Komunalac
Komunalac stands out on Strahinjica Bana through its ironic embrace of communist-era Serbian aesthetics. The decor references Yugoslavia's socialist past with retro furnishings, propaganda-style art, and a tongue-in-cheek atmosphere that captures Belgrade's complicated but humorous relationship with its history. Behind the theme, the cocktail menu is seriously good, with a short list of well-executed classics and house originals that use Serbian spirits and local ingredients. The crowd skews creative: artists, musicians, writers, and the kind of Belgrade professionals who'd rather talk about film than finance. The space is smaller than Blaznavac or Bar Central, which concentrates the atmosphere into something more personal and intense. The terrace is popular but the interior bar counter is where the best conversations happen. Cocktails cost RSD 600-900, making it slightly more affordable than its neighbors. The rakija selection deserves special mention, with varieties including quince, honey, and wild pear that are sourced from small family producers rather than commercial distilleries.
What to Expect
A themed bar that takes its drinks seriously and its theme with a wink. The crowd is intelligent and social. Conversations range from Belgrade nightlife tips to Serbian politics to music recommendations. The volume stays conversational all night.
Witty, warm, and culturally rich. A bar that rewards curiosity and conversation.
Background mix of indie, jazz, electronic, and retro Yugoslav music. Conversation-level throughout.
Casual creative. Less polished than Blaznavac, more intentional than a dive bar. The crowd dresses to express rather than impress.
Travelers interested in Serbian culture and history. People who prefer good conversation over loud music. Solo visitors looking for an approachable, intellectual bar atmosphere.
Cash (RSD) and cards accepted
Price Range
Beer RSD 280-380, cocktails RSD 600-900, rakija RSD 200-350
≈ EUR 2.40-7.70 / USD 2.60-8.40
Hours
Daily 9 AM to 1 AM, weekends until 2 AM
Insider Tip
Sit at the bar counter for the best experience. The bartenders are knowledgeable and will recommend drinks based on your preferences. Ask about the decor references if you're curious about Yugoslav history; the staff enjoy explaining them.
Full Review
Komunalac works on two levels simultaneously. On the surface, it's a themed bar playing with Yugoslav nostalgia. The decor includes period furniture, vintage objects, and artwork that references the era with more humor than sentimentality. For visitors unfamiliar with the context, the aesthetic is interesting in itself, a window into a political era that shaped the region. For Serbians, it's a running joke about a past that's close enough to remember and distant enough to laugh about. The theme never feels forced or preachy; it sits in the background while the drinks take center stage.
Beneath the theme, there's a proper bar operating at a level that would hold up without the gimmick. The cocktail list is concise, maybe 15 options, but each one is well-constructed with fresh ingredients and appropriate spirits. The bartenders can riff on requests and seem genuinely interested in what they're making rather than just filling orders. Rakija features prominently, as it should in any Serbian bar worth visiting, with several varieties available including quince and honey variants that are harder to find elsewhere on the strip. A flight of three rakija types costs less than a single cocktail and provides an education in Serbian distilling traditions.
The crowd at Komunalac is noticeably different from Bar Central's mainstream socialites or Blaznavac's fashion crowd. People here tend to work in creative fields or have interests that extend beyond nightlife and weekend routines. Conversations run deeper and cover more ground. The bar counter is where they happen most naturally, and the smaller space means you can overhear neighboring discussions and join them without it feeling intrusive or forced. This is a bar that encourages engagement.
Service is personal rather than transactional. The bartenders remember regulars and make newcomers feel like they're about to become regulars. The pace is unhurried. Komunalac isn't trying to turn tables or maximize volume; it's cultivating an atmosphere where people stay for hours, nursing drinks and building conversations. It closes earlier than its neighbors, which makes it a strong early-evening choice before the strip heats up or a destination for nights when you want quality over quantity.
The Neighborhood
Komunalac sits mid-strip on Strahinjica Bana, between Bar Central and Blaznavac. Its creative crowd often moves to Savamala's electronic venues later in the evening, making it a natural bridge between the cocktail strip and Belgrade's club scene.
Getting There
Located on Strahinjica Bana 14. Walk from Slavija Square (10 minutes) or take Car:Go directly. The communist-themed signage makes it easy to identify from the street.
Address
Strahinjica Bana 14
Other Venues in Strahinjica Bana
Bar Central
A staple cocktail bar on Belgrade's most famous nightlife strip. The long bar counter and terrace seating make it a natural gathering point where conversations flow between groups as the night builds.
Blaznavac
An upscale lounge bar that packs Belgrade's fashionable crowd onto its terrace most weekends. DJ sets from 11 PM onward shift the atmosphere from after-dinner drinks to a proper late-night venue.
Salon 5
A refined cocktail lounge a few steps off the main strip, known for well-crafted drinks and a slightly older, more polished clientele than the street-facing terrace bars.
Tilt
A craft beer and cocktail bar that draws a younger crowd with rotating taps, creative mixed drinks, and a terrace that fills early on warm evenings.
Zaokret
A corner bar at the intersection where Strahinjica Bana meets the residential streets. Popular as a starting point for the evening before moving to louder venues further down the strip.