Ninkasi Fabriques

This is a favourite type of place for me to review because this brewpub is helping redevelop what was once a neglected area. Part Dieu is now Lyon's new downtown with several tall buildings, a very large shopping mall, the metropolis' new central train station and a developed boulevard that's mostly for pedestrians and transit... all of which Ninkasi is next to and helping grow. So that is a good Vibe outside and Ninkasi has a good Vibe inside also with music and food.

Quality of the brews are hard to gauge, but neither that I drank were masterful. Service was good. I also came to Ninkasi because they gave me a bottle via my hotelier as a welcome gift... so good marketing. Brew selection could be wider other than Ninkasi's. And their food was not much more than gourmet burgers and bar food. A revisit? For sure.

 

On the edge of the old town (vieille ville) Lyon, this is a bar that caters to more locals than one would expect. There are eight beers on tap (pression) and several in bottles.

The place larger than most brasserie but it’s broken up into separate, smaller rooms. There’s also outdoor seating. The menu is sparse—burgers, fries, etc.

The server was pleasant (it helps to speak a modicum of French), but not too knowledgeable of the beers beyond generalities. Speaking of which, the beers are decent, particularly for this area known for wine.

 

This is a review of the ninkasi near Stade Gerland. It has the normal range of ninkasi beer, which is solid but not great. The armbree and IPA are my favorite offerings. It has a nice seating area outside the front with plenty of seats. A restaurant upstairs and a snack bar just inside the door. I ate a tasty burger from the snack bar, from which you can order a drink with your food. There is also a separate bar for beers. I visited on regular Tuesday night around 7pm and for me the place seemed very busy. But service was quick. If crowds are not your thing I would warn against visiting on night where OL are playing a home match as the stadium is about 300 meters away. The price of food and beers from the snack bar is very reasonable. A pint of armbree cost 5.70 euro as of April 2014. I have visited bars charging 16 euro a pint for craft beers in Lyon. Ninkasi is solid but not amazing. Great for quenching craft beer thirst as there are 6 I think in Lyon.

Finally decided to go to the famous Ninkasi at Stade de Gerland and what an enjoyable night it was! One can roughly divide up the building into five areas: The entrance 'wine and dine' room where snacks and small dishes are served; The Concert room; The screening room, an ample area with long pick nick like tables, reminiscent of German beer gardens; The intimate beer garden and the sophisticated restaurant room up stairs. All areas share the same low-lights, relaxed vibe albeit each in it's own hue.

Apart from the House brand there isn't a whole lot of beers to choose from and the house beers aren't even that good to be honest. The ones i had felt like highly watered down versions of great craft brewing styles but the food IS very decent and there is something for nearly everyone as far as food is concerned.

Overall a great place, you had people enjoying the local football team game, people rocking out to a killer Stoner concert and people just chilling in the beer garden or the Le Silo restaurant. Will definitely hit this place up again during my stay in Lyon.