For too long – far too long – beer lovers have been extremely limited when seeking out local craft brews in Croatia. However, in the bustling Dalmatian city of Split, things have changed.
To help fellow craft beer enthusiasts find top Croatian beers, we are highlighting the best bars in Split serving local, hoppy and tasty suds.
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Croatian Craft Beer Revolution
Since our first trip to the country in 2011 – when local Croatian beer meant mass-produced lagers, like Karlovacko and Ozujsko – we have witnessed a budding craft beer scene materialize.
The craft beer revolution started in the Croatian capital city of Zagreb and has since been sweeping across the country.
From the inland city of Osijek to the Dalmatian Coast and the ancient town of Dubrovnik, craft beer in Croatia is here to stay!
Pioneering microbreweries are opening across Croatia and creating innovative beers that break from tradition of the boring and bland.
Although not all pubs in Split are following suit, there is an ever-growing number of places adding craft to their lineup of beers. So you can safely bet that we are absolutely drinking it in!
Where to Drink Croatian Craft Beer in Split
Split is one of the Top Cities to Visit in Croatia – and a prime place to sample the best Croatian craft beers.
During our multiple trips to the city, we have discovered several fun craft beer bars in Split, Croatia that are serving local microbrews.
Our list includes the best bars in Split that either have Croatian craft beer on tap (toceno in Croatian), a range of craft brew in bottles and cans, or are even brewing right on site!
Craft Beer Bar Crawl Split
Want to embark on a Split bar crawl to the best craft beer bars? We include a helpful map below of our recommended breweries and pubs in Split. That way you can easily create your own craft beer Split bar crawl!
You can also combine a Split city tour with a brewery tasting. Join a local guide to learn the history of the city…then get a taste at a Split craft beer brewery. Get the details!
Planning a Trip to Split, Croatia
When planning a Croatian Vacation, Split is a top destination…and not just for the craft brew!
There is a long list of Things To Do in Split – from discovering Diocletian’s Palace to taking Fun Day Trips overland land and out to sea.
Use our 3-Day Split Itinerary and Free Walking Tour to help plan your activities. Then organize your trip details with our downloadable Travel Planner.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Croatia Beer Blog for your trip to Split!
11 Best Craft Beer Bars in Split, Croatia
Alright, enough with the rambling on. Let’s get to it and check out the top places in Split, Croatia for craft beers!
#1 Mandrill’s Pub
Bang on in Diocletian’s Palace, Mandrill is one of the best places to sample Split craft beer with locals.
Brewing began at Mandrill in early 2018 and in 2024 they opened a new taproom location serving their loyal fans and intrigued beer aficionados.
Mandrill’s beers can also be found at other bars in Split. In fact, the same owner has the next bar on our list. Info & Reviews
#2 Leopold’s Craft Beer Bar 
A staple on the Split, Croatia beer scene, Leopold’s has long been a favorite bar in Split for Croatian craft brew.
Featuring a nice selection on draft and more in bottles, the space on an atmosphere lane is perfect for relaxing with a cold beverage. Info & Reviews
#3 Screws & Brews
Screws and Brews has settled into the former location of To Je To, one of the first dedicated craft beer bars in Split.
While the name and ownership have changed, the dedication to pouring fresh and hoppy brews from the tap has not.
This Split craft beer bar is located a 20 minute walk from the Old Town – but we believe it is well worth the effort for tasty spuds and a more local vibe. Info & Reviews
#4 Pivnica Prostor, Pivovara Protokol
A welcome addition to the Split craft beer scene, Protokol are brewing right in their basement. This is one of the best places you can truly sample fresh craft brew from the source near the Split city center.
Brewing a full lineup of styles (the Šesta Od Sedam APA is our favorite so far), the space is modern and the staff is helpful. Info & Reviews
#5 Tap B Craft Brewery
Craft beer lovers seeking local experiences should definitely make it a point to visit Tap B Brewpub – regardless of the fact that it is 40 minute walk (or 10 minute Uber) from the Split Old Town.
Situated in the depths of a massive block apartment complex, Tab B brews their own beer…right behind the bar!
In addition to their wide range of in-house beers, they also offer a selection of other Croatian craft brews on tap. Info & Reviews
#6 Plan B Pub
Our first visit to Plan B was years ago when it was located on Znjan Beach on the east side of town. Since then, the pub has relocated closer to the Split city center – less than a mile from the Old Town.
We willingly make the walk to Plan B for two reasons. They serve Nova Runda (the pioneers of craft beer in Croatia and our absolute favorite in the country) and make delicious burgers and amazing pizza!
The spacious interior has a hip industrial feel to it, but we recommend sitting on the patio if there are seats available. Info & Reviews
#7 The Daltonist Craft Bar
Opened in autumn of 2018 and originally called Black Dog, this spot quickly became one of our favorite bars in Split.
