The Burgeoning Brewery Revolution in the Spanish Capital

For many years, beer options in Madrid weren’t great. The average bar typically had one or two beers on tap—and if there were two options, usually the second was alcohol-free. Mahou was the usual choice, and if you were unlucky, its uninspiring cousin San Miguel. In Spain, people didn’t drink beer to savor the flavor; they consumed it primarily to cool off during Madrid’s notoriously hot summers. A few times each year, if you were a connoisseur, you could attend one of Spain’s beer festivals, but that was about it.

However, as the craft beer scene spread across Europe, it was only a matter of time before it reached Spain. In fact, markets with little existing beer culture often provide fertile ground for a vibrant craft beer scene. Countries like Belgium face saturation with numerous breweries, leaving little room for craft options. Consequently, you can indeed find excellent beer in Madrid. Rejoice!

Nevertheless, locating these gems requires some knowledge. Walk into most bars and ask for a “cerveza de craft” or “cerveza artesanal,” and you may encounter some puzzled expressions. Although there are numerous restaurants and bars in Madrid offering craft beer, three stand out for their exceptional offerings:

Madrid’s Best Craft Beer Terrace

El Pedal (Calle Argumosa 33, 28012 Madrid)

This bar boasts the only craft beer terrace in all of Madrid, ideal for summer drinking. The garden is enveloped by Japanese acacia trees, providing a scenic atmosphere. If you’ve enjoyed a couple of drinks and want to explore further, consider checking out Lavapies, the vibrant neighborhood where El Pedal is located.

Madrid’s Best Brewpub

Fabrica Maravillas (Calle Valverde, 29, 28004, Madrid)

This is one of the few venues where you can enjoy beer brewed on-site. Fabrica Maravillas offers a range of American- and Belgian-inspired beers, including IPAs and saisons. While seating is limited, and the lighting can be harsh, the freshly brewed selections make it the premier spot for craft beer enthusiasts in Madrid.

Madrid’s Best Craft Beer Bar

Irreale (Calle Manuela Malasaña, 20, 28004, Madrid)

This bar features an excellent selection of both Spanish and international craft beers, available in bottles and on draft. With reasonable prices and friendly staff, it’s often easy to find a seat—though this may change as its popularity grows. Recently relocated from Calle Ballesta, Irreale often stocks beer from Fabrica Maravillas (mentioned above).

Is Madrid worth a visit solely for its beer scene? While it may not be on par with Barcelona just yet, these bars provide a wonderful opportunity to enjoy quality craft beer. Given the rapid emergence of new spots, who knows? In just a few years, Madrid may cultivate its own thriving artisanal beer community.