10 Bars in Split Serving Croatian Craft Beer

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 are changing. To help fellow craft beer enthusiasts find the best Croatian beers, we are highlighting the best bars in Split serving local, hoppy and tasty suds. 

 

Croatian Craft Beer Revolution

Craft beer is taking over the world – and Croatia is all in with the trend! 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 into something truly spectacular.

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, all the way down the Dalmatian Coast to the ancient Old City of Dubrovnik. 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 – and 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 it’s one of the best places to sample the best Croatian craft beers. During our multiple trips to the city, we have discovered several incredible 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!

It’s important to note that this list is for the Best Bars in Split Serving Craft Beer. These are not cheap bars in Split. Furthermore, the Best Beach Bars in Split rarely offer craft beer either.

That said, a few of the top Craft Beer Bars in Split also create some of the best cocktails in Split – and we highlight them on our list as well, in case not everyone in your party is a beer drinker.

At the end of our Best Split Bars list, we offer suggestions for other options for nightlife in Split – as well as our top picks for the best craft beer from Croatian breweries. 

 

Craft Beer Bar Crawl Split

Want to embark on a Split bar crawl to the best craft beer bars? We include a helpful map of our recommended breweries and pubs in Split at the end of the post so you can easily create your own craft beer Split bar crawl. 

Interested visitors can also combine a Split city tour with a brewery tasting. Join a local guide to learn the history of Split…then get a taste of the burgeoning craft beer scene 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 from Split on land and out to sea. 

Use our helpful 3-Day Split Itinerary to help plan your day activities – and organize your trip details with our downloadable Travel Planner. 

Save, Pin or Bookmark this Croatia Travel Blog so you can easily plan your trip to Split!

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10 Best Craft Beer Bars in Split, Croatia

 

#1 The Daltonist Craft Bar (formerly Black Dog Bar)

Black Dog opened in autumn of 2018…and quickly became our favorite bar in Split. Located just outside the walls of Diocletian’s Palace near Srebrena Vrata (Silver Gate), it was one of the first bars in Split to offer a wide range of craft beer on tap.

In 2020, the bar was re-branded as The Daltonist Craft Bar – but with the same enthusiasm for Croatian craft beer. 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 recently expanded food menu!). Info & Reviews

 

#2 Sanctuary Cantina & Bar Split

Located in the very heart of the Split Old Town, Sanctuary is in a super location with 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 beers at Sanctuary in the summer. Popular with tourists, Sanctuary is one of the best bars in Split, Croatia to meet fellow travelers. Info & Reviews

 

#3 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 they make the most delicious (and affordable) burgers in Split!

The spacious interior has a hip industrial feel to it, but we recommend sitting on the patio if there are seats available! Info & Reviews

 

#4 Mandrill Brewpub

A quick 20-minute walk from 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 2022 they opened a new taproom location serving their loyal fans and intrigued beer aficionados. 

Although Mandrill’s beers can be found at other bars in Split (same owner as #7 on our list), we enjoy drinking it fresh from the source. 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 Harat’s Pub Split

New to the Split, Croatia bar scene, and smack in the middle of the Old Town 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, including our previously mentioned and personal favorite, Nova Runda. 

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

 

#7 Leopold’s Craft Beer Bar Split

A staple on the Split, Croatia nightlife scene, Leopold’s has long been a favorite bar in Split for Croatian craft beer. Featuring a wide selection of both draft and bottles, the bar staff guides patrons to finding a craft beer to suit their palate. 

Although the bar relocated from its original location in 2022 to a spot within the heart of Diocletian’s Palace, the bar boasts the same spirit for craft beer in Croatia! Info & Reviews

 

#8 Screws & Brews (formerly To Je To)

Screws and Brews has settled into the former location of To Je To, one of the first craft beer bars in Split. While the name and ownership have changed, the dedication to pouring fresh craft beer from the tap has not. 

