Quick answer
Craft beer in Zurich ranges from CHF 7–12 ($8–$14 USD) per pint, with Bierwerk Züri offering relatively reasonable prices. Zurich's craft beer scene has matured significantly since 2015, offering a tight-knit community of brewpubs, taprooms, and bottle shops. For easy access, Bierwerk Züri near the Hauptbahnhof is a great starting point.
- Best overall
- The International Beer Bar
- Top pick
- The International Beer Bar
Top verdicts
- The International Beer Bar: The clear #1 pick for craft beer in Zurich.
- Bierwerk Züri: The most accessible craft beer spot in Zurich — steps from the Hauptbahnhof (main station) at Gustav-Gull-Platz.
- BIERlab: Zurich's most exciting microbrewery-taproom.
Zurich's craft beer scene rewards the curious drinker willing to look beyond Switzerland's mainstream lagers. While the country has a long brewing tradition, the craft movement arrived later than in the US or UK — but what's emerged is a tight-knit community of brewpubs, taprooms, and bottle shops that punch well above their weight.
Area map
1. The International Beer Bar
All 11 spots at a glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The International Beer Bar | International Craft | 7–10/pint | Luisenstrasse 7, 8005 Zürich |
| 2 | Bierwerk Züri | Brewpub | 6–9/pint | Gustav-Gull-Platz 10, 8004 Zürich |
| 3 | BIERlab | Microbrewery | 7–11/pint | Grüngasse 7, 8004 Zürich |
| 4 | The Alehouse | Gastropub | 7–11/pint | Universitätstrasse 23, 8006 Zürich |
| 5 | Eldorado – Craft Beer Bar | 101+ Beers | 6–12/pint | Limmatstrasse 109, 8005 Zürich |
| 6 | Brauerei Oerlikon | Local Brewery | 6–9/pint | Thurgauerstrasse 72, 8050 Zürich |
| 7 | Hafenkneipe | Nautical Bar | 7–11/pint | Militärstrasse 12, 8004 Zürich |
| 8 | NORDEN Bar | Nordic Craft | 7–11/pint | Ankerstrasse 123, 8004 Zürich |
| 9 | Fork & Bottle | American Brewpub | 7–12/pint | Allmendstrasse 20, 8002 Zürich |
| 10 | Dr. Brauwolf | Insider Tip | 6–10/pint | Räffelstrasse 26, 8045 Zürich |
| 11 | Grain Craft Bar & Restaurant | Craft Beer & Bowling | 7–12/pint | Zürichbergstrasse 71, 8044 Zürich |
1The International Beer Bar
International Craft
Verdict: The clear #1 pick for craft beer in Zurich.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- International Craft in Luisenstrasse 7, 8005 Zürich
- Strengths
- Known for International Craft · Luisenstrasse 7, 8005 Zürich
- Price / value
- 7–10/pint
- Why it made the list
- The clear #1 pick for craft beer in Zurich. Consistently mentioned first in every Reddit thread about Zurich beer. The rotating tap selection spans the best of European and American craft, and the bottle list goes deep. Open 7 days a week — one of the few craft bars in Zurich without a weekly closing day. Located in Kreis 5, an easy walk from the main station.
- What to order
- The International Beer Bar (Luisenstrasse 7, 8005 Zürich) is an international craft beer bar with a 4.6-star rating (961 reviews) and prices ranging from CHF 7–10/pint. Ask for whatever's fresh on the 10–12 rotating taps — the staff are extremely knowledgeable about every pour. The bottle and can selection is equally impressive, featuring European and American craft beers you won't find elsewhere in Zurich. If you like hazy IPAs, they consistently stock excellent NEIPAs.
🕐 Opening hours
Mon4 PM – 12 AM
Tue4 PM – 12 AM
Wed4 PM – 12 AM
Thu4 PM – 12 AM
Fri4 PM – 12 AM
Sat4 PM – 12 AM
Sun4 PM – 12 AM
🌐 Website
“It is probably the bar in Zurich with the best variety and level of craft beers (mostly European and American), both in pipes (10 or 12) and cans and bottles.”
— — TripAdvisor review · The International Beer Bar, 2024
“International Beer Bar and Hafenkneipe are probably the best places for craft beers, especially on the New England and hazy styles.”
