Best Craft Beer Bars in Casablanca for Serious Beer Drinkers

Casablanca has quietly built one of North Africa's most interesting craft beer scenes, and if you know where to look, you can spend an entire week working through the best craft beer bars in Casablanca without repeating a single tap list. I have spent the better part of three years hopping between microbrewery taprooms, hotel bars with rotating guest taps, and neighborhood spots where the bartender knows the head brewer by name. What follows is the directory I wish someone had handed me the first time I landed at Mohammed V Airport with a serious thirst and zero leads.

The Rise of Local Breweries Casablanca and Why It Matters

Morocco's alcohol landscape has shifted dramatically since the early 2010s, when the first microbrewery Casablanca operations began experimenting with Belgian-style ales and American IPAs using locally sourced barley from the Chaouia plain. Today, you can find at least four active breweries producing beer specifically for the domestic market, and their tap accounts have spread across the city's bar scene. The best craft beer bars in Casablanca are not just importing European bottles. They are pouring fresh, small-batch Moroccan brews alongside carefully curated international selections. Understanding this distinction matters because it changes how you order, what you expect, and how much you pay.

What to Order / See / Do: Ask the bartender which Moroccan-brewed beer is freshest on tap before defaulting to a familiar European label. The local options rotate frequently and often disappear within weeks.

Best Time: Thursday and Friday evenings, when new kegs from the microbrewery Casablanca producers tend to arrive after midweek brewing cycles.

The Vibe: A mix of young Moroccan professionals, expats, and curious travelers. The scene is still small enough that you will likely end up chatting with someone who has a direct connection to the brewery.

Insider Tip: Several bars receive unlabeled test batches from local breweries Casablanca on Wednesdays. If you are friendly with the staff, ask if anything experimental is available before it gets a proper name.

Le 16ème Brasserie, Gauthier Neighborhood

Le 16ème sits on a quiet residential stretch in Gauthier, one of Casablanca's most walkable neighborhoods, just a few blocks from the intersection of Boulevard Mohamed VI and Rue de la Mer. The space is compact, with exposed brick walls, a short wooden bar, and a chalkboard listing eight rotating taps. The owner trained as a brewer in Lyon before returning to Casablanca, and his connections to the microbrewery Casablanca network mean the tap list changes almost weekly. I have had everything from a smoked porter brewed with argan wood chips to a dry-hopped pale ale made with Atlas Mountain hops on this bar.

What to Order: The house blonde ale, which uses a Belgian yeast strain and Moroccan orange peel. It is the most consistent pour on the menu and pairs well with the small plates they serve after 7 PM.

Best Time: Weekday evenings between 6 and 9 PM, before the after-work crowd fills the eight tables.

The Vibe: Intimate and unpretentious. The music stays low enough for conversation, and the staff will walk you through each beer if you ask. The downside is that the ventilation is poor, and the room gets noticeably warm when every seat is taken.

Insider Tip: Le 16ème hosts a monthly "meet the brewer" night, usually the last Wednesday of the month. These events are not advertised online. You have to follow their Instagram account or simply ask the bartender when the next one is scheduled.

Bô Zin, Route d'Azemmour (Near the Royal Palace)

Bô Zin is technically a restaurant with a strong bar program, but its craft beer selection punches well above what you would expect from a place that also serves tagine. Located on the Route d'Azemmour, near the perimeter of the Royal Palace grounds, it occupies a converted villa with a sprawling garden terrace. The beer menu lists around 15 options at any given time, split roughly between Moroccan microbrewery Casablanca taps and imported Belgian and French craft bottles. I first came here for the garden and stayed for the beer list, which includes at least two Moroccan-brewed options that I have never seen anywhere else in the city.

What to Order: The Moroccan witbier, which has a coriander-forward profile and a hazy golden color. It is brewed by a small operation in the Casablanca industrial zone and distributed to fewer than five bars in the city.

Best Time: Late afternoon on weekends, when the garden is shaded and the kitchen is serving its full menu. Arrive by 4 PM to claim a table under the olive trees.

