Where to buy good beer in Porto Alegre

A few weeks ago I wrote about the beer available here in Porto Alegre, and Brazil in general. As I noted then, the majority of beers sold here are a very light watery lager served stupidly cold and for a real beer lover like myself, that simply will not work. I gave a list of good local beers from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, but today I am talking about where to get it.

The search if on for great beer in Porto Alegre

Most bars here will only offer you the basic national brands, with a few equally bland international lagers (think Budweiser and Heinekin). Like any city there are a number of Irish bars who do tend to have a wider range of beers, but they're still often limited to the big name breweries and quite often very expensive. For the record, I think the best Irish pub in town is Shamrock Irish Pub (Rua Vieira Castro, 32). 

Fortunately, there is an ever growing list of pubs serving craft beers, good quality international beers and even some doing their own brews.

Here are some places I have been impressed by so far.

Dirty Old Man Cocktail Pub

Rua Lime e Silva, 956

The moment you walking into this Cidade Baixa favourite you know you are going to get a good beer. Space may be at a premium, but it is worth fighting for. Dirty Old Man has a beer and chopp (draught beer) list that includes Baldhead, Seasons and Whitehead. As you can expect by the name, the bar also servces a wide range of cocktails and has some good food as well – I recommend the batatas rústicas.

A Virgem

Rua Olavo Bilac, 251

When you walk into A Virgem – again in Cidade Baixa - the first thing you notice is how beautiful it is inside. Great artwork is all over the walls, while a very beautiful beer garden awaits out back. The menu is just as beautiful, featuring a large range of craft beers – both bottled and and draught. Regular happy hour specials mean that not only do they have great beer, but also some great value beer. They also have a great range of cocktails (with non alcoholic options) and pizzas making it a great option for a group catch up.

Penz Bier

Rua José do Patrocínio, 366

A Cidade Baixa newcomer, Penz Bier serves a selection of its own specially made craft beers, including the award winning Porter Alegre, as well as some other local brews. The owners work in the establishment and it is clear that they put their love into everything on the menu. As well as the quality beer, Penz Bier serves up some very good food, with the highlight being the Penz Burger.

Great beer goes with great burgers at Penz Bier 

Locals Only CB

Sarmento Leite, 1086

Yet another Cidade Baixa favourite, Locals Only stocks only local beer from Rio Grande do Sul - hence the name. Serving their beer in jars gives it an inner city Melbourne hipster vibe, and while I generally prefer something bigger than their 300ml serves, it does give you the opportunity to sample a bigger selection of their beers on offer. 

A Tasty beer served in a jar at Locals Only CB

Bier Markt Vom Fass

Rua Barão de Santo Angêlo, 497

This German style beer hall, based in Bairro Moinhos de Vento has an enourmous list of beers available, both bottled and on draught. Even stocking one of my all time favourite beers – English ale, Old Speckled Hen – it is virtually impossible to try all of the beer on offer. With regular specials and different offerings there is almost always something different to try each visit to Bier Markt. They have a good range of food options including the exceptional brie burger and have some spicy mustards to add to your dish – just be careful with the extra hot. I learned that from experience.

Enjoying a Guinness at Bier Markt's St Patrick's Day event

Bairro Anchieta

Sometimes you have to go to the source, and when it comes to craft beer in Porto Alegre, that souce seems to be the Achieta neighbourhood in the north of the city. Within just a few blocks are several small breweries where you can try many different kinds of brews. Baldhead Craft Beer recently celebrated their five year anniversary with an event on their premises featuring music, food trucks – and of course great beer. Other breweries in the area include Seasons, Távola, Tupiniquim and Vintage.

Enjoying an "Australian Pale Ale" at Baldhead's birthday celebrations

The search continues 

I'm always on the look out for the best place to buy good beer in Porto Alegre, and my friends, I'm very dedicated to this project! 

I've had some suggestions that I've yet to check out, including Malt Store, Lagom Brewery & Pub and Apolinario Bar, so I hope to try them soon. 

If any of you know of another great bar or brewery let me know and I will give them a try.

Cheers!