São Luís has a small but growing craft beer scene, and Cervejaria do Ribamar is the most established local producer, making beers that use Maranhão ingredients — tucupi, cupuaçu, and various regional fruits — in their recipes. Their taproom near the historic centre is a relaxed place for an afternoon beer, and the tucupi sour is genuinely interesting.
The taproom also serves food, mostly northern Brazilian snacks that pair well with the acidic and fruity beers. It's a relatively new establishment and represents a different side of São Luís from the reggae bars and colonial restaurants — a younger, more experimental crowd, an air-conditioned space, and the occasional live jazz set.