Located just outside the Palace of Diocletian near the Silver Gate, it was one of the first bars in Split to offer a wide range of craft beer on tap.
Selections change with the season, but you can check the board above the bar and ask your server for suggestions.
In addition to the nice range of craft beer from Croatia on their menu, they also have an excellent selection of handcrafted cocktails. In fact, we rank Daltonist as one of the best Cocktail Bars Split, Croatia, too!
It’s not just the drinks that draw us to Daltonist. The rustic stone interior creates a unique and cozy ambiance.
While there is no outdoor space, the inside is smoke-free thanks to their innovative food menu! Info & Reviews
#8 Sanctuary Cantina & Bar Split
Located in the very heart of the Split Old Town, Sanctuary has a couple of local craft beers on tap and more in the bottle (and a huge cocktail list as well as Mexican food).
Seating indoors is limited, but there are outdoor tables in the courtyard, which is our preferred place to sip.
Popular with tourists, Sanctuary is one of the best bars in Split, Croatia to meet fellow travelers. Info & Reviews
#9 Harat’s Pub Split
Smack on the pedestrian shopping street, Marmontova, Harat’s is an chain Irish pub.
Perhaps an unusual place to find craft beer in Split, they actually promote an exceptional line up of some of the best Croatian Craft Beers.
On the ground floor, there is bench seating around the bar and a few tables – and in the upstairs loft, patrons can sit at a booth or a table.
Harat’s is a popular place to watch Football (European Soccer) and of course for St Patrick’s Day in Split! Visitors can also order food from the adjacent street-food counter. Info & Reviews
#10 Familia Craft Brewery and Tasting Room
The owners of Kaštel based Familia Craft Brewery have actually been brewing since 2011. However, in 2019 things got real with the launch of Familia and they haven’t looked back since.
Their signature beer is the Ferrata Amber Ale, and we also suggest the Reoplan American Pale Ale for all you hop-heads! They even offer brewery tours as well as beers for takeaway. Info & Reviews
#11 Matejuska
Split bars aren’t the only place to enjoy beer in the city. Actually, one of the top places to drink beer in Split isn’t a bar at all, but a place: Matejuska Fisherman’s Port.
Located at the west end of the Split Riva, below the Varos neighborhood, Matejuska is the place to go to take in city views, watch the sunset and tip back a few Croatian craft beers before going out.
Grab a Croatian craft beer from Little Beer Shop across the street, then find a spot on the Matejuska peninsula to sip and chill. Map
Need restaurant recommendations? Read about the Best Places To Eat in Split!
Best Bars in Split, Croatia Map
One of the fun things to do in Split, Croatia at night is create a pub crawl. Use this Google Map of places to go in Split to help lead the way!
Craft Pivo: More Tips for Drinking in Split
Before you set off to sample the best craft beer in Split, we have a few additional tips.
Croatian Beer Words
First, pivo means beer, and pivovara means brewery. When ordering, asking for a local beer can refer to any beer produced in Croatia. To ensure you get beer from a microbrewery, ask for Craft Pivo.
Before drinking your beer, say zivjeli (pronounced zhee-veh-lee); it how you say cheers in Croatian!
Croatian Beer Prices
Overall, the price of beer in Croatia is still relatively inexpensive, but craft beer costs quite a bit more.
Prices for a pint of craft beer at a bar in Split runs between $6 to $8. Purchasing craft beers from the brewery or at take-away bottle shops will only be slightly less.
Smoking in Croatian Bars
Smoking is still permitted in most bars in Croatia. The space is only smoke-free if food is prepared in the same area.
On our list of recommended bars, the only completely non-smoking location is The Daltonist. However, most places also have outdoor space.
Croatian Craft Breweries
The number of craft breweries in Croatia is on the rise – and many established microbreweries are selling their product in cities and bars around the country.
Here is a short list of our favorite Croatian craft brewers, where they brew and our preferred beer.
- Nova Runda – Zagreb – American Pale Ale, C4 IPA
- Varionica – Zagreb – American Pale Ale
- Garden Brewery – Zagreb – IPA (any of them!)
- L.A.B. – Split – Barba Pale Ale
- Tap B – Split – Trapula APA and Mirakul IPA
- Lepi Decki Brewery – Cakovec – IPA, Puzzle Hop Series
- Mandrill – Split – Pale Ale, Blonde Ale
- Bura Brew – Porec – IPA
- Jmajska – Zagreb – APA, IPA Collabs
Pub Crawl Split, Croatia
We recommend that craft beer enthusiasts create their own pub crawl based on our recommendations – or join a guide on an evening brewery tour.
Revelers looking to party the night away should book an organized pub crawl in Split, Croatia. Kicking off at 9 pm, the Split Pub Crawl visits top nightclubs. Find out more!
Start planning your trip to Croatia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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