Finland used to have basically one beer. All the breweries used to make the same type of lager with almost no alternatives. Now, luckily, the trend has changed and Finns have a growing interest in beer in its many varieties. There are several new beer-serving bars with a large selection of craft beers.
Bier Bier (Erottajankatu 13) aims to make beer-tasting easy. The cosy and modern bar places emphasis on European craft beers. There is also a selection of Finnish beers.
Bryggeri Helsinki (Sofiankatu 2) is located conveniently next to the Helsinki Cathedral where the tourist buses stop, so you can refresh yourself after a good day’s sightseeing. The brewery restaurant serves also pub food and a la carte dishes. You can watch the brewmaster at work while enjoying your beer.
(Image: Jussi Hellsten/ Helsinki Marketing)
Brewdog (Tarkk’ampujankatu 20) was born when the Scottish Brewdog brewery asked their blog followers where they should open their next bar. The answer was Helsinki and so this bar, with an industrial vibe, was opened. They have 20 taps and feature some of the best Finnish beers alongside their own.
Tommyknocker Craft Beer Bar (Iso Roobertinkatu 13) is a small, stylish bar named after an American microbrewery. It is the first branded American craft beer bar in Finland. They have an impressive selection of 60+ American craft beers and some of the best American-style Finnish beers.
Panema (Helsinginkatu 11), which is located in the trendy Kallio district, is a brewery pub with 18 craft beers on tap which are rotated almost daily. Their selection includes both Finnish and international beers, which you can enjoy on their terrace or to-go.
Bottoms up!