SIP Pub

This year, a new hotspot for beer lovers has been added to Zagreb's craft scene. SIP, a new pub powered by Zagreb's famed Zmajska pivovara brewery, opened in the geographical center of the city, the Trnje quarter, as a kind of culmination of the story that the first, and one of the most important Croatian craft breweries, has been building for more than a decade. Andrej Čapka's Zmajska brewery is one of Croatia's pioneering craft houses, which has shown that domestic beer can compete with the world's best. Their ales and porters have been the reference point on the local scene for years, and SIP appears to be a logical continuation of that path, as a place where the whole story can be experienced first-hand and where their philosophy can come to full expression, through gastronomy, atmosphere and a full-fledged night out experience.

Located in the renovated space of a former Croatian Railways foundry, in a beautiful brick building, SIP aesthetically relies on urban flair, while proudly boasting its brewing roots. High ceilings, open plan, graffiti and industrial details create a magnetic ambience that works equally well for a relaxed afternoon beer, an evening gathering with friends or a more serious exploration of the world of craft. The indoor floor space and a large terrace (with a stage for various events and an additional outdoor bar) can seat more than 200 people, and the purchasing system is fully simplified by the absence of table service. Drinks and food are ordered and paid for at the bar and self-serviced, for which trays are provided if necessary, with a ‘pager‘ that signals when you can come back for food.

The staff is numerous, cheerful and helpful, and always ready to pour a few shots of beer samples if you are not sure what to choose.

What’s on the menu?

Of course, the main star of the program is beer. There is a wide cross-section of the production of Zmajska pivovara, from lighter and more drinkable styles to aromatic IPAs, seasonal editions and limited series that will appear right here before they get elsewhere. SIP has been conceived as a place to keep up with what is currently happening in the brewery, so regular guests will always have a reason to come again.

Alongside well-known beers such as pilsner, pale ale and IPA styles, experimental and occasional releases attract special attention. To celebrate the opening, a special beer First SIP, hazy pale ale created for the new address, was presented as well.

To our surprise, several beers were on offer from other local craft breweries, as well as one from Czechia. Other curiosities include Hop Water, a refreshing hop-based beverage, then juices supplied by a small local family farming business, as well as a few good whiskeys and rums. There is also an offer of hot drinks and coffee, which is also available in a cold nitro version on one of the taps, as well as a very short generic wine menu.

The gastronomic offer is inspired by American barbecue, but not limited to it. The emphasis is on dishes that naturally go with different beer styles – from smoky and rich flavors to lighter snacks that accompany fresher and more hoppy labels. 

The star of the show is BBQ, a series of delicacies from the smoker, such as brisket, ribs, pork belly cubes in sweet BBQ sauce, buffalo wings or one of the sandwiches – Philly or Cubano with pulled pork, and smoked turkey. The sharing section includes, for example, Sicilian arancini, crispy chicken pieces, nachos with cheese or hummus. There is also a number of delicious side dishes such as baked beans, macaroni and cheese, tater tots or pickled vegetables, and some excellent sauces.

The sweet tooth is also not neglected, so you can choose between a heavy chocolate mousse or a refreshing lemon pie.

What did our chefs try?

From such an extensive menu full of delicious comfort food staples, it was difficult to choose, but we managed to limit ourselves to a selection, with a firm plan to return soon and conquer the rest.

Of course – the brisket. And a really good one at that. Soft, juicy, with beautiful smokey notes that could not hide the rich taste of quality meat. The flavor is strong enough to withstand even the more powerful beers, with more body and/or bitterness. Then the ribs, which were superbly prepared – the meat came off the bone with ease, while the sticky glaze carried a pleasant balance of sweetness and smoke.

The buffalo wings showed their teeth with an expected dose of spiciness, but without exaggeration, and for capsaicin masochists, SIP always has a line of hot sauces ready to suit everyone's taste. 

Coleslaw went really well with everything, fresh with a little ‘American’ sweetness, crisp and light enough to refresh the palate between bites. Mac and cheese beautifully rounded everything off with a creamy texture and full flavor of the legendary American treat.

For the aperitif, we tasted several session beers from the tap, which confirm what Zmajska has been known for years – the drinkability, precision and wonderful aromas. In addition to the potent flavors of the food, we later tasted the now legendary Pozoj, west coast IPA beer, hoppy and notably bitter, but wonderfully refreshing with tropical and citrus aromas, and the excellent Nitro Noir stout, moderate with a creamy foam and a wonderful range of chocolate, coffee and caramel aromas.

We will keep the quantity a secret. :)