Hell Hunt
Hell Hunt at Pikk 39 holds the distinction of being Estonia's first craft beer pub, open since 1993 when the country was still finding its footing after independence. The name translates to 'gentle wolf' in Estonian, not the infernal reference most English speakers assume. The venue occupies a ground-floor space on one of the old town's longest streets, with a wooden interior that's aged into comfortable pub character. The main room seats about 80 people across wooden tables and benches, with a bar that runs along one wall displaying the tap selection. A second room extends toward the back for overflow. The beer list covers 10-12 taps rotating between Estonian craft breweries (Pohjala, Lehe, Tanker, Puhaste) and selected European imports, backed by a full bottle list. The kitchen serves pub food that's a step above bar snacks.
What to Expect
Walking in from Pikk street, the wooden interior feels like a proper pub rather than a tourist bar. The taps are visible behind the bar, and a chalkboard lists what's pouring. The crowd is mixed: tourists who've read about the place, locals who've been coming for years, and beer enthusiasts comparing Estonian breweries. The noise level allows conversation without shouting, though it builds on Friday and Saturday nights.
Warm, unpretentious, pub-like. The vibe of a place that's been earning its regulars for over 30 years.
Background rock, indie, and alternative. Not a music-focused venue; the soundtrack stays beneath conversation level.
Fully casual. This is a pub. Anything goes.
Craft beer enthusiasts, first-time visitors wanting to sample Estonian brewing, solo travelers looking for a welcoming pub atmosphere, anyone seeking a less hectic alternative to the Suur-Karja bar strip.
Cards and cash accepted. Contactless available.
Price Range
Draft beer EUR 4-6, craft beer EUR 5-7, cider EUR 5-6, pub food EUR 7-14
Draft beer ~$4-7, craft beer ~$5-8, pub food ~$8-15
Hours
Mon-Thu 12 PM to midnight, Fri-Sat 12 PM to 2 AM, Sun 12 PM to 11 PM
Insider Tip
Ask the bartender what's new on tap from Estonian breweries. The burger is the best value on the food menu. Weekend afternoons are a great time to visit before the evening crowds arrive. The back room is quieter if the main bar is packed.
Full Review
Hell Hunt's significance goes beyond what's on tap. When it opened in 1993, Estonia was two years past independence, the economy was rebuilding, and the idea of a craft beer pub was ahead of its time. The venue survived the turbulent 1990s, watched the old town transform around it, and now sits comfortably as an institution rather than a novelty.
The beer selection reflects Estonia's growing craft brewing scene. Pohjala, the country's most internationally recognized brewery, features regularly alongside Lehe, Tanker, and Puhaste. The taps rotate, so repeat visitors find new options. The bartenders know the menu and can recommend based on your preferences. For visitors unfamiliar with Estonian brewing, this is the ideal introduction.
The food deserves mention. The burger is properly cooked and generously sized at EUR 10-12. Fish and chips, sausage platters, and seasonal dishes round out a menu that's pub food done with care rather than an afterthought. Eating here makes sense as part of a bar crawl to absorb the beer intake.
The social atmosphere is the other draw. Hell Hunt's mixed crowd and pub layout create natural conversation opportunities. The long shared tables mean you'll likely sit near other groups. The regulars are friendly and accustomed to tourists. Solo travelers find this one of the easiest bars in Tallinn for human contact.
Pikk street's location means Hell Hunt sits away from the rowdiest old town bars. The atmosphere is calmer, the crowd is slightly older, and the emphasis is on drinking well rather than drinking fast. It's a good starting point for an evening that might move toward livelier venues later, or a satisfying destination in itself.
The only critique is that 30 years of guidebook mentions mean the place isn't the secret it once was. Peak weekend evenings get crowded, and the tourist-to-local ratio shifts. Visiting on a weekday or during afternoon hours gives the truest sense of the pub's character.
The Neighborhood
Pikk 39 is in the northern stretch of the old town, running from the Great Coast Gate toward Raekoja plats. The street is one of Tallinn's most historic, with merchant houses, guild halls, and the famous Three Sisters buildings nearby. Other bars dot the street, but Hell Hunt is the anchor. The Great Coast Gate and the Fat Margaret tower are a short walk north.
Getting There
From Raekoja plats, walk north along Pikk street for about 5 minutes. Hell Hunt is on the left side at number 39. From the ferry terminal, walk into the old town through the Great Coast Gate and you'll reach Pikk street directly.
Address
Pikk 39, 10133 Tallinn
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