Discover Lisbon’s Craft Beer Scene
For years, drinking beer in Lisbon was as polarizing as the local derby, with bars fiercely siding with Sagres or Super Bock, Portugal’s two mass-produced lagers. However, at the turn of the 21st century, craft beer changed the game, spurring brewers to create innovative recipes that permanently transformed the drinking scene in the city.
Beer’s Cultural Breakthrough in Portugal
Portugal’s first official brewery appeared around the 19th century. Up until then, beer was mostly imported, as local wine producers viewed it as a threat. In 1689, they even appealed to the king to prevent its entry into the market. Between 1932 and 1968, dictator António de Oliveira Salazar excluded foreign businesses to promote national brands. For a long time, Sagres and Super Bock dominated the market. This monopoly ended following the Carnation Revolution in 1974, paving the way for a new wave of brewers.
Lisbon’s Transforming Beer Scene
In recent years, drinking habits in the Portuguese capital have shifted remarkably. “Five years ago, when we launched our beer, few people knew what an IPA was. They often grimaced when tasting it, and many glasses were left unfinished,” says Bárbara Simões, communications manager for a local brewery. “Today, whenever we host events, attendees arrive knowing exactly what they want. They ask for specific beers and savor every drop,” she continues. This evolution in consumer knowledge has helped expand the category now recognized as Portuguese craft beer.
The Best Breweries in the City of Seven Hills
Dois Corvos
In 2015, Dois Corvos was the first brewery to set up shop in Marvila, catalyzing the area’s transformation into a craft beer hub. The on-site taproom is just inches away from fermentation tanks, providing a unique brewery tour experience. Early creations such as the Creature IPA mix barrel-aged stouts with wild beers.
Favorite Beer: Casamentos & Baptizados, an imperial stout inspired by pastel de nata (egg-custard tart).
Cerveja Musa
Cerveja Musa blends music and craft brewing. Their beers feature playful names like Red Zeppelin and Eye of the Lager, accompanied by regular live gigs at their Marvila brewery. What began as a modest selection has quickly grown into an extensive lineup, including collaborations with Lisbon’s beloved bakery Gleba. Although they might relocate soon, their taproom in Bica remains a must-visit.
Favorite Beer: Born in the IPA, a delightful blend of citrus and tropical flavors like mango and melon.
Cerveja Lince
Lince founders António Carriço and Pedro Vieira transitioned from tech careers to full-time brewing. Their standard offerings include a blonde, IPA, and porter, often highlighting collaborations with local brewers. Their mission supports the endangered Iberian lynx, inspiring the brewery’s name.
Favorite Beer: Quad, a Belgian-style brew characterized by a strong body with spicy notes.
Cerveja Bolina
After years brewing in Azambuja, Bolina joined Marvila in 2020. They offer everything from blonde ales to rich stouts and low-alcohol blends. Pair your experience with delicious burgers in their scenic summer beer garden.
Favorite Beer: Rebel Rebel, a red ale with a subtle rooibos sweetness.
Gallas Cerveja
Owner Gustavo Gallas brings a Brazilian flair to his eponymous brewery, focusing on IPAs enhanced with coffee, chocolate, and piri-piri alongside tropical flavors like mango. Visitors can request tours of the brewery located below the 21 Gallas Brewpub.
Favorite Beer: Extremadura, infused with generous amounts of habanero for a spicy kick.
Oitava Colina
Rooted in Graça, Oitava Colina references local areas in its brews, including the signature Urraca IPA. The taproom attracts a young crowd with impressive views, while those seeking a deeper experience can tour the brewery in Cabo Ruivo.
Favorite Beer: Regalo, a pastry stout made with queijadas de Sintra, a traditional cheese tart.
A.M.O. Brewery
Founded by Margaret Orlowski, this nano-brewery in Arroios showcases a rotating selection of craft beers across seven taps, paired with fresh-baked pretzels. For those eager to try their hand at brewing, workshops are regularly hosted here.
Favorite Beer: Javali porter, infused with notes of dark chocolate.
LX Brewery
Established in 2014 by Gonçalo Sant’Ana, LX Brewery was the first craft beer establishment in Lisbon. Their range includes bold rye IPAs and experimental limited editions, in collaboration with Oficina da Cerveja, which provides tools and workshops for aspiring home brewers.
Favorite Beer: Fresh Pale Ale, a refreshing ginger-infused choice for summer.
Quimera Brewpub
Set in an 18th-century tunnel, Quimera Brewpub features in-house crafts like sours and NAFIPA (Not Another *Expletive* IPA) alongside selected local brews. Owned by Adam Heller, the venue doubles as a New York-style deli.
Favorite Beer: Bloody Mary Sour, aged in oak barrels for 20 months, inspired by the classic cocktail.
Craft-Beer Bars to Discover in Lisbon
Cerveteca Lisboa
Cerveteca stands as the city’s first craft beer bar, where many have transitioned from lager to artisanal brews. Located in Príncipe Real, the bar features 14 taps rotating between select international brews and local favorites.
Duque Brewpub
Located halfway up a stairway, Duque Brewpub serves a variety of Portuguese beers, including those brewed on-site, perfect for a relaxing break accompanied by house-made toasties.
Crafty Corner
After relocating to Alfama from Cais do Sodré, Crafty Corner retains its focus on Lisbon’s craft breweries while offering a medieval-style ambiance with stone walls and long wooden tables.
Outro Lado
Taking over from Lisbeer in 2018, Asia and Abdo revamped this bar to feature an impressive selection of brews from Europe and North America, along with a curated bottle collection from difficult-to-find breweries.
