Saint Petersburg, with its vibrant cultural scene and lively atmosphere, has become a hub for craft beer enthusiasts. The city is home to a growing number of beer bars and pubs that showcase some of the best craft beers from Russia and beyond. Whether you’re a connoisseur of hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or something more experimental, Saint Petersburg offers a variety of places to enjoy a cold, quality brew. From cozy beer halls to hip taprooms, the city is bursting with options for every craft beer lover.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best beer bars and pubs in Saint Petersburg, each offering a unique atmosphere and an impressive selection of craft beers. So, grab your pint glass and join us as we take a tour of the best beer spots in the city.
1. Hop Head: A Craft Beer Paradise
For serious craft beer enthusiasts, Hop Head is a must-visit destination. Located in the city center, this bar specializes in an extensive selection of local and international craft beers, offering one of the largest beer lists in Saint Petersburg. Whether you prefer IPAs, porters, or sours, Hop Head is dedicated to bringing the best of the craft beer world to its patrons.
Why Visit?
- Impressive Selection: Hop Head offers a rotating selection of more than 20 craft beers on tap, along with a comprehensive bottle menu featuring beers from Russian and international breweries.
- Beer Flights: If you’re undecided on what to try, Hop Head offers beer flights, allowing you to sample a variety of different brews and find your favorites.
- Casual Vibe: The laid-back, cozy atmosphere makes it a great spot to relax with friends or have an intimate beer-tasting experience.
Popular Beers:
- White IPA: A lighter, citrusy IPA with a crisp finish, perfect for a refreshing drink.
- Stout: A rich and velvety stout with chocolate and coffee flavors that is ideal for the colder months.
Tips for Visiting:
- Ask for Recommendations: The knowledgeable staff at Hop Head can guide you through their extensive selection and help you discover new beers you might not have tried before.
- Food Pairings: Hop Head also serves a small menu of bar snacks and cheese platters, which pair wonderfully with their beers.
2. Prosto Bar: A Hip Spot for Craft Beer Lovers
Prosto Bar is one of the most popular craft beer bars in Saint Petersburg, known for its lively atmosphere and wide range of local and international craft beers. With its hip, urban vibe and industrial design, it’s a place where beer lovers can enjoy both familiar brews and exciting new releases.
Why Visit?
- Craft Beer Selection: Prosto Bar serves over 20 craft beers on tap, including unique Russian craft beers and international imports. They frequently rotate their taps, ensuring that there’s always something new to try.
- Unique Brews: The bar is known for its selection of unusual and experimental beers, including sour ales, barrel-aged stouts, and creative seasonal beers.
- Beer Culture: Prosto Bar is deeply embedded in the local craft beer culture, often hosting beer tastings and events that allow patrons to learn more about the brewing process and the world of craft beer.
Popular Beers:
- Saison: A funky, fruity saison with a hint of pepper that’s perfect for those who enjoy something different.
- Imperial Stout: A rich, complex stout with deep flavors of dark chocolate, coffee, and caramel.
Tips for Visiting:
- Attend Beer Tastings: Keep an eye on their event calendar for beer tasting sessions and other craft beer-related events, where you can learn more about the beers you’re drinking.
- Enjoy the Atmosphere: Prosto Bar has a lively, energetic atmosphere, making it a great place to meet fellow craft beer lovers and enjoy the buzz of Saint Petersburg’s beer culture.
3. Beer Happens: For the Craft Beer Connoisseur
For those who appreciate a carefully curated beer selection, Beer Happens offers an intimate, welcoming space with a focus on high-quality craft beers. This beer bar is popular for its refined selection of locally brewed and imported beers, along with its knowledgeable staff who are passionate about the art of brewing.
Why Visit?
- Curated Selection: Beer Happens offers a carefully curated selection of craft beers, from well-known breweries to lesser-known, small-batch brewers. You’ll find a variety of styles, including IPAs, pilsners, and belgian ales.
- Relaxed Vibe: The bar’s cozy atmosphere and rustic décor make it a perfect spot for a relaxed evening with a cold beer.
- Beer Knowledge: The staff at Beer Happens are well-versed in beer and happy to share their knowledge, helping you discover new brews that suit your taste.
Popular Beers:
- West Coast IPA: A classic IPA with a balanced bitterness and a hint of pine and citrus.
- Belgian Dubbel: A malty, dark beer with notes of caramel, dark fruit, and spice—perfect for fans of rich, complex beers.
