Came down late one evening to Piazza dell Magione and in a second I went into Ballarak Magione…read more Learned that they have their own beer and had one, of course. Great taste. As it was a bit rainy I stayed inside and found quit soon myself involved in a couple of conversations, at the same time. And so it went on until it was time to close the pub. No problem. We went outside, the rain had stopped, and we continued to talk and share opinions and views until early morning. Had to return the next evening because people here were so gentle and easy going. And for the beer, of course. Can't tell you how many different kind of beer they have. But the one I had were all excellent. The professionalism of Ballarak Magione says it all.

From the owner: Ballarak Magione is the biggest craft beer tap room of Sicily with 30 craft beers, beer cocktails,…read morewine and a lot more

Love this place. So many locals, all so friendly. I go here for coffee first thing in the morning,…read morethen back in the afternoon for a beer, then back again later at night. Great atmosphere. Great locals!

After this spot was featured on Booze Traveler, it hit my radar of "Bars I Want to Try". It's in…read moredowntown Palermo, not far off the main drag, but getting here seems sketchier than it is. You have to walk down a couple of rape alleys, all the while wondering what street urchin is going to lunge out at you from the darkness. That didn't happen. Mostly, it just smells like stale piss. But you solider on, walking down one final narrow passageway before it opens up to reveal a courtyard where this bar and a couple other are situated. You have to pay the cashier for a drink, then hand the bartender your receipt, which he tears and then pours your beverage. Weird. It sure made for some ugly ass lines here, I'll say that much. But I was able to secure a Jim Beam on the rocks with little fuss, so no complaints here. Almost as soon as I had ordered the place began filling up. It was only around 8pm; still early by Sicily standards. Seems they get a high concentration of younger folks and motor scooter enthusiasts here. It looked like some kind of lame biker bar, what with a row of mopeds lined up down the block. By 11pm it was absolutely packed, so unless you want to be drinking with a massive crowd, get here earlier in the night. Bonus: they had a shockingly clean bathroom. Not a bonus: the toilet had no seat and there was no toilet paper. Glad I didn't find that out the hard way.

Really tasty beers and apps. The doc's bock and the avant garde (rye) were both really solid…read moreinterpretations of their respective styles. The trappist tripel is also quite good if they have it on tap.

From the owner: Ballarak è il primo vero Brewpub di Palermo. Siamo allo stesso tempo un Birrificio ed un Pub. Vieni…read morea provare le nostre birre, ti promettiamo che non rimarrai deluso ;)

So good. A good place for people watching. Great food, great coffee, great staff. Can chill here…read morefor ages and let the world pass by. And hassle free.