Chopería Mastra

Chopería Mastra earns its place on Sarandí through a combination that Montevideo does not offer in many other spots: a real craft beer selection, a historic building with character, and a location that connects to the pedestrian rhythm of Ciudad Vieja without being overrun by tourists. The main room is rectangular, with the bar running along one long wall and a row of high-top tables opposite. Exposed brick fills the walls, and the ceiling stays high enough that the sound never overwhelms conversation. A second smaller room at the back handles overflow, and an outdoor section on the Sarandí sidewalk adds perhaps 20 seats in warm months.

The draft selection is the draw. Mastra brews a full range covering lager, IPA, porter, stout, Scotch Ale, and seasonal specials, and the Sarandí outpost serves the brewery's full lineup on tap plus rotating guest options from other Uruguayan craft operations. Beer arrives cold, pours are honest, and the staff know enough about what they pour to recommend intelligently. Wine by the glass covers Uruguayan Tannat and a few imports. Cocktails are available but not the focus.

Food pairs naturally with the beer program. Picadas come on wooden boards with a mix of cured meats, local cheeses, olives, and bread; they are sized for sharing and fill well for the price. Hamburgers arrive with decent chips and function as a proper dinner option. A few heavier plates (ribs, pork shoulder) appear on the menu for anyone wanting more than bar food. The kitchen closes around midnight on most nights.

Compared to other Ciudad Vieja bars like El Baron or the wine-focused spots along Pérez Castellano, Mastra stands out as the craft-beer destination. The old town also holds tango-focused venues, tourist-heavy tanguerías, and a few late-night cocktail bars. Mastra sits in a sweet spot for travelers who want a Montevideo bar experience without committing to the tango-show circuit or the club crowd in Pocitos. The pedestrian location on Sarandí helps; walking the street before or after extends the evening naturally.

First-timers should start with a tasting flight if the bar is running one, or ask the bartender for a comparison of the IPA and the Scotch Ale, which show the brewery's range most clearly. Combine a visit with a walk to Plaza Matriz and Mercado del Puerto, both within five minutes.