If you're planning to discover Zagreb's craft beer scene, you're in for a treat. The city's offerings range from the intimate atmosphere of The Craft Room to the unique charm of Cat Caffe Zagreb. With pioneering breweries like Medvedgrad setting the stage, you'll find both traditional and innovative brews. Places like Varionica and Plac Kitchen & Grill offer distinct settings where you can immerse yourself in Croatia's vibrant beer culture. Curious about which spots stand out and why? Let's reveal the top places that make Zagreb a must-visit for any craft beer enthusiast.
The Craft Room
The Craft Room, nestled in Zagreb's Upper Town, showcases a delightful array of local and international craft beers on tap. This spot is essential for anyone diving into Zagreb's lively craft beer culture. The Craft Room boasts an impressive draught list, featuring gems from local craft breweries and beloved international labels. Their Facebook page keeps you in the loop about what's currently on tap, so you'll always be in the know about the latest brews.
Imagine walking into a space where a relaxed atmosphere invites you to kick back and savor unique flavors. The eclectic decor and American-style pub food, like pulled pork sandwiches and Philly cheesesteaks, complete the experience.
The Craft Room isn't just a place to drink; it's a haven for craft beer lovers wanting to immerse themselves fully in Zagreb's craft beer scene.
Tolkien's House
Located in Zagreb's charming Upper Town, Tolkien's House boasts an extensive beer menu that spans multiple pages, showcasing European brews alongside a few local treasures.
If craft beer is your thing, this place is a must-visit. Managed by Pivovara Medvedgrad, a well-known local craft beer maker, it's the perfect spot to dive into Croatian craft beers.
The outdoor patio is a great addition. It offers a smoke-free space where you can relax and enjoy your drink.
Whether you're keen to explore European brews or curious about local options, Tolkien's House has you covered. It's a favorite among those looking to delve into Zagreb's local brewing scene.
Pair your beer with a delicious meal for the full experience.
Plac Kitchen & Grill
Plac Kitchen & Grill serves up some of the best hamburgers and kebabs in Zagreb, paired with a selection of craft beers. If you love tasty food and quality brews, this spot is perfect for you. The menu is budget-friendly, with meals priced under $20 CAD, making it even more appealing. The craft beer selection includes porters, IPAs, dark beers, and lagers, allowing you to taste some of Croatia's finest local brews. Although sour beers are missing from the lineup, the variety available is impressive and worth trying.
| Dish | Beer Style | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hamburger | IPA | Under $20 CAD |
| Kebab | Porter | Under $20 CAD |
| Cheeseburger | Dark Beer | Under $20 CAD |
| Veggie Burger | Lager | Under $20 CAD |
This place is a must-visit for beer aficionados in Zagreb.
Cat Caffe Zagreb
Cat Caffe Zagreb, the city's first cat cafe, offers a delightful blend of local craft beers and feline companionship.
Nestled in a residential neighborhood, this venue combines the joy of sightseeing with craft beer sampling. Here, you can enjoy a well-crafted Imperial IPA from a local brewery while petting one of the resident cats.
The cafe's friendly owner and fresh-squeezed mimosas create an inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for brunch.
Starting your Zagreb beer tour here sets the stage for exploring the city's vibrant craft beer scene, blending relaxation and discovery. Enjoy a perfectly crafted experience before continuing your adventure.
Bir Craft Brewery
After enjoying the cozy ambiance and playful cats at Cat Caffe Zagreb, head over to Bir Craft Brewery for a taste of their renowned homebrewed beers and savory bar snacks. With an extensive selection ranging from IPAs to dark beers, there's something for every palate. The shaded outdoor patio is a great spot to relax with a friend. Don't miss their famous truffle cheese fries—they're a delightful treat that perfectly complements their craft beer. Bir Craft Brewery is a must-visit for any craft beer enthusiast in Zagreb.
| Beer Type | Flavor Profile | Best Paired With |
|---|---|---|
| IPA | Hoppy, Citrus | Truffle Cheese Fries |
| Dark Beer | Rich, Malty | Savory Bar Snacks |
| Pilsner | Crisp, Light | Spicy Sausages |
| Stout | Creamy, Coffee | Chocolate Desserts |
Whether you're a fan of a hoppy IPA or prefer the rich, malty notes of a dark beer, Bir Craft Brewery has got you covered. Their extensive beer menu ensures there's a brew for everyone. And if you're feeling peckish, their bar snacks are top-notch. The truffle cheese fries are a standout, offering a delicious combination that pairs wonderfully with any of their beers.
The outdoor patio, shaded and inviting, is perfect for unwinding. It's an ideal spot to catch up with friends over a cold one. The casual, friendly atmosphere makes it easy to enjoy your time.
Bir Craft Brewery is a must-visit for anyone exploring Zagreb, especially if you appreciate good craft beer and tasty snacks. Enjoy your visit!
Garden Brewery
Tucked away in a repurposed warehouse, Garden Brewery offers an industrial-chic setting perfect for savoring a diverse selection of craft beers.