Tips for Visiting:
- Chat with the Staff: The staff at Beer Happens are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations or learn more about the brewing process.
- Relax and Enjoy: Beer Happens has a laid-back, low-key vibe, making it an ideal place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
4. Jager House: A Night of Craft Beer and Great Food
Jager House is a must-visit for those looking for a vibrant pub atmosphere combined with an impressive craft beer selection. Located near the city center, this popular pub features an extensive beer menu alongside hearty, satisfying food.
Why Visit?
- Wide Variety of Beers: Jager House offers an impressive selection of craft beers from around the world, with local Russian craft beers and international brews rotating regularly.
- Great Food Pairings: The menu features a variety of beer-friendly foods, including burgers, pretzels, and sausages, making it the perfect spot for pairing a cold beer with a satisfying meal.
- Vibrant Atmosphere: Jager House is known for its lively, pub-like atmosphere, making it a great place to hang out with friends or enjoy a night out.
Popular Beers:
- Pale Ale: A crisp, refreshing pale ale with a light body and mild hop bitterness.
- Lager: A smooth, well-balanced lager that pairs perfectly with the hearty pub food served at Jager House.
Tips for Visiting:
- Try the Beer and Food Pairings: Jager House offers some excellent beer and food pairings, so ask the staff for recommendations to elevate your meal.
- Arrive Early: The pub can get quite busy, especially on weekends, so it’s a good idea to arrive early if you want to secure a table.
5. BierKonig: Saint Petersburg’s Beer Oasis
Located in the vibrant district of Vasilievsky Island, BierKonig is a cozy beer bar that specializes in both local and international craft beers. With its impressive range of brews, including rare imports and limited-edition beers, BierKonig is a top choice for discerning beer lovers.
Why Visit?
- Wide Beer Selection: BierKonig offers a broad selection of craft beers on tap and in bottles, including beers from renowned breweries across Europe and the world.
- Beer Store: BierKonig also doubles as a beer store, where you can purchase bottles and cans to take home, making it a great stop for those wanting to bring home some of the best craft beers they’ve discovered.
- Relaxed, Cozy Vibe: The cozy, no-frills atmosphere makes it a great place to unwind and enjoy a cold beer with friends.
Popular Beers:
- English Porter: A rich and smooth porter with flavors of dark chocolate and roasted malt.
- Saison: A crisp, dry saison with a slight spice, perfect for a refreshing drink on a warm day.
Tips for Visiting:
- Check Out the Beer Store: Don’t forget to browse their beer shop for unique brews to take home as a souvenir or gift.
- Enjoy the Casual Atmosphere: BierKonig is laid-back and relaxed, perfect for a low-key evening of craft beer exploration.
6. Craft Bar: The Ultimate Craft Beer Experience
For those looking to experience the best of Russian craft beers, Craft Bar is a must-visit. Located in the city center, this bar is dedicated to showcasing the best local craft breweries, offering a range of beers that reflect the diverse and innovative brewing scene in Russia.
Why Visit?
- Russian Craft Focus: Craft Bar specializes in showcasing Russian craft beers, giving you the opportunity to try a variety of local brews that you won’t find anywhere else.
- Beer Tastings: Craft Bar offers beer tastings and flights, allowing you to sample several beers and find your perfect match.
- Cool Ambience: With its modern, industrial design and comfortable seating, Craft Bar is a great spot to relax and enjoy quality beer.
Popular Beers:
- Russian IPA: A bold and hoppy IPA with tropical fruit flavors and a bitter finish.
- Barrel-Aged Stout: A rich, deep stout aged in barrels, offering complex notes of coffee, chocolate, and oak.
Tips for Visiting:
- Ask for Recommendations: The staff at Craft Bar are passionate about local beers, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations or guidance on what to try.
- Take a Beer Flight: A beer flight is the best way to sample a variety of Russian craft beers and discover new favorites.
Conclusion
Saint Petersburg’s craft beer scene is thriving, offering a wide variety of beer bars and pubs that cater to every taste. Whether you’re looking for a casual pub with a great beer selection, a specialized beer bar offering local brews, or a trendy spot with a focus on international beers, the city has something for every craft beer lover. From the impressive beer lists at places like Hop Head and Prosto Bar to the cozy atmospheres of Jager House and BierKonig, you’ll find plenty of spots to explore and enjoy Saint Petersburg’s growing beer culture. Cheers!
