Russia, long known for its vodka, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for beer lovers, with a growing craft beer scene and vibrant beer bars in cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg, and beyond. Whether you’re a casual drinker looking to try local lagers or an adventurous beer enthusiast eager to explore unique craft brews, Russian beer bars offer something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best beer bars across Russia, highlighting their unique features, beer selections, and what makes them stand out in the country’s evolving beer culture.
Why Visit Russian Beer Bars?
In recent years, Russia has seen a remarkable transformation in its beer culture. While traditional Russian lagers like Zhigulevskoye and Baltika still dominate the market, the country’s craft beer scene has flourished. Local microbreweries, small-batch brewers, and experimental beers have become increasingly popular, creating a wide variety of options for beer enthusiasts. Russian beer bars are now at the heart of this revolution, serving not only popular local brews but also creative and experimental craft beers that feature unique Russian ingredients.
What to Expect in Russian Beer Bars:
- Diverse Beer Selection: Expect to find a mix of classic lagers, rich stouts, hoppy IPAs, and even experimental brews incorporating local ingredients like Siberian honey, wild berries, and birch sap.
- Knowledgeable Staff: Many beer bars have passionate staff who are more than happy to share their expertise, whether you’re a craft beer novice or a seasoned enthusiast.
- Relaxed and Social Atmosphere: Beer bars in Russia often have a relaxed and social vibe, perfect for meeting new people, chatting with locals, or just enjoying a quiet pint with friends.
- Beer Pairings: Many Russian beer bars serve food, offering delicious pairings with the beer selection, such as hearty Russian snacks like pelmeni, borscht, or shashlik.
Best Beer Bars in Moscow
1. Craft RePublic
Type: Craft Beer Bar
Location: Tverskaya Ulitsa, 12, Moscow, Russia
Overview:
Craft RePublic is one of Moscow’s most popular craft beer bars, offering a wide selection of local and international beers. It’s known for its rotating taps, which feature beers from small Russian breweries. The bar’s intimate atmosphere and knowledgeable staff make it an excellent place for discovering new craft beers and discussing beer styles with fellow enthusiasts.
What Makes It Special:
Craft RePublic is one of the best places to sample the cutting-edge of Russia’s craft beer scene, offering everything from hop-forward IPAs to dark, complex stouts. The bar also hosts events like beer tastings and beer-pairing dinners, making it a hub for Moscow’s craft beer community.
What to Try:
Look for beers from local breweries like Af Brew and Vermishel Brewery. Both breweries are known for their bold and creative brews, which perfectly capture the spirit of Russia’s growing craft beer scene.
2. Pivbar
Type: Craft Beer Pub
Location: Tverskoy Boulevard, 10, Moscow, Russia
Overview:
Located just a short walk from Tverskaya Street, Pivbar is a cozy and casual pub with a rotating selection of Russian craft beers. With a laid-back atmosphere and a focus on local breweries, Pivbar is the perfect place to explore the variety of flavors in Russian craft beer. The food menu also features traditional Russian snacks like pickles, cheese platters, and grilled meats to accompany your beer.
What Makes It Special:
Pivbar stands out for its focus on smaller Russian breweries and its rotating beer taps, which keep things fresh and exciting. It’s a welcoming space for both beer lovers and newcomers, with a laid-back vibe that encourages trying new beers and sharing recommendations with friends.
What to Try:
Try the Sibirsky Imperial Stout from Dva Pivovara or an experimental IPA from Af Brew. Both breweries are known for pushing the boundaries of Russian brewing.
3. BeerGeek
Type: Craft Beer Bar and Shop
Location: Bolshoy Palashevsky Pereulok, 2, Moscow, Russia
Overview:
BeerGeek is not only a bar but also a craft beer shop, making it a must-visit for those looking to explore Russia’s growing craft beer scene. The bar features an impressive selection of Russian craft beers, many of which are not readily available elsewhere. The staff at BeerGeek is knowledgeable and eager to share recommendations based on your tastes, making it a great place to expand your beer horizons.
What Makes It Special:
BeerGeek offers a combination of craft beer bar and store, so you can try before you buy. They also regularly host beer-related events, tastings, and even meetups with local brewers, providing an immersive experience for beer lovers.
