When you're in Zagreb and craving a unique craft beer experience, you've got plenty of options to discover. From the industrial chic of The Garden Brewery to the cozy ambiance of Craft Room, each spot offers something distinct. Fancy trying award-winning brews? Head over to Zmajska Pivovara or Pivovara Pulfer. Medvedgrad Brewery and Tolkiens House cater to various tastes, ensuring there's something for everyone. But what truly sets these spots apart? Delve into what makes each location a must-visit for any beer enthusiast.
The Garden Brewery
Visiting Zagreb? Don't miss the Garden Brewery, a top spot for craft beer lovers. This popular brewery is known for its diverse selection of beers and a unique setting in a repurposed industrial warehouse.
Sure, the fences and Google Maps issues might make finding it a bit tricky, but the effort pays off. The Garden Brewery offers an impressive range of beers on tap, cementing its place in Zagreb's vibrant craft beer scene.
Relax with a drink on their shaded outdoor patio, a perfect spot that often hosts special events. For any craft beer fan, a trip to the Garden Brewery is a must. It's a key part of exploring local breweries and understanding the city's beer culture.
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Craft Room
After enjoying the Garden Brewery, head to the Craft Room in Zagreb's Upper Town. This spot offers a diverse draught list and classic American pub fare.
It features craft beers from both local and international breweries. The unique decor, like a stuffed deer head with eight arms, adds a quirky touch to its welcoming atmosphere.
Check their Facebook page for the current beers on tap. You'll find a variety of ales, lagers, and stouts.
Pair your drink with American favorites like pulled pork sandwiches or Philly cheesesteaks.
Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or just looking for a place to relax, Craft Room offers a social environment perfect for enjoying a good brew.
Zmajska Pivovara
Zmajska Pivovara, often credited as a trailblazer in Croatia's craft beer world, showcases a remarkable variety of inventive and experimental brews. Founded in 2013 by former programmer Andrej Čapka, this family-owned brewery consistently delivers five year-round beer styles and introduces 14 new seasonal beers each year.
Known for its hoppy lagers, diverse ales, and specialty beers, Zmajska Pivovara attracts a wide range of craft beer enthusiasts. Their local acclaim is further validated by numerous medals won in home brewing competitions.
As one of Croatia's top craft breweries, Zmajska Pivovara plays a pivotal role in the country's growing craft beer landscape. Visiting this brewery in Zagreb is a must for any beer lover.
Medvedgrad Brewery
Medvedgrad Brewery, founded in 1994, is Zagreb's oldest and largest craft brewery. It offers a wide range of traditional and seasonal beer styles like ales, lagers, and stouts. The taproom is a cozy spot with industrial-chic decor and plenty of seating, ideal for sipping on quality craft beers.
| Beer Style | Description | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Ale | Rich, malty flavors | Year-round |
| Lager | Crisp and invigorating | Year-round |
| Stout | Dark, roasted notes | Seasonal |
| Limited Editions | Exclusive, unique collaborations | Limited time |
| Seasonal | Varied, based on the time of year | Rotating |
Medvedgrad collaborates with local and regional breweries to create exclusive, limited-edition beers. This makes it a must-visit spot for anyone serious about their beer.
Varionica Brewery
Varionica Brewery in Zagreb is known for its adventurous and experimental craft beers. If you're a craft beer enthusiast, you'll find a wide range of unique brews here. Varionica caters to different tastes with various styles, from IPAs and stouts to seasonal releases.
In their cozy taproom, there's always something new to try. Small-batch offerings rotate regularly, ensuring that each visit brings a fresh experience.
The commitment to quality and creativity is evident in every sip. Tasting flights are available, allowing you to sample their award-winning beers and appreciate the unique ingredients and brewing techniques.
Varionica's dedication to innovation makes it a must-visit spot for any beer lover in Zagreb.
Pivovara Pulfer
Pivovara Pulfer, a gem in Zagreb's craft beer scene, started as a home brewing hobby in 2013. This passion project quickly evolved into a brewery with a stellar reputation.
