Telmo spot has way too many beers for you to possibly try in one night. Ask anyone about craft beer in this neighborhood and they’ll point you in this direction with a knowing, “you’re going to love me” look. These guys also incorporate beer into their food (think beer marinated pork shoulder and beer batter cakes). If that’s not a true beer-lover’s dream we don’t know what is. But don’t feel bad if you’re with someone who doesn’t love the wheaty goodness as much as you, they offer a range of ciders on tap as well.

Club de la Birra

Caballito neighborhood
Av. Pedro Govena 60
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You like hops, your friend loves Scottish ales, and the other friend refuses to drink anything but lagers. With 20 taps to choose from this place is made to suit the needs of any and all a beer drinker. Don’t know what you like? No worries, the staff here are crazy knowledgeable, so if you aren’t an expert yet you might feel like one a few beers in. Bonus tip: the Mexican hamburger is the perfect meal to compliment your brew. There are tons of great food options.

Bélgica

 
Caballito neighborhood
Av. Pedro Goyena 901
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Much like our friends at Strange, these guys are front-runners in the newest and most innovative of craft brew spots. From their Belgian Wit made with Granada to their Double Chocolate Stout, they’ve got the goods for those adventurous souls. And the best part? This place won’t break the bank. They’ve got happy hour deals from 5-8 everyday and a beautiful outdoor patio to enjoy those discounts.