The Vibe: Relaxed and family-friendly during the day, shifting to a more social, cocktail-and-beer crowd after sunset. The garden is the real draw, but the outdoor seating gets uncomfortably warm in peak summer, even with the misters running.

Insider Tip: The bar manager keeps a small reserve of barrel-aged bottles in a back fridge. These are not on the menu. If you order a craft beer and mention you are a serious drinker, he may offer you something from the reserve.

The Craft Corner, Maarif District

The Craft Corner opened in 2021 on a side street in Maarif, Casablanca's most cosmopolitan neighborhood, within walking distance of the Lincoln Hotel and the major shopping galleries. It is the closest thing the city has to a dedicated craft beer bar, with 12 taps, a bottle list of over 60 options, and a staff that can discuss IBU levels and mash temperatures without hesitation. The interior is industrial, with concrete floors, metal stools, and a long bar dominated by the tap wall. This is where I go when I want to compare a new Moroccan IPA against a benchmark American or British version side by side.

What to Order: The rotating Moroccan tap, which changes every two weeks. The current selection has featured a pilsner from a microbrewery Casablanca operation in Aïn Sebaâ and a double IPA from a brewery near Settat that distributes exclusively to Casablanca bars.

Best Time: Friday and Saturday nights, when the crowd is lively and the bar sometimes pours complimentary samples of new arrivals between 8 and 9 PM.

The Vibe: Energetic and social, with a younger crowd that skews toward Moroccan millennials and Gen Z. The music volume increases noticeably after 10 PM, which makes conversation difficult if you are sitting near the speakers.

Insider Tip: The Craft Corner maintains a paper logbook behind the bar where regulars rate each beer they try. You can flip through it to see what other serious drinkers thought of a particular pour before you commit to a full glass.

Hotel Four Seasons Casablanca, Corniche

The hotel bar at the Four Seasons on the Corniche is not the first place most people associate with craft beer, but its bar program has quietly built one of the most impressive selections of craft beer taps Casablanca has to offer. The bar, called the Lobby Lounge, stocks a rotating selection of Moroccan craft bottles alongside a short but well-curated tap list that has included beers from local breweries Casablanca producers I have never encountered elsewhere. The setting is polished, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Atlantic, and the prices reflect the hotel markup. Still, for a traveler who wants to taste Moroccan craft beer in a comfortable, air-conditioned environment, it is hard to beat.

What to Order: The Moroccan session ale, which is light enough to drink in the coastal heat and has a subtle honey finish from local wildflower sources. It is usually available in 330 ml bottles.

Best Time: Early evening, between 5 and 7 PM, when the light over the ocean is at its best and the bar is quiet enough to get the bartender's full attention.

The Vibe: Upscale and serene. The clientele is a mix of hotel guests, business travelers, and well-dressed locals. The Wi-Fi drops out near the back tables, which is ironic for a five-star property but worth knowing if you plan to work while you drink.

Insider Tip: The bar occasionally features a "Moroccan Craft Flight" of four small pours for a fixed price. This is not always listed on the printed menu. Ask the bartender directly if a tasting flight is available.

Le Cabaret, Bourgogne Neighborhood

Le Cabaret is a neighborhood bar in Bourgogne that has been around for decades but pivoted to a craft-focused beer program around 2019. It sits on Rue de la Liberté, a few blocks from the Bourgogne roundabout, in a space that still retains its old Casablanca character, tiled walls, a pressed-tin ceiling, and a long wooden bar that has seen generations of regulars. The craft beer taps Casablanca selection here is modest, usually four or five options, but the owner has a personal relationship with several microbrewery Casablanca brewers and often gets first access to limited releases. I once drank a Belgian-style tripel here that had been brewed specifically for Le Cabaret's anniversary and was never sold anywhere else.

What to Order: The house collaboration brew, which changes seasonally. The current version is a winter spiced ale with cinnamon and Atlas cedar, and it is only available in 500 ml format.

