Experience Tijuana’s Craft Beer Scene

Craft breweries have arrived en masse in Tijuana, and it’s no surprise to those who know the city well. From parts of town, you could literally throw a rock over to San Diego, the oft-dubbed craft beer capital of the USA. As is typical with two nearly twin cities, trends are traded, and the beer horizons in Mexico quickly expanded beyond Corona and Tecate.

Add an incredible surge of excellent street food and fine dining along with the popularity of the nearby wine-producing region of Valle de Guadeloupe, and suddenly craft beer is as obvious a fit to Tijuana as the salt on the rim of a margarita glass.

Plaza Fiesta, the First Stop for Suds

The epicenter of Tijuana’s burgeoning craft beer scene is Plaza Fiesta, a tic-tac-toe of rough, slap-up shops and alleyways sandwiched between an old mall and a parking lot. This vibrant locale is a beer connoisseur’s haven in a city better known for getting sloppy drunk.

Around a dozen taprooms are scattered between mezcal tasting rooms, sports bars, and a couple of pulquerias (taverns that serve pulque) and discotheques. The beer on offer comes from shoestring hopefuls and rising stars who, thanks to the low-budget surroundings, can afford to try brewing techniques that hop maestros across the border could only dream of. Plus, it’s no secret that a cold cerveza is the best accompaniment to Mexican food on a hot day. A few food carts provide tasty and inexpensive drinking snacks, and there’s even a Vietnamese option to mix things up. It may seem lowbrow at first, but no one’s ever going to complain about the food or drink at Plaza Fiesta.

Set on a prominent corner, Border Psycho is one of the larger brewpubs in Plaza Fiesta, and their beers can be found around Mexico and at a few outlets in San Diego. Despite their success, it’s still a gritty feeling place to drink — their beer pulls are fashioned from glass dildos and butt plugs, and the eclectic clientele gives it a unique atmosphere. Out of a flight of five beers, our favorites were their subtly yeasty Scottish Cream Ale and a hoppy but balanced Guera Prieta.

The most internationally recognized brewery here is tiny Cerveceria Insurgente. The taproom boasts rustic white brick walls and a polished, pinewood bar. Chat with the friendly staff (the well-coiffed beard types and the pierced ladies) from one of a handful of seats. The brewery’s fame comes mostly from their Lupuiosa, a beer crafted with five distinct American hops that offers a deliciously smooth finish. All of their beers are worth a taste, and the venue couldn’t be more welcoming.

Cheers to Downtown Tijuana

A giant mammoth fashioned out of wire gazes down on happy drinkers at Mamut (meaning “mammoth” in Spanish), a stylish brewpub located in downtown Tijuana (they also have a taproom at Plaza Fiesta). Shiny vats occupy the back of the upstairs pub, while a terrace overlooks the busy street. Settle in at a wooden picnic table to enjoy a pint or a flight, and indulge in wings, hot dogs, and burgers. Their coffee-tinged, dark and syrupy Imperial Stout is a must-try, as is their smooth yet hoppy Session IPA. If all fails, or if you’re on a budget, you can always grab a Tecate here.

The Savvy Drinker’s Secret Spot

To truly experience a beer adventure, seek out Cerveceria Norte, located on the fifth floor of an unmarked building next to a parking lot. Your GPS may send you in circles, and locals might look at you strangely if you ask where it is, but it’s worthwhile. The minimalist taproom features cement floors, a black ceiling, and boasts the best view in Tijuana: the US-Mexican border and Monumental Arch. The Foreign Club Robust Porter is a must-try for dark beer lovers — with a nice touch of coffee, it’s not too heavy for the warm climate. In contrast, the Escort Blond Belgian Pale Ale is a delicious, light amber thirst-quencher.

Tijuana Beer Adventure Awaits

If searching out hard-to-find breweries and exploring pub-lined alleyways isn’t your idea of fun, don’t worry; many of Tijuana’s up-and-coming breweries are served in restaurants throughout the city, in other parts of Mexico, and even internationally. A great option while in Tijuana is to visit BCB Tasting Room, which pours around 300 beers, including over 40 on tap. Its spacious, modern, slightly industrial building is located in the more upscale Zona Rio part of the city, providing a refreshing contrast to the bustling streets of downtown.

For those who want to delve deeper into the Mexican beer scene, consider timing your visit for early June, when over 60 craft breweries showcase their creations at the Expo Cervecia Artisanal. This event promises not only exceptional beer but also delicious regional cuisines and lively music.