This Split craft beer bar is located a short walk from the Old Town – but we think it is well worth the effort to get there! Info & Reviews

 

#9 Pivnica Prostor, Pivovara Protokol

New to the Split craft beer scene in 2022 is Protokol – and they’re brewing right in the basement. In fact, 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. We’ll certainly be reviewing a few more brews at this newest brewery in Split, Croatia very soon! Info & Reviews

 

#10 Familia Craft Brewery and Tasting Room

The owners of Kaštel based Familia Craft Brewery have actually been brewing beer 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 can 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

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More Of The Best Places For Drinks in Split, Croatia

Our recommendations for the best pubs in Split for drinking craft beer are just one part of Split nightlife. We have a few more suggestions for fun things to do in Split, Croatia at night.

 

Matejuska: Local Experience

Split bars aren’t the only place to enjoy an ice-cold craft 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 Split city views, watch the sunset and tip back a few Croatian craft beers before going out.

Visitors looking for cool things to do in Split should 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

 

Cro Craft: Take Away Shop

Cro Craft is a mecca for Croatia craft beer enthusiasts! The shop is located in the Mall of Split and has a huge selection from all the top craft brewers in Croatia.

 

Marvlvs Library: Jazz Bar Split

A hidden gem in the labyrinth of the Split Old Town lanes, Marvlvs is a cozy jazz bar with an excellent array of drink options. The quaint lounge bar is ideal for a night of drinking craft cocktails or sipping Croatian wine. Info & Reviews

 

Zinfandel Wine Bar Split: Best Wine Bar

For an upscale wine experience, Zinfandel Wine Bar offers guests an opportunity to sample Croatian wines paired with regional cheeses and other tasty food offerings. Info & Reviews

 

Ilocki Podrumi: Fresh Wine for Take Away

On an inconspicuous street just a short walk from the Old Town is the Ilocki Podrumi Winery store (no on-site consumption). The winery, which is located along the Danube River in the Slavonia region of Croatia, has a 2,000-year history and produces a range of wines.

At the store in Split, they offer their wine bottled or on toceno. The tap wine is sold at an incredibly low price. You can bring your own bottle for refills – or purchase a fresh bottle at the store. 

Top Tip: They actually have 2 locations in Split to choose from: MAP & MAP

 

Majstora Jurja Street Cafes and Bars

Numerous cafes and bars are nestled into Ulica Majstora Jurja to the west of Zlatna Vrata (Golden Gate). Although none of these bars offer craft beer on their taps, most have craft in a bottle and a range of locally produced liquors (rakija) which are a must-try in Split!

Our favorite spot is Teak, which has a cozy ambiance and historic features. Try the Medica honey rakija! Info & Reviews

Need a Split restaurant recommendation? Read our post on the Best Places To Eat in Split!

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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 link to Google Maps of places to go in Split to help lead the way!

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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 (including mass-produced beers). 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 in Croatia than mass-produced beers.

Prices for a half-liter of craft beer at a bar in Split costs between 4 to $6 USD. Purchasing craft beers from the brewery or at take-away bottle shops will cost only 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 space. On our list of recommended bars, the only completely non-smoking location is The Daltonist. However, most bars in Split 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 – Baltic Porter, Blonde Ale
• Bura Brew – Porec – IPA
• Jmajska – Zagreb – APA, IPA Collabs

Additionally, San Servolo is a Croatian brewery in Istria that makes fairly traditional beers, but offers an exceptional experience. The small brewery has expanded into a luxury resort – complete with a beer spa where guests can bathe in fresh brew. Info & Reviews

 

Croatia Nightlife

Zagreb was the first Croatian city to embrace the shift from mass-produced beer to microbrews; there are now numerous craft-dedicated bars around the capital. {Find more recommendations on our list of Things To Do in Zagreb}

Split nightlife options have also increased with the opening of multiple craft beer bars. Rather than Split nightclubs, our list is focused on where to go out in Split for Croatia craft beer.

 

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 can join an organized pub crawl in Split, Croatia. Kicking off at 9 pm, the Split Pub Crawl visits top nightclubs. Find out more here!

 

Looking for other ideas of What To Do in Split, Croatia? Use our detailed guides for the Best Split Beaches, Hiking Marjan Hill from Split and our Free Split, Croatia Walking Tour!

 

Start planning your trip to Croatia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page!

 

 

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