Siem Reap is a big tourist city and because of that, it got hit pretty hard by the pandemic. While the craft beer scene in Phnom Penh was still doing alright, craft beer in Siem Reap was really struggling during that time.
Now when most of that is behind us, craft beer in Siem Reap is flourishing again. Now you can find several microbreweries and craft beer bars in Siem Reap. Here are some of our favourites.
Embargo Siem Reap
The story of Embargo actually started back in 2019 in Phnom Penh. They were one of the first craft beer bars in Cambodia serving beers from many different brewers. Most craft beer bars at that time were taprooms that only served their own brewery’s beers.
Embargo Phnom Penh stayed alive during the pandemic and kept on rocking. Eventually, two people from the industry, Nathan and Trevor, decided they wanted to open a craft beer bar in Siem Reap. They juggled with the idea of using the Embargo name and eventually the two parties agreed on them using it in Siem Reap.
Embargo Siem Reap is nicely located along the Siem Reap River. It’s a perfect spot for afternoon drinks and you can find a good selection of different Cambodian craft beers. Currently, they have 10 taps and a fridge filled with craft beer bottles and cans.
The Local Brewpub
The Local has been around since 2016. During the pandemic, the owner David, left to the states. We weren’t really sure if we would ever see them open again but in December 2022 we wrote about the reopening of The Local.
David was back and The Local opened their doors again. This is not only a great Siem Reap craft beer bar that serves beers from Cambodian brewers, they also make their own beers. David was supposed to open with 11 taps but currently he has 13 taps which is one of the largest draught beer selections in Cambodia.
It’s a very friendly place and you’ll have a good time even if you are going there alone. They don’t serve food but you are welcome to order food from outside and eat at the bar. Don’t forget to try their Apology Juice and say hello to their great manager Sophal.
Pomme
Pomme originally started in Battambang. During the pandemic, they made the decision of moving to Siem Reap. After a while, they decided to team up with Nick Chevdar, aka The Happy Brewman, to start brewing beer.
Nick had previously been involved with both The Local and Fuzzy Logic. Working with Pomme he is now fully in charge of what he is brewing. He likes experimental beers and from his time brewing in Norway he has a knack for using the Norwegian farmhouse yeast Kveik. He also likes giving his beers funny names like James Blonde and Hot Blonde.
Pomme is also a great place to hang out. It’s a big garden-like craft beer bar that serves both Western and Thai food. I had their chicken burger and I was really happy with it.
Conclusion
Siem Reap has one of the most exciting craft beer scenes in Cambodia. Housing breweries like Brew Khnear and Pomme, craft beer Siem Reap is a force to count on. The bars on this list of the best craft beer bars in Siem Reap are a must-go for any craft beer lover. If you are later heading over to Phnom Penh, don’t forget to check out our guide of the best craft beer bars in Phnom Penh.