What to Try:
Look for beers from Pravda Brewing and Baikal Brewery, two of Russia’s most innovative breweries. Their range of creative brews, from barrel-aged stouts to fruity IPAs, is sure to impress.
Best Beer Bars in St. Petersburg
4. Pivorama
Type: Beer Bar
Location: St. Petersburg, Russia
Overview:
Pivorama is a popular beer bar in St. Petersburg that offers an extensive selection of craft beers from Russia’s top breweries. The bar’s laid-back and welcoming atmosphere makes it a great place to relax and enjoy a drink while discovering new brews. Pivorama also serves a selection of international beers, but its primary focus is on local craft options.
What Makes It Special:
Pivorama is known for its vast selection of Russian beers and its relaxed, no-fuss ambiance. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, ensuring you have a great experience whether you’re a first-time craft beer drinker or a seasoned enthusiast.
What to Try:
Check out beers from Vermishel Brewery and Zolotaya Bochka. The latter offers a smooth, malt-forward lager, while Vermishel’s Russian Imperial Stout is perfect for those looking for a rich and bold beer.
5. BierHaus
Type: Craft Beer Bar
Location: Nevsky Prospect, 100, St. Petersburg, Russia
Overview:
Located on the famous Nevsky Prospect, BierHaus is a lively beer bar that offers a wide range of beers from both Russian craft breweries and international brewers. The bar features a cozy atmosphere and often hosts events like beer tastings, live music, and even beer festivals. It’s an ideal spot for those who want to explore the flavors of Russian beer while enjoying the energetic vibe of St. Petersburg.
What Makes It Special:
BierHaus is a great place for discovering a diverse selection of beers in the heart of St. Petersburg. It’s an excellent mix of international and local brews, giving you the best of both worlds. The venue also features beer pairings with traditional Russian cuisine, making it a fun place to learn about beer and food.
What to Try:
Try the BierHaus IPA or a Baltika No. 6 Imperial Stout. Both beers offer a mix of classic and innovative Russian brewing styles.
Best Beer Bars in Other Russian Cities
6. Kruzhka Brewery (Moscow)
Type: Brewery Bar
Location: Moscow, Russia
Overview:
Located in central Moscow, Kruzhka Brewery offers a great selection of craft beers brewed on-site. The brewery features a variety of lagers, ales, and stouts, all made with high-quality ingredients. The cozy and welcoming space allows visitors to enjoy freshly brewed beers directly from the source, providing an authentic Russian brewing experience.
What Makes It Special:
Kruzhka Brewery stands out for its emphasis on freshness and quality, offering beers brewed in small batches with a focus on local ingredients. It’s a great place to learn about the brewing process while enjoying a cold pint.
What to Try:
Check out their signature Kruzhka Pale Ale or their Kruzhka Porter, which is perfect for those who love dark, rich beers.
7. Zebra Beer (Kazan)
Type: Craft Beer Bar
Location: Kazan, Russia
Overview:
Zebra Beer is a popular craft beer bar in Kazan, known for its selection of local and regional craft beers. The bar offers a variety of styles, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers, from some of the best craft breweries in Russia. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, it’s a great place to enjoy a relaxed drink and discover new Russian beers.
What Makes It Special:
Zebra Beer’s focus on craft brews from around Russia makes it an excellent destination for those looking to explore the regional beer scene. The bar is also known for hosting events and live music, adding to the fun and lively atmosphere.
What to Try:
Try beers from Kazan’s local breweries or their Zebra IPA, a refreshing and hoppy beer that showcases the best of Russian craft brewing.
Conclusion
Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other major Russian cities are home to a thriving beer bar scene that’s perfect for beer enthusiasts looking to explore Russia’s craft beer revolution. Whether you’re sampling creative brews at Craft RePublic in Moscow, enjoying a traditional Russian lager at Stary Melnik, or discovering small-batch IPAs at BeerGeek, Russian beer bars offer a welcoming and exciting atmosphere for all. With their diverse selections of local and international beers, Russian beer bars are quickly becoming the go-to spots for beer lovers looking to enjoy high-quality brews in the heart of Russia’s most vibrant cities.