— Editor's note
2Bierwerk Züri
Brewpub
Verdict: The most accessible craft beer spot in Zurich — steps from the Hauptbahnhof (main station) at Gustav-Gull-Platz.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Brewpub in Gustav-Gull-Platz 10, 8004 Zürich
- Strengths
- Known for Brewpub · Gustav-Gull-Platz 10, 8004 Zürich
- Price / value
- 6–9/pint
- Why it made the list
- The most accessible craft beer spot in Zurich — steps from the Hauptbahnhof (main station) at Gustav-Gull-Platz. A proper brewpub with house-brewed beers and a welcoming atmosphere. Reasonably priced by Zurich standards, which matters in a city where a pint can easily cost CHF 10+. Great first stop if you've just arrived by train. Closed Mondays.
- What to order
- Bierwerk Züri (Gustav-Gull-Platz 10, 8004 Zürich) is a brewpub with a 4.7-star rating (1172 reviews) and prices ranging from CHF 6–9/pint. Start with their house Pale Ale — visitors consistently praise it as excellent. The rotating guest taps complement the house range well. Prices are considered very reasonable by Zurich standards, and the staff are knowledgeable and friendly.
🕐 Opening hours
MonClosed
Tue2 PM – 12 AM
Wed2 PM – 12 AM
Thu2 PM – 12 AM
Fri2 PM – 12 AM
Sat1 PM – 12 AM
Sun1 – 9 PM
“Bierwerk Zuri (near HB) has some good beers also.”
— Editor's note
“I'm currently sat in the very excellent Bier Werk Zuri. It's very reasonably priced when compared to some places and the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. I'm currently supping a very fine Pale Ale.”
— Editor's note
3BIERlab
Microbrewery
Verdict: Zurich's most exciting microbrewery-taproom.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Microbrewery in Grüngasse 7, 8004 Zürich
- Strengths
- Known for Microbrewery · Grüngasse 7, 8004 Zürich
- Price / value
- 7–11/pint
- Why it made the list
- Zurich's most exciting microbrewery-taproom. BIERlab brews everything on-site and the constantly rotating tap list means no two visits are the same. The highest-rated craft beer spot in Zurich at 4.8★. Located in Kreis 4 (Langstrasse area), the heart of Zurich's nightlife. Perfect for hop-heads who want the freshest, most experimental beers in the city. Closed Mondays.
- What to order
- BIERlab (Grüngasse 7, 8004 Zürich) is a microbrewery with a 4.8-star rating (351 reviews) and prices ranging from CHF 7–11/pint. Order whatever NEIPA or sour is freshest — BIERlab brews on-site and the menu rotates constantly, with up to 10 house beers on tap. Their hazy NEIPAs and wild/sour experiments are consistently praised. If you see a collaboration brew, grab it — they don't last.
🕐 Opening hours
MonClosed
Tue5 PM – 12 AM
Wed5 PM – 12 AM
Thu5 PM – 12 AM
Fri5 PM – 12 AM
Sat2 PM – 12 AM
Sun4 – 10 PM
🌐 Website
“Bierlab is a must then, great location and always up to 10 freshly brewed (and sometimes wild…) beers on tap. I love the NEIPA and sours they do.”
— Editor's note
“My favorite bar for beer is Bierlab, the menu changes a lot.”
— Editor's note
4The Alehouse
Gastropub
Verdict: More than just a beer bar — The Alehouse is a proper gastropub with excellent food (burgers, ramen, brunch on weekends) alongside a serious craft beer selection.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Gastropub in Universitätstrasse 23, 8006 Zürich
- Strengths
- Known for Gastropub · Universitätstrasse 23, 8006 Zürich
- Price / value
- 7–11/pint
- Why it made the list
- More than just a beer bar — The Alehouse is a proper gastropub with excellent food (burgers, ramen, brunch on weekends) alongside a serious craft beer selection. The beer garden is one of Zurich's best warm-weather drinking spots. Located near the university in Kreis 6, slightly outside the core craft beer cluster, which means it's often less crowded. Great for groups who want both good beer and a proper meal. Closed Mondays.
- What to order
- The Alehouse (Universitätstrasse 23, 8006 Zürich) is a gastropub with a 4.5-star rating (1119 reviews) and prices ranging from CHF 7–11/pint. Pair a craft beer flight with their gastropub menu — burgers, ramen, and comfort food that's several notches above typical bar food. The beer garden is excellent in summer. Friday lunch service is a great option for a midday craft beer session.