Best Time: Weekday evenings, when the bar is quiet and the owner is more likely to open a special bottle or share stories about the brewing process.

The Vibe: Old Casablanca meets new. The regulars are a mix of older Moroccan men who have been coming here for years and younger drinkers who discovered the place through word of mouth about the beer selection. Service slows down badly during the Friday lunch rush, so avoid that window if you want a relaxed experience.

Insider Tip: The bar has a small back room that is not visible from the main entrance. It seats about ten people and is used for private tastings and small events. If you are visiting with a group of four or more, ask if the back room is available.

La Brasserie de Casablanca, Sidi Belyout

La Brasserie de Casablanca is one of the city's original microbrewery Casablanca operations, and its attached taproom in Sidi Belyout is the most direct way to taste what the local brewing scene produces at the source. The brewery itself is located in the industrial outskirts, but the taproom occupies a converted warehouse space near the Sidi Belyout municipal market, with high ceilings, long communal tables, and a view of the brewing equipment through a glass partition. The full range of their beers is available here, including several that are not distributed to other bars. I consider this the single most important stop for anyone who wants to understand the craft beer taps Casablanca landscape from the ground up.

What to Order: The flagship amber ale, which has a caramel malt backbone and a restrained hop bitterness. It is the beer that put this brewery on the map and remains their most consistent product.

Best Time: Saturday afternoons, when the brewery offers guided tours of the production facility at 2 PM and 4 PM. The tours are free but require advance booking through their website.

The Vibe: Casual and communal. The long tables encourage sharing, and it is common for strangers to compare tasting notes. The concrete floor makes the space feel cold in winter, so bring a layer if you are visiting between November and February.

Insider Tip: The taproom sells growler fills of any beer on tap for a discounted price compared to bottled beer. If you are staying in Casablanca for more than a few days, bringing a clean growler from your accommodation is a smart move.

Le 33, Racine Neighborhood

Le 33 is a wine bar in the Racine neighborhood that has expanded its program to include a serious craft beer selection alongside its extensive Moroccan and French wine list. It sits on Rue Ahmed Balafrej, a tree-lined street known for its galleries and boutiques, and the interior is warm and dimly lit, with leather banquettes and a marble-topped bar. The beer list is small but carefully chosen, usually featuring two or three Moroccan craft options and a handful of Belgian and French bottles. What sets Le 33 apart is the food program, which includes small plates designed to pair with beer, something that is rare in a city where most bars serve food as an afterthought.

What to Order: The Moroccan brown ale paired with the spiced lamb brochettes. The beer's roasted malt character complements the cumin and paprika on the meat in a way that feels intentional rather than accidental.

Best Time: Thursday through Saturday evenings, when the kitchen is running its full menu and the bar has a steady but not overwhelming crowd.

The Vibe: Sophisticated and unhurried. The crowd skews toward professionals in their 30s and 40s, and the atmosphere is more about lingering than moving on to the next spot. The outdoor seating on the sidewalk is pleasant in spring and fall but gets uncomfortably warm in peak summer, even with the overhead fans.

Insider Tip: Le 33 hosts a quarterly "Beer and Cheese" pairing event that features Moroccan craft beers alongside artisanal cheeses from the Middle Atlas. These events sell out within days of being announced, so sign up for their mailing list if you plan to be in Casablanca for an extended stay.

The Rooftop at Kenzi Tower Hotel, Triangle d'Or

The rooftop bar at the Kenzi Tower Hotel in the Triangle d'Or district is not exclusively a craft beer destination, but its bar program includes a rotating selection of Moroccan craft bottles that you will not find in many other hotel settings. The rooftop itself is the main attraction, offering a panoramic view of Casablanca's skyline, from the Hassan II Mosque in the distance to the port cranes to the south. The beer selection is limited to about six options at any given time, but the quality is high, and the setting makes even a standard pilsner feel special. I have spent more than a few evenings here watching the sun set over the Atlantic with a cold Moroccan IPA in hand.