Known for its wide variety of beer styles, including IPAs, lagers, and seasonal offerings, Garden Brewery stands out as a favorite among Zagreb's craft beer devotees.
Although finding your way to the brewery's limited patio space might be tricky, the outstanding beer quality and unique ambiance make it a must-visit destination.
Offering a flight option, Garden Brewery allows you to sample its impressive range of homemade beers, showcasing the brewery's creativity and skill.
This lets you taste a variety of flavors without committing to a full pint right away.
As one of the top craft breweries in Zagreb, Garden Brewery is praised for its commitment to innovation and for contributing to the city's thriving beer scene.
The mix of hip, industrial vibes and top-notch craft beer ensures you'll leave with both a satisfied palate and a memorable experience.
Pulfer Brewery
Pulfer Brewery, one of Croatia's pioneering craft beer makers, started as a home brewing venture in 2013 and quickly earned a reputation for quality.
Founded by a group of friends, Pulfer Brewery now operates its own dedicated production facility.
They serve beer that appeals to both traditionalists and adventurers, offering a variety of beers on tap, including three permanent styles, each crafted with meticulous care.
Pulfer's commitment to experimenting with new recipes and flavors means there's always something fresh to try.
Whether you're an experienced craft beer enthusiast or new to the scene, the different styles offered here provide a memorable experience in the heart of Zagreb.
Zmajska Brewery
Founded by former programmer Andrej Čapka in 2013, Zmajska Brewery has quickly become a key player in Croatia's craft beer scene.
What started as a home brewing operation in a small space in 2002 has grown into a commercial facility churning out some of the most innovative and experimental beers around.
Despite being relatively new compared to other Croatian breweries, Zmajska already produces five year-round beer styles and releases 14 new beers annually.
This family-owned brewery is now one of the three largest craft breweries in Croatia.
For those eager to explore a variety of unique and creative beers, Zmajska Brewery is a must-visit.
Medvedgrad Brewery
Medvedgrad Brewery, Zagreb's oldest and largest craft brewery, has been a local favorite since 1994. Known for its rich history and diverse beer offerings, Medvedgrad stands out with a variety of ales, lagers, and stouts. They pride themselves on using natural ingredients without any preservatives.
Their Hoppy Lager, for instance, is a must-try for anyone who loves a bold, invigorating flavor. Imagine sipping on a beer that perfectly balances hoppy bitterness with a refreshing finish—a true delight for your taste buds.
Visiting their popular pub, Mali Medo, is an experience in itself. You can enjoy their brews in a lively atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a casual hangout or a night out with friends. Mali Medo's ambiance complements the quality of Medvedgrad's beers, creating a memorable experience.
Medvedgrad Brewery continues to innovate, regularly introducing new and unique beers. Each visit promises something different, catering to both seasoned beer enthusiasts and newcomers alike. This commitment to quality and creativity keeps Medvedgrad at the forefront of Zagreb's craft beer scene.
Varionica Brewery
Step into Varionica Brewery, a hub of innovation and experimental beer styles in Zagreb's lively craft beer scene. Founded in 2015, this brewery offers a diverse range of beers brewed right on-site.
From popular pale ales to adventurous sour beers, there's something for every palate.
The modern, industrial-style taproom creates a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a flight of their award-winning beers. Prefer being outside? Varionica has an inviting outdoor patio where you can sip your drink in the fresh air.
Celebrated in various beer competitions, the quality and creativity of Varionica shine through each sip.
Whether you're a local or just visiting, Varionica Brewery offers an authentic Croatian craft beer experience that's hard to beat.
Zlatni Medo
Zlatni Medo offers a unique blend of traditional and innovative craft beers that highlight the best of Croatian brewing. Located near Zagreb's main bus station, this brewery makes it easy to drop by for a rejuvenating pint.
The beer menu features five permanent styles: Lager, Dark, Amber, Wheat, and Cherry. Try the owner's favorites, Amber and Cherry, or go for the popular Lager.
You'll appreciate their natural beer production, free of preservatives and served directly from kegs. If you speak Croatian, don't hesitate to chat with the friendly staff about their brewing process.
Pair your drink with a traditional meal like buncek sa zeljem to get the full Croatian experience.
Pivnica Medvedgrad Ilica
Looking for a fantastic spot to enjoy craft beer in Zagreb? Pivnica Medvedgrad Ilica offers a cozy atmosphere with a unique 'treehouse' terrace. This place stands out with its dynamic beer pricing that changes based on demand, adding a fun twist to your visit.
Like Pivnica Mali Medo, it boasts a complete menu, so you won't miss out on your favorite dishes. One standout dish you must try is the Croatian specialty Pub Goulash. It pairs perfectly with their craft beers, making your meal truly memorable.
The innovative pricing system adds excitement, making it one of the most intriguing places to drink in Zagreb. Run by the local craft beer maker Pivovara Medvedgrad, Pivnica Medvedgrad Ilica ensures a memorable experience for beer enthusiasts.
