I recently visited Bratislava for the first time in about 15 years. As expected, the beer scene has changed slightly.
Mestský Pivovar Alžbetka
Mickiewiczova 2242/1, 811 07 Bratislava, Slovakia
My first port of call on this trip to Bratislava. At first looked promising with lots of shiny brew kit and was told this is indeed where their beers are brewed. Only after asking two or three more times did I find out they were brewed elsewhere. Tried a beer, which was ok and the food was rather tasty only to be told, not asked, that I had to move as there was a group coming in. I didn’t linger.
No smaller measures or tasting tray available.
Last visited: February 2024
Meetnica
Mýtna 2885/19, 811 07 Bratislava, Slovakia
Evidently, smoking is still allowed in bars in Slovakia as long as they don’t serve food. Meetnica did allow smoking and did serve food. Still, I sat near the the door and enjoyed the unadvertised tasting tray. Nice little bar but the smoking hurried along my visit.
Last visited: February 2024
100 piv
Medená 33, 811 02 Bratislava, Slovakia
Things started to look up at by the time I’d got to 100 piv. The place was tiny so this was reflected in only 6 (!) draft beers and I’m guessing 100 or so bottles? Friendly staff and generally a nice little stop off.
Last visited: November 2024
Za rohom
Tobrucká 1, 811 02 Bratislava
Just round the corner from 100 piv is Za Rohom. Another friendly little bar with 6 beers and no tasting sizes. Worth a visit if you’ve been to 100 piv.
Last visited: November 2024
Žil Verne
Panská 245/13, 811 01 Bratislava
Now we’re talking! This is what Eastern European beer ticking bars are supposed to be like! A huge selection of some quite crazy beers. I mean – just look at that that red one – 19 (Fruit Smoothie Pasty Sour with raspberry, redcurrant and vanilla). One of my five a day!
In Slovak, Žil is pronounced a bit like Jules (Žil Verne – Jules Verne) but not the same. It also means ‘he lived’ so I’m trying to work out the play on words but sadly can’t.
Well worth a visit, especially if you’re into Jules Verne themed pubs (!). Tasting trays definitely available!
Last visited: November 2024
Bratislavka
Ventúrska 9, 811 01 Bratislava
As seems quite a common thing in these parts, opening hours are quite fluid and Bratislavka had already closed so I had quick breakfast visit before my train to Prague. Looking at the funky decor and menu, I’m guessing that this bar is owned by the same folk as Žil Verne so the same great beer range and tasting trays apply here.
Last visited: November 2024
Pivovar Hops
Vilová 2995/4, 851 01 Petržalka
Located in the middle of a panelák estate near Petržalka railway station is a microbrewery that very much has the feel of being a locals bar. It wasn’t very busy when I popped in an hour or so before closing time but a couple of the locals did come and chat. One of them even offered me a brewery t-shirt for free but the owner said he didn’t have any!
Eight beers were available, some of them in smaller measures.
Last visited: November 2024
Overall, it looks like Bratislava is up and coming in the modern beer scene but still has a little way to go.
