Similar to the Czech Republic, the history of beer in Slovakia dates back hundreds of years. Beer was often produced in monasteries and served to royalty in Bratislava’s Castle; today Slovaks are still proud of their long history and reputation for high-quality beer. When it comes to beer consumption per capita, Slovakia consistently ranks in the top 20 countries worldwide. Slovaks are passionate about the quality of their beer, so while you could drink a can of the infamous Zlaty Bazant (what Bud Light is to America or what Carling is to the UK), why not try one of the many diverse Slovak microbreweries throughout the country during your trip?
Bratislava’s Mestiansky Pivovar has two fantastic locations in Bratislava’s Old Town. The brewery’s traditions date back to 1752, and Mestiansky Pivovar continues to serve high-quality unfiltered beer today. Unfiltered beer never comes into contact with oxygen, maintaining its rich taste. Mestiansky Pivovar’s process for 12° beer requires eight to ten days of main fermentation, with an additional four weeks for secondary fermentation. Choose from Bratislavský ležiak 12° lager beer or Bratislavský Bubák” 12° black beer on draught, then choose a delicious beer snack such as cheese with beer foam and mustard, pickled sausages with chili pepper, or home made pork cracklings with onions.
Large brass beer tanks line the interior of the simply decorated Zamocky Pivovar, just down the hill from the Bratislava Castle. Zámocká 12° is the most standard refreshing beer available in the pub, with a golden color and lager-style taste. Zamocky also offers dark beer with a full taste and faint touch of caramel. Zamocky also produces Castle Keller 11°, Vienna Lager 14°, and semi-dark 14° beer, so you have plenty of different beers to sample. And for less than 2 euros per half liter, you can go ahead and try them all without worrying about your wallet.
Fabrika serves five of their best beers on draft year-round, as well as some outstanding tanks from popular brewers in the region, such as Pilsner Urquell and Gambrinus. The best beer at Fabrika might be the Fabrika 12° Weizen, a light wheat beer that smells amazing and tastes of citrus fruits, nutmeg, vanilla, and a hint of banana. The Fabrika 12° lager, the Fabrika 14° APA, and the FABRIKA 12° Weizen are all great choices and brewed onsite at the pub. This pub also serves some of the best burgers in Bratislava, along with a full menu of classic and contemporary Slovak dishes which pair perfectly with the beer.
Along a cozy bend on the Vah River about a 15-minute walk from one of Slovakia’s most famous spa towns lies the Piestany Pivovar. The building is modern and industrial with an airy space and plenty of natural light. In summertime, most customers sit outside in the garden at picnic tables enjoying the great weather. Several of them head for a beer after paddling or kayaking in the Vah, cycling along the river trail, or soaking in thermal baths all afternoon. Piestany Pivovar produces many types of beers and you can always choose from five or six on tap, always including a seasonal special, like Rich Peach.
After hiking or skiing in the High Tatras, head to Egidius Brewery in Poprad for a crisp American-style IPA or a refreshing black cherry brew. All beer is brewed on the premises, and, of course, Egidius offers hearty meals to dissolve away every hiker and skier’s hunger pangs. You can even play a game of billiards while you wait for your freshly cooked burger or pizza to accompany the beer.
In the heart of Slovakia, Banska Bystrica’s brewery offers a beer based on 500 years of local brewing traditions, branded as Urpiner beer. Spring water from local hills, malt grown on fields in southern Slovakia, and high-quality hops are combined to produce an exquisite traditional lager. Upriner also offers flavored and specialty beer, such as Urpiner Cherry and Urpiner Extra Hoppy. Urpiner is one of the most popular brands in central and southern Slovakia, you can easily find it on tap at pubs and restaurants in cities and small villages.
Patrónsky Pivovar is a Bratislava brewpub specializing in unpasteurized beer and offering a unique location that is a bit off the beaten tourist path. You can easily arrive by taking Bus 83 from the Old Town. You’ll find lots of local Slovaks here drinking beer with friends and enjoying traditional Slovak dishes such as spicy ribs with peppers, glazed pork medallions, and cabbage soup with sausages.
The most chic, trendy brewpub in Slovakia doubles as a boutique hotel and restaurant on a boat docked in the Danube just across from the Castle Hill in Bratislava. You can head to the top-deck terrace to sip a beer with fantastic views while you lounge on a deck chair. Seats are hard to come by at Dunajský Pivovar on Friday evenings and all day Saturday, so if you plan to visit on the weekend, a reservation is recommended.
Golem Brewery is one of the most popular beer pubs in Košice. The 11.5° Golem is lemon yellow and cloudy, with a strong hoppy taste, perfect for sipping on a warm summer day. The Brewery is conveniently located in the city center near the stunning 13th-century St. Elisabeth’s Cathedral, making it the perfect place to stop for a beer and a snack while sightseeing in Košice.
