Taberna de La Muralla

 

 

 

great spot to watch people , listen to a band and have some beer not seen in this city. The Negra beer is a dark bock much like a darker vienna lager such as Negro Modelo. I did not try the obscura or the pale lager but it seems they are better than the Crystal found in most places. The food is spotty though the chicken skewers were tender and worth the money. Try to get a table outside but not on the periphery as the hustlers will keep bugging as you eat.

 

 

A few things about this brewpub. Every time I've eaten there I've gotten sick afterwards. I've tried a few different things, sticking to well-cooked, roasted meats or deep fried foods. Still. Sick every time.

The beer is fine. No complaints here. It's pretty standard Sam Adams-style beer. Some flavor but nothing interesting or extreme by the standards of American beer. As is normal in Cuba there are three "flavors"--light, medium, and dark. They are all fine.

But I love this place, and I go here wherever I'm in Havana. The atmosphere is the thing. Sitting out on the from plaza area watching Havana go by is awesome. The outside seating is largely in the shade, and so is a great refuge from the heat.

So I recommend it, but stay away from the food.

Judging this on an international scale - I hear it's the best brewpub around though (also the only one). It appears to be associated with Salm Brau of Austria.

Obviously atmosphere is king here. The pub is right on the Plaza Vieja which is a large open plaza in the old city. Both times we came here, there was live music (they come around for tips) and a decent crowd. Service is friendly, but I did have communication problems since my Spanish is non-existent. Facilities are about on par with the rest of the country (not a good thing).

There were 3 beers on tap - of which 2 were on the menu, known simply as Clara, Oscura, and Negra. The beer itself was a little rough around the edges, but probably the best thing going in the country - certainly beats the pants off the local macros. All beers are served in well chilled mugs, and a private beer tower is also available for groups.

Tourist prices were reasonable for Cuba, pretty good overall - $3.50 for a pint, a burger and some plantain chips. NB these guys really put the "ham" in "hamburger" if ya know what I mean.

If you happen to be in the Havana area, it's really a must visit for any beer enthusiast. I found it to be a nice watering hole between tourist stops, but don't expect it to knock your socks off.