🕐 Opening hours
MonClosed
Tue5 – 11:30 PM
Wed5 – 11:30 PM
Thu5 – 11:30 PM
Fri11:30 AM – 2 PM, 5 – 11:30 PM
Sat2 – 11:30 PM
Sun5 – 10 PM
“Give alehouse a try”
— Editor's note
5Eldorado – Craft Beer Bar
101+ Beers
Verdict: Zurich's biggest beer selection by sheer numbers.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- 101+ Beers in Limmatstrasse 109, 8005 Zürich
- Strengths
- Known for 101+ Beers · Limmatstrasse 109, 8005 Zürich
- Price / value
- 6–12/pint
- Why it made the list
- Zurich's biggest beer selection by sheer numbers. If variety is your priority, Eldorado is the place — 101+ different beers spanning the world's craft scene. The trade-off: less focus on local Swiss craft and more of an international bottle shop vibe. Located on Limmatstrasse in Kreis 5, right in the heart of the Langstrasse nightlife zone. Late hours on weekends (until 2 AM) make it a solid craft beer option when other bars have closed. Closed Mondays.
- What to order
- Eldorado – Craft Beer Bar (Limmatstrasse 109, 8005 Zürich) boasts 101+ beers, a 4.5-star rating (545 reviews), and prices ranging from CHF 6–12/pint. With 101+ different beers available, Eldorado is about exploration. The selection skews more international than local Swiss craft — great for trying styles from around the world. Ask the bartender for recommendations based on your preferred style.
🕐 Opening hours
MonClosed
Tue5 PM – 12 AM
Wed5 PM – 12 AM
Thu5 PM – 12 AM
Fri5 PM – 2 AM
Sat7 PM – 2 AM
Sun7 PM – 2 AM
“El dorado has probably the biggest selection of beers. Not exactly local craft beers though.”
— Editor's note
6Brauerei Oerlikon
Local Brewery
Verdict: The Reddit favorite.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Local Brewery in Thurgauerstrasse 72, 8050 Zürich
- Strengths
- Known for Local Brewery · Thurgauerstrasse 72, 8050 Zürich
- Price / value
- 6–9/pint
- Why it made the list
- The Reddit favorite. Brauerei Oerlikon is a proper neighborhood brewery in Zurich's north — slightly off the tourist path in Oerlikon but absolutely worth the tram ride. The taproom hosts concerts and has a warm, community feel that's hard to replicate at more central bars. Their house beers are excellent, with regular new releases. Open 7 days a week. The most authentic brewery-taproom experience in Zurich.
- What to order
- Brauerei Oerlikon (Thurgauerstrasse 72, 8050 Zürich) is a local brewery with a 4.8-star rating (415 reviews) and prices ranging from CHF 6–9/pint. Try their latest NEIPA release — Brauerei Oerlikon regularly drops new brews and announces them on social media. The full range of house beers on tap is impressive, and the atmosphere is warm and community-oriented. They also host live concerts.
🕐 Opening hours
Mon4 – 10 PM
Tue4 – 10 PM
Wed4 – 10 PM
Thu4 PM – 12 AM
Fri4 PM – 12 AM
Sat12 PM – 12 AM
Sun12 – 8 PM
“Brauerei Oerlikon — my absolutely favorite one.”
— Editor's note
“Brauerei Oerlikon has their taproom open Tue-Sat. They have an amazing range of their own beers on tap. They are launching a new NEIPA today.”
— Editor's note
7Hafenkneipe
Nautical Bar
Verdict: A charmingly eccentric nautical-themed bar with a secret craft beer menu that rewards the curious.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Nautical Bar in Militärstrasse 12, 8004 Zürich
- Strengths
- Known for Nautical Bar · Militärstrasse 12, 8004 Zürich
- Price / value
- 7–11/pint
- Why it made the list
- A charmingly eccentric nautical-themed bar with a secret craft beer menu that rewards the curious. The vibe is completely different from the other bars on this list — small, quirky, decorated with maritime paraphernalia, and home to weekly live music sessions. The craft beer selection is excellent but you need to ask for it specifically. Outdoor tables in summer. Closed Sundays.
- What to order
- Hafenkneipe (Militärstrasse 12, 8004 Zürich) is a nautical bar with a 4.6-star rating (711 reviews) and prices ranging from CHF 7–11/pint. Ask for the beer menu — Hafenkneipe's craft selection is hidden behind the counter, mostly in bottles and cans with two craft taps (one US, one European). The hazy/NEIPA selection is particularly strong. Pair with live music on weeknight sessions.
🕐 Opening hours
Mon4 PM – 12 AM
Tue4 PM – 12 AM
Wed4 PM – 12 AM
Thu4 PM – 12 AM
Fri4 PM – 2 AM
Sat6 PM – 2 AM
SunClosed
“International Beer Bar and Hafenkneipe are probably the best places for craft beers, especially on the New England and hazy styles. Hafenkneipe you will need to ask for the beer menu and it's mostly bottles and cans but there is two taps with craft beer.”
