The Beertija
The Beertija at Tkalciceva 36 focuses exclusively on Croatian craft beer, making it one of the best places in Zagreb to explore the country's growing microbrewery scene. The bar runs 8-10 taps featuring rotating selections from breweries like Zmajska Pivovara, Nova Runda, Garden, Varionica, and smaller producers that don't distribute widely outside Croatia. The interior is compact and cozy, with exposed brick, wooden tables, and a chalkboard tap list that changes weekly. The staff takes beer seriously and can explain flavor profiles, brewing methods, and the stories behind each brewery. The vibe is more specialist beer shop than party bar, attracting a crowd that wants to taste something specific rather than just drink something cold.
What to Expect
A small, focused beer bar with knowledgeable staff and a rotating tap list of Croatian craft beers. The interior is intimate, with seating for about 30 people. The atmosphere is conversational and unhurried. Not a place for dancing or loud music.
Warm, intimate, and beer-focused. Like a friend's living room that happens to have excellent taps.
Low background music. This is a tasting venue, not a party.
Completely casual.
Beer enthusiasts, anyone curious about Croatian craft brewing, couples looking for a quiet drink.
Cash and cards accepted
Price Range
Croatian craft beer EUR 4-6 per pint, flights EUR 8-12, bar snacks EUR 4-8
Craft beer ~$4-7, flights ~$9-13
Hours
Mon-Sat from 11 AM to midnight, Sun from 4 PM to 11 PM
Insider Tip
Ask for whatever is newest on tap. The staff track fresh deliveries and will steer you toward beers that just arrived. The flight option is ideal for first-timers wanting to compare Croatian styles.
Full Review
The Beertija stands out on a street full of bars by being specific about what it does. This isn't a general-purpose drinking spot; it's a Croatian craft beer bar, and the curation shows. Every tap pours something from a Croatian producer, and the selection avoids the obvious macro choices.
The interior is small. Maybe eight tables and a short bar with stools. The brick walls and wooden fixtures create warmth without trying too hard. The chalkboard behind the bar lists the current taps with brewery names, styles, and ABV. Staff can fill in details about any beer, from tasting notes to the producer's backstory.
Beer quality is consistently high. Croatian craft brewing has matured significantly since 2015, and The Beertija showcases the best of it. Expect well-made IPAs, stouts, wheat beers, and experimental styles that change with the seasons. Flights let you sample four or five beers in smaller pours, which is the smart move on a first visit.
The location on mid-Tkalciceva means foot traffic is constant outside. The bar itself stays calmer than its neighbors, partly because the beer-focused concept filters for a specific crowd. It's a good starting point before moving to louder venues, or a quiet end to the evening.
The only limitation is the size. On Friday evenings, the space fills quickly and standing becomes necessary. Arriving before 8 PM on weekends guarantees a table.
The Neighborhood
Mid-Tkalciceva, surrounded by the street's densest concentration of bars. Bacchus Jazz Bar is a short walk north for a different evening pace. Funk Club's basement entrance is nearby for a late-night shift in energy.
Getting There
On Tkalciceva Street, a 3-4 minute walk from the main square. Tram stops at Trg bana Jelacica.
Address
Tkalciceva 36, 10000 Zagreb
Other Venues in Tkalciceva
Bacchus Jazz Bar
Long-running jazz and blues bar on Tkalciceva with live performances most nights. Small, intimate room with a proper stage and a crowd that comes for the music. One of Zagreb's cultural institutions.
Funk Club
Basement club on Tkalciceva running DJ sets across house, funk, disco, and electronic genres. The low ceilings and tight dance floor create a sweaty, high-energy atmosphere that peaks after midnight on weekends.
Alcatraz Craft Beer Bar
Craft beer bar with an extensive selection of Croatian and international brews on tap. The outdoor terrace on Tkalciceva is prime people-watching territory. More relaxed than the clubs, with a crowd that appreciates good beer over loud music.
Vinyl Bar
Record-themed cocktail bar with a curated vinyl collection lining the walls. The bartenders spin actual records behind the bar, and the cocktail menu changes seasonally. Popular with a slightly older, music-savvy crowd.
Kino Europa Cafe Bar
Stylish cafe-bar attached to Zagreb's oldest cinema. The interior blends art deco cinema heritage with modern lounge aesthetics. Cocktails are well-crafted, and the pre-movie crowd transitions into an evening drinking scene.