Pivovara Pulfer is celebrated for its innovative approach, offering three permanent beer styles that have become favorites among beer lovers. These brews haven't only earned recognition but also snagged medals in home brewing competitions.
As one of the trailblazers of Zagreb's craft beer movement, Pivovara Pulfer has significantly shaped the local scene. Don't miss out on the chance to enjoy their unique beers.
Tolkiens House
Tolkiens House in Zagreb's Upper Town is a beer lover's paradise. The extensive menu, filled with European selections and local gems, offers something for everyone. Operated by Pivovara Medvedgrad, it features a great mix of Croatian craft beers on tap, perfect for those looking to explore local brews.
The outdoor patio is a smoker's dream, providing a relaxed setting away from indoor cigarette smoke. Whether you're there for a meal or just to sample a flight of beers, the pub's detailed menu and inviting atmosphere make it a go-to spot for craft beer enthusiasts.
Mali Medo
Nestled in Zagreb's Upper Town, Pivnica Mali Medo is a lively spot where you can enjoy a wide range of Croatian craft beers. Run by the Pivovara Medvedgrad brewery, this pub offers everything from hoppy lagers to flavorful IPAs and unique specialty brews.
Known for its vibrant outdoor patio along a bustling pedestrian street, it's a top place for beer enthusiasts. Pair your drink with traditional pub fare like sausages and minced meat dishes. It's the perfect combo.
If you're coming from Zagreb's main bus station, getting here is a breeze. Don't miss out on popular choices like the Balthazar Hoppy Lager and Fakin IPA. Dive into the world of craft beer at Mali Medo!
Hop In Craft Beer Bar
Hop In Craft Beer Bar offers an impressive selection of local and regional craft beers, catering to both casual drinkers and true connoisseurs.
Nestled in a quiet city block, this bar creates a chill and relaxing environment for beer enthusiasts. You'll discover some of the best beer options, such as invigorating pale ales and tangy sour beers.
The beer selection and pricing are often praised, making it a popular spot. However, the service quality can be hit or miss. While many reviewers rate it 4 stars or higher, calling it a 'fine find' and 'worth the detour' for craft beer lovers, others have noted issues with service and unprofessional bartender behavior.
Despite this, it remains a standout spot for craft beer in Zagreb.
Plac Kitchen & Grill
Plac Kitchen & Grill dishes out mouth-watering hamburgers and kebabs alongside a carefully curated selection of craft beers, making it a must-visit for food and beer lovers.
A friend tipped us off about this newly opened gem, and it lived up to the hype.
You can savor a fancy meal for under $20 CAD while sampling various beers, including porters, IPAs, dark beers, and lagers.
While the focus leans more towards wine and Belgian beers, the local Croatian craft beers are a delightful surprise.
If you're in Zagreb and want to dive into the city's craft beer scene, Plac Kitchen & Grill is a fantastic starting point.
Pivnica Zlatni Medo
Pivnica Zlatni Medo is a standout craft brewery in Zagreb, known for its natural, preservative-free beers served straight from the keg. Situated near Zagreb's main bus station, it offers five distinct beer styles: Lager, Dark, Amber, Wheat, and Cherry.
The Amber and Cherry are the owner's favorites, and for a good reason—they're exceptional.
An authentic Croatian experience awaits, especially if you're speaking Croatian or eager to learn. Pair your beer with traditional Croatian dishes like buncek sa zeljem (ham hock with sour cabbage). This combination elevates the entire visit.
Pivnica Zlatni Medo's commitment to natural ingredients and traditional cuisine ensures a memorable experience for any craft beer enthusiast.
Cat Caffe Zagreb
Cat Caffe Zagreb offers a delightful mix of a cat cafe and a craft beer bar, creating a unique spot to relax and enjoy local flavors.
The patio area is home to friendly cats, making it an inviting place to unwind.
The beer menu features local craft options like IPAs and imperial IPAs, ensuring there's a drink for everyone. A local favorite is the Mali Medo, which stands out among the choices.
The combination of craft beer and a cat-themed atmosphere makes this place special.
Visiting Cat Caffe Zagreb is a wonderful way to explore Zagreb's craft beer scene in an unusual and welcoming setting.