What to Order: The Moroccan blonde lager, which is crisp and clean enough to drink in the coastal heat. It is brewed by a small operation in the Casablanca suburbs and is one of the few Moroccan lagers that uses all-malt ingredients with no adjuncts.

Best Time: Sunset, between 5:30 and 7 PM depending on the season. The light over the city is spectacular, and the temperature is comfortable before the evening breeze picks up.

The Vibe: Polished and social. The crowd is a mix of hotel guests, tourists, and Casablanca locals celebrating special occasions. The cocktail menu gets more attention than the beer list, so you may need to ask the bartender specifically about the craft beer taps Casablanca options rather than finding them on a printed menu.

Insider Tip: The rooftop bar is accessible to non-hotel guests, but it is not always obvious from the lobby. Take the elevator to the top floor and follow the signs to the terrace. There is no cover charge, but the minimum spend per person is enforced during peak hours.

When to Go and What to Know

The best craft beer bars in Casablanca are concentrated in the central neighborhoods of Gauthier, Maarif, Bourgogne, and Sidi Belyout, all of which are within a 15-minute taxi ride of each other. Most bars open between 5 and 6 PM and stay open until midnight or later on weekends. Moroccan law permits the sale of alcohol in licensed establishments, but public intoxication is taken seriously, so pace yourself. Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated, and rounding up the bill by 10 to 20 dirhams is standard practice. If you are visiting during Ramadan, many bars reduce their hours or close entirely, so check ahead. Cash is still widely accepted, but most bars now take cards. The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency, so you will need to exchange money upon arrival at the airport or at a bureau de change in the city center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any specific dress codes or cultural etiquettes to keep in mind when visiting local spots in Casablanca?

Most craft beer bars in Casablanca are casual, but hotel bars like the Four Seasons and Kenzi Tower expect smart casual attire, meaning no shorts, flip-flops, or athletic wear. In neighborhood bars, the dress code is relaxed, but Moroccans generally dress well in public, so neat clothing will help you blend in. Avoid ordering or discussing alcohol near mosques or in conservative residential areas outside the central neighborhoods.

How easy is it to find pure vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based dining options in Casablanca?

Vegetarian options are widely available in Casablanca, as Moroccan cuisine includes many plant-based dishes like zaalouk, harira, and couscous with seven vegetables. Vegan options are less common in traditional restaurants but can be found at dedicated vegetarian and vegan cafés in Maarif and Gauthier. Most craft beer bars serve small plates that include vegetarian choices, though vegan options are limited to items like olives, hummus, and bread without butter.

Is Casablanca expensive to visit? Give a realistic daily budget breakdown for mid-tier travelers.

A mid-tier daily budget in Casablanca ranges from 600 to 1,000 Moroccan dirhams (approximately 60 to 100 USD) per person, covering a mid-range hotel room at 400 to 600 dirhams, two meals at 80 to 150 dirhams each, local transportation at 30 to 50 dirhams, and a few drinks at 40 to 80 dirhams per craft beer. Budget hotels start around 200 dirhams per night, while upscale options exceed 1,200 dirhams.

What is the one must-try local specialty food or drink that Casablanca is famous for?

Casablanca is known for its seafood, particularly grilled sardines and sea bream served at portside stalls and restaurants along the Corniche. For drinks, Moroccan mint tea is the national staple, but for craft beer enthusiasts, the must-try is a locally brewed Moroccan IPA or witbier, which you can find at the venues listed in this guide. These beers often incorporate local ingredients like Atlas Mountain hops, Moroccan orange peel, and wildflower honey.

Is the tap water in Casablanca safe to drink, or should travelers strictly rely on filtered water options?

Tap water in Casablanca is technically treated and safe by municipal standards, but most locals and travelers prefer bottled or filtered water due to taste and potential sensitivity to the mineral content. Bottled water is inexpensive, costing around 5 to 10 dirhams for a 1.5-liter bottle at a corner shop. Most bars and restaurants serve bottled water by default, and some hotel rooms include filtered water dispensers.