— Editor's note
8NORDEN Bar
Nordic Craft
Verdict: A beautifully designed Scandinavian-influenced craft beer bar in the heart of Kreis 4.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Nordic Craft in Ankerstrasse 123, 8004 Zürich
- Strengths
- Known for Nordic Craft · Ankerstrasse 123, 8004 Zürich
- Price / value
- 7–11/pint
- Why it made the list
- A beautifully designed Scandinavian-influenced craft beer bar in the heart of Kreis 4. NORDEN's Nordic focus sets it apart from every other bar on this list — if you want to try Danish, Swedish, or Norwegian craft beers that are virtually impossible to find elsewhere in Switzerland, this is the spot. Tied for the highest Google rating in Zurich at 4.8★. Closed Sundays.
- What to order
- NORDEN Bar (Ankerstrasse 123, 8004 Zürich) is a Nordic craft beer bar with a 4.8-star rating (266 reviews) and prices ranging from CHF 7–11/pint. NORDEN specializes in Nordic and Scandinavian craft beers alongside Swiss selections. Try a Danish or Swedish craft beer you've never heard of — the curation is excellent and the staff will guide you through the more unusual offerings.
🕐 Opening hours
Mon5 PM – 12 AM
Tue5 PM – 12 AM
Wed5 PM – 12 AM
Thu5 PM – 12 AM
Fri5 PM – 2 AM
Sat5 PM – 2 AM
SunClosed
🌐 Website
“More international than local but: Fork & Bottle, Norden Bar, International Beer Bar”
— Editor's note
9Fork & Bottle
American Brewpub
Verdict: The most popular beer venue in Zurich by review count (2,780 reviews) — though this reflects its dual identity as both a restaurant and craft beer bar.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- American Brewpub in Allmendstrasse 20, 8002 Zürich
- Strengths
- Known for American Brewpub · Allmendstrasse 20, 8002 Zürich
- Price / value
- 7–12/pint
- Why it made the list
- The most popular beer venue in Zurich by review count (2,780 reviews) — though this reflects its dual identity as both a restaurant and craft beer bar. Located in Enge near the lake, it's slightly removed from the Kreis 4/5 beer cluster. Best for groups who want American-style food with good craft beer in a garden setting. The weekend brunch is a solid option. Closed Mondays.
- What to order
- Fork & Bottle (Allmendstrasse 20, 8002 Zürich) is an American brewpub with a 4.3-star rating (2780 reviews) and prices ranging from CHF 7–12/pint. American-style burgers and ribs paired with craft beer — Fork & Bottle is the full American brewpub experience in Zurich. The Saturday/Sunday brunch with craft beers is particularly popular. The garden restaurant setting is excellent in warm weather.
🕐 Opening hours
MonClosed
Tue5 – 10 PM
Wed11:30 AM – 10 PM
Thu11:30 AM – 10 PM
Fri11:30 AM – 10 PM
Sat10 AM – 10 PM
Sun10 AM – 8 PM
“More international than local but: Fork & Bottle, Norden Bar, International Beer Bar”
— Editor's note
10Dr. Brauwolf
Insider Tip
Verdict: The true insider pick.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Insider Tip in Räffelstrasse 26, 8045 Zürich
- Strengths
- Known for Insider Tip · Räffelstrasse 26, 8045 Zürich
- Price / value
- 6–10/pint
- Why it made the list
- The true insider pick. Dr. Brauwolf is a tiny microbrewery in Zurich's southwest (Kreis 3 area) that opens only Wednesday through Friday evenings. The limited hours mean it's never crowded, and the brewer often serves you directly — it feels like drinking in someone's garage workshop (in the best way). You can bring your own snacks. If you catch an open evening, this is one of Zurich's most memorable beer experiences. Check their website before going.
- What to order
- Dr. Brauwolf (Räffelstrasse 26, 8045 Zürich) is an insider tip with a 4.8-star rating (158 reviews) and prices ranging from CHF 6–10/pint. Order whatever Dr. Brauwolf has brewed — the small-batch nature means every visit has different beers. Bring snacks (they welcome outside food). The atmosphere is intimate and the brewer often serves personally.
🕐 Opening hours
MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed5 – 10 PM
Thu5 – 10 PM
Fri5 – 10 PM
SatClosed
SunClosed
🌐 Website
“Check also for Dr. Brauwolf if they are open, it's a very fun place, bring some snacks too. Even if not, the place is an insider tipp.”
