The identification of beer production in archaeology remains a major challenge as this activity leaves very little evidence, that is moreover difficult to interpret. To contribute to bypassing this bottleneck, we undertook an ethno-archaeological study of the places of beer production in SouthEastern Senegal. We documented 14 beer houses and several beer cooking areas in 5 present-day Bedik villages and excavated a beer house and beer cooking area in a recently abandoned village (Eguong). The architectural characteristics of these structures were recorded. Pottery found in association with them was also analyzed, combining typometry and use-wear. Such an integrated study has highlighted that the inner layouts of beer houses and some pottery types are relevant criteria for identifying beer production. An examination of these criteria among other African cultural groups supports these results. It shows how difficult it can be to recognize such places in archaeology and encourages further investigations.