Košice has a healthy student population, and while we’re not so naive as to assume only students can party you can’t really ignore the impact a mass of young folk has on boozing. Bars, pubs and clubs abound, with plenty of spots waiting for those looking to dance the night away, or drink the night away, or combine the two. Bright lights, beautiful people, really old buildings. Košice is some heck of a night out.
Beer, beer, burgers and beer, it is almost as Dobré Časy has hardwired itself into our dreams and created a little slice of nirvana specifically for In Your Pocket. The beer list is extensive and the burgers are delicious, and the whole thing takes place in a quite shockingly large venue, complete with a quality beer garden. This is also the place to go if you’re after the mix of live sports and ‘In Utero’ era Nirvana, a marvellous mix if ever there was one.
If you want proof of craft beer’s ascension to the headlines, look no further than Žil Verne. A solidly crafty spot, this little pub is located smack-bang in the heart of Košice’s centre, offering a smattering of local brews in the epicentre of this magical city. Beer snacks are also available, along with some delightfully offensive (depending on your opinion of curse words) shirts.
Located on Dominican Square with a great view of the church and the market, Golem is a classic Slovak beer house with the brews and dishes to prove it. They brew their own beer, offering light, dark and mixed varieties, plonk that matches perfectly with the wide variety of beer-centric food available. The service is delightfully cheery too, which we never tire of. Don’t be fooled by the relatively small outdoor seating — there are plenty of spots inside.
If a place has been serving quality beer since the 16th century, it is generally a decent bet for a good pint. Pivovar Hostinec more than stands up to that lofty claim, brewing some quite excellent beer in magnificently authentic surroundings. The beer list changes on a daily basis, so you can visit day after day and just keep on trying different things. The menu is full of Slovakian classics, along with some excellent beer snacks. It is also surprisingly inexpensive, considering its prime location.
While many beer-centric spots tend to focus on the international brewing scene, Red Nose Pub is all about the domestic variety. The best of the Slovak beer scene is available here, with 27 taps covering a wide variety of beers from all over the country. There are frequent live music events, but this is all about the beer. Extra points for ‘Milan Rastistout Stefanik’.
Comments