Košice

Košice is a city in eastern Slovakia, close to the Hungarian border. The metropolis of the East, the second largest city in Slovakia, the city of rich history and promising future welcomes thousands of visitors annually. Its origins go back to the medieval period, and the central Lower Gate archaeological complex preserves fortifications from the 13th century. Hlavné námestie, the main square, is home to 2 Gothic churches: the huge St. Elisabeth Cathedral and the 14th-century St. Michael Chapel. Nearby, St. Urban’s Tower contains a museum of wax figurines. Košice has always been an natural centre of business, culture and education. The business routes leading from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean have been crossing here ever since the Middle Ages. There are numerous rich archaeological localities that have been preserved in the surroundings of the city and prove the settlement of the Košice Basin even in the Stone Age. "Villa Cassa" gradually transformed into a city thanks to its favorable location, royal privileges, immigrants, and flourishing crafts. For more information check out the cities website;  Košice has seven (7) brew-pubs as of Aug 2022;

Pivovar Hostinec, Hlavná 91/65

Located right on the main street of the old city so you have a nice atmosphere. If you're into beer this is a must go place in Kosice. It's the oldest brewery in the country, and (I think) the oldest restaurant as well? Selection is 6 beers on tap, interesting styles like gose or ipa, the quality is far above average for a restaurant brewery. The interior is an eclectic mix of an old knights' mess hall complete with stained glass with some modern elements of decor and an obviously non-medieval, with several separate rooms and a copper-laden brew house. The menu is a combination of Slovak and European cuisine, with a very good choice of starters that go well with beer. The service is super friendly but still very professional.

Pivovar Šemrák, (Smokehouse) Biela 3

A brew-pub with a microbrewery, where some of the best craft beer in town is brewed. You can enjoy our exclusive lagers Delux 10°, Luxor 12°, made according to the original Czechoslovak recipes and dark lager Luxor 13°. Along with the wheat beer Weizenlux 11° and a great IPA 13°. All these beers are brewed exclusively from natural ingredients from renowned producers. The bar itself has a classic pub feel with lots of locals enjoying a good time.

Pivovarský Dvor Corvus, Komenského 1095/17

An atmospheric local's place with a nice terrace, local food and a very big choice of not typical beer (around 20 types of). To get here, you have to leave the lovely old town and go north. A sprawling one story complex with a splendid beer garden at rear. Basic wood paneled interior in the beer house. Full range of Corvus beers, almost all very drinkable. Old school heavy metal and punk rock is the norm?. Long benches in abundance, lots of people, seems to be a really popular place with the locals. 20 taps, 16 of which serve their beer and guest beers.

Pivovar Golem, 15, Dominikánske námestie 592, Staré Mesto

A traditional microbrewery/alehouse with an interesting wall art design and the Golem at the entrance. Inside is very nice authentic, they serve traditional delicious food alongside their great beers. Also the atmosphere is great and the staff are very good. Plus there is a small outside terrace, that is nice and secluded.

Staničný Pivovar, Staničné námestie 11, Staré Mesto

Located in train station, but once you are in you forget about that. A very nice place. Lovely decor and vibe. They brew their own beer usually 3 on tap with half a doz guest beers. The food is "pub classic" but it is very well prepared and very tasty. Nice staff. WARNING the biggest downfall of this place is NO TOILETS! You have to pop out to the station concourse and pay half a euro for a leak!

LUXOR Brewhouse, Biela 259

This brewpub is pretty stylish. Excellent own beer, of course unpasteurized and unfiltered. In addition, good home cooking. A cosy place to enjoy fresh beer and tasty food. A great quiet garden in the back of the bar. Friendly Staff.

Opre 'cider Ltd. Južná trieda 119

A cider brewery run by two brothers. Tours by arrangement.

Red Nose Pub, Zbrojničná 2, Staré Mesto

A very typical no-nonsense Slovakian Pub, centrally located, with plenty (26) of local beers at decent prices. A small beer garden and friendly staff. An "alternative" ambiance and metal music from the speakers. A small patio with murals in a backyard. 26 taps dominated by Corvus plus small breweries from Lucenec and Presov, as well as a handful of Czech micros. Prices were pretty low, staff are friendly. Definitely recommended when in town.

Pokhoi, Bočná 407

Local near the cathedral, 8 taps with craft beer from Slovakia and Czechia, a very nice ambience. A smallish bar in a courtyard off the main street. Chilled out vibe, a chilled out barman, cool patio with some greenery, chill-out music. Definitely must see in Kosice.

Dobré Časy, Čajkovského 860

Technically the taproom for God Times brewery from Svit. Quite a big place for a craft beer bar? The ambiance is modern, loft-inspired. Lots of bricks, some wood and more industrial, metallic elements, with a pleasant, warm illumination. 26 taps, though mostly Slovak/Czech micros and uninspiring western imports.

U Seburgiho, Hlavná 43

Restaurant with about 10 taps. A medium sized bar with a patio on the main street in the old town of Kosice. Very nice service. They also serve their "own" brand Seburgi, which is being brewed at Kaltenecker in Slovakia. Very nice place to relax on the patio with a view of the beautiful old town.

I hope you found my guide to the brewpubs and bars in Košice useful?

Now you just need to get yourself out there and start the beer adventure for yourself!

Go grab a locally brewed pint (or 2) and support your local brewers!