— Editor's note
11Grain Craft Bar & Restaurant
Craft Beer & Bowling
Verdict: The most fun venue on this list — Grain combines a solid craft beer bar with bowling lanes, making it perfect for groups and casual outings.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Craft Beer & Bowling in Zürichbergstrasse 71, 8044 Zürich
- Strengths
- Known for Craft Beer & Bowling · Zürichbergstrasse 71, 8044 Zürich
- Price / value
- 7–12/pint
- Why it made the list
- The most fun venue on this list — Grain combines a solid craft beer bar with bowling lanes, making it perfect for groups and casual outings. The beer selection is good (not as specialized as BIERlab or International Beer Bar) but the overall experience is unique. Located on Zürichbergstrasse, slightly east of the city center. Lunch service available Tuesday–Friday. Closed Mondays and Sundays.
- What to order
- Grain Craft Bar & Restaurant (Zürichbergstrasse 71, 8044 Zürich) offers craft beer and bowling with a 4.6-star rating (513 reviews) and prices ranging from CHF 7–12/pint. The craft beer selection pairs well with their American-style food menu. The unique selling point: Grain has bowling lanes alongside the bar — combine a craft beer session with a few frames. Ideal for groups or a fun date night.
🕐 Opening hours
MonClosed
Tue11:30 AM – 2 PM, 5 – 11 PM
Wed11:30 AM – 2 PM, 5 – 11 PM
Thu11:30 AM – 2 PM, 5 – 11 PM
Fri11:30 AM – 2 PM, 5 – 11 PM
Sat5 – 11 PM
SunClosed
“The Grain has a decent selection of craft beers.”
— Editor's note
Frequently asked questions
Is craft beer popular in Zurich?
Zurich has a growing craft beer scene that's matured significantly since 2015. While Switzerland is traditionally known for wine and its mainstream lagers (Feldschlösschen, Quöllfrisch), the city now has 10+ dedicated craft beer bars and several microbreweries with taprooms. Kreis 4 and Kreis 5 are the main neighborhoods for craft beer, with Bierwerk Züri near the Hauptbahnhof as the most accessible starting point.
How much does craft beer cost in Zurich?
Expect to pay CHF 7–12 ($8–$14 USD) per pint at Zurich craft beer bars. Zurich is one of the world's most expensive cities, and beer prices reflect this. Bierwerk Züri is considered reasonably priced by local standards. Happy hour deals are rare but some bars offer reduced prices on slower weeknights. A 3dl (300ml) pour typically runs CHF 5–7.
What are the best Swiss craft beer brands to try?
Top Swiss craft breweries to seek out: BIERlab — Zurich's own microbrewery known for rotating NEIPAs and sours. Dr. Brauwolf — small-batch Zurich brewery with cult following. Brasserie de la Pièce — Geneva-based with excellent saisons. Brausyndikat — just outside Zurich, innovative and wild. Chopfab — from Winterthur, one of Switzerland's largest craft operations. Luzerner Bier — from Lucerne with a strong traditional range. St. Laurentius in Bülach — a Reddit favorite for beer quality.
What is the best area in Zurich for craft beer?
Kreis 4 and Kreis 5 (Zurich's Langstrasse area and Industriequartier) have the highest concentration of craft beer spots — Hafenkneipe, NORDEN Bar, BIERlab, and Eldorado are all within walking distance. The area around Hauptbahnhof (main station) has Bierwerk Züri and The International Beer Bar within minutes. For a brewery experience, head to Oerlikon in the north for Brauerei Oerlikon's taproom.
Can you do a craft beer bar crawl in Zurich?
Absolutely. The best route through Kreis 4/5: Start at Bierwerk Züri (near HB, opens 2pm) → walk to The International Beer Bar (10 min) → Eldorado (5 min on Limmatstrasse) → Hafenkneipe (8 min) → NORDEN Bar (5 min) → BIERlab (10 min). That's 6 world-class beer spots in roughly 2 hours of walking. All are within Zurich's compact city center.
Are Zurich craft beer bars English-friendly?
Very much so. Zurich is highly international and English is widely spoken. All the bars on this list have English-speaking staff and most have English menus or beer descriptions. The International Beer Bar is explicitly international in its focus. The Alehouse has strong Anglo-pub roots. Craft beer culture in Zurich attracts a diverse crowd of expats, locals, and tourists.
When is the best time to visit Zurich for craft beer?
The annual Zurich Craft Beer Festival (usually held in autumn) is the city's biggest beer event with dozens of Swiss and international breweries pouring. Summer is great for outdoor beer garden sessions — Fork & Bottle, The Alehouse, and Hafenkneipe all have outdoor seating. Winter is perfect for cozy taproom sessions at BIERlab or Dr. Brauwolf. Most bars open from 4–5pm on weekdays and earlier on weekends.