I am quite certain you have been thoroughly and properly informed about the greek drinks such as ouzo or tsipouro and raki. When beer comes into the conversation though, Greece is anywhere but on the top of your list.
What a shame.
I 'll have you know that a. greeks are actually great beer drinkers b. we make some pretty good beers, too!
Eventhough I would never compare the greek produce to the Italians' or the Brits' in size and variety, it has been a decade or so that micro-breweries started popping up in every corner of this little country bringing over a breath of fresh air and more than 100 new labels! This happens after the absolute -and illegal- 50 year long dominance of one producer/importer in Athens who would only sell box standard lager beers- Amstel and Heineken being the most common- and not allowing any sort of competition! Luckily ,for all of us beer lovers out there, this has resulted in a 31,4 m. fine in 2015, paving the way for the wonderful people making exquisite artisan beers across the country, to show us what they 've got and become real game changers.
There are 46 registered microbreweries and 8 gypsy brewers (i.e. beer brewers not owning a physical space) to this day in Greece. The list is quite big and has everything you may wish! Pale Ale, Stout, Pilsner, Weiss, Porter etc. There are certainly some "must try's" such as:
"Vergina" (Porfyra) from Komotini, the "Septem"series, "Volcan" and "Yellow Donkey" Santorini beers, "Ali", "Sknipa" beers from Thessaloniki, "Katsika" from Folegandros, "Chios Beers", "Satyr Brews", "Jasmine" and "Asylum Brewing" all three gypsy brewing produce.I could go on forever but instead I will tell you WHERE you can enjoy some or all of the special, small produce greek beers in Thessaloniki. Just tap on the links and you will get the addresses and all info you may require. The list ,again, is indicative and based on my personal experience and taste. If you have any proposals go ahead and leave me a comment! I' ve decided to give you a bit more info for my most favourite ones over here... Check them out!
Centre
Barzzz
Pulp Bar. So many beers, so little time... Right in the heart of Thessaloniki next to Aghias Sophia Church.
Valitsa. A wonderful new entry in the Ano Ladadika area with a vast variety of local beers and great finger food.
Coffee etc.
To Pikap Local beers could not be missing from this vinyl-records- only music/ art spot.
Frida is a hidden gem next to the Acheropoietos Church. Quirky, innovative, fresh and greek selling beer only spot.
Kits kai s' efaga What better way to try fresh, local beers than combine them with mouth-watering food? Do yourselves a favour and go to Lena and Maria's place.
East side
Avgoustos- A greek beer specialist with more than 100 labels. One of the oldest and more updated beer hangouts in Thessaloniki.
Archegono- These guys love the crazy nomad/gypsy beer brewers! Laidback environment and chilled service.
Sugar Draft- Fantastic beer house with local and international labels. Great indy/rock music and fab platters to enjoy your beer with.
West Side
Lykiskos A true beer house you should try out!
Beer Fabrica an amazing selection of greek beers and a careful choice of Chech, German and Belgian beers.
So, grab a friend, your mobile phone and go get yourselves some decent pints!
Thanks for reading!