Croatian Beer: Where To Buy And What To Know

Croatia has a thriving beer scene, with a mix of industrial-scale production and craft breweries. The two most famous Croatian beers are Karlovacko and Ožujsko, which is the oldest beer in the country, having been produced since 1892. If you're in Croatia, you can buy beer in supermarkets and liquor stores, and if you're elsewhere, you can order Croatian beer online from specialist retailers.

Online retailers like Amazon and specialist sites

If you're looking to buy Croatian beer online, there are a few options available to you, including online retailers like Amazon and specialist sites.

Amazon

While there is no Amazon Croatia website, it is still possible to order Croatian beer through Amazon from certain countries. The Amazon International Shopping Portal will automatically filter out products that can't be shipped internationally, so you can browse items that can be delivered to Croatia.

The best way to get your Amazon order delivered to Croatia is by using a package forwarding service, such as Mailboxde, which provides a convenient solution for international shoppers who want to purchase items from online retailers in countries where they don't have a physical address. Mailboxde specifically operates in Germany, so you will need to shop on Amazon DE (Amazon Germany). You can use Mailboxde to get a German address, which you can then use as your shipping address on Amazon DE. Once your item has been shipped to your German address, you can choose a shipping carrier to deliver your package to Croatia.

Specialist Sites

There are also specialist sites that sell Croatian beer online. For example, Beers of Europe offers a range of Croatian beers, including the two most famous Croatian lagers, Karlovacko and Ožujsko, as well as craft beers from independent breweries. Another option is GotoLiquorStore, which offers delivery from local stores, although you will need to enter your address to check product pricing and availability in your area. Total Wine & More also offers Croatian beer, although it is not available in all locations.

Supermarkets in Croatia

Opening times

From May to October, Croatian supermarkets are usually open on weekdays and Saturdays from 8 am to 8 pm, with larger shops often closing later, at 9 or 10 pm. On Sundays, smaller shops generally follow the same opening times as weekdays, but supermarkets may close as early as 1 or 2 pm. During the high season (July and August), supermarkets may stay open later on Sundays. In the low season, shops tend to close an hour earlier in the evening.

Dubrovnik Old Town supermarkets

The supermarkets in Dubrovnik Old Town are dotted throughout the old town streets and are usually medium or small-sized.

Gruz Harbour Supermarkets, Dubrovnik

If you want to do a big shop, the supermarkets in Gruz Harbour are a good option. They are similar to large UK supermarkets and have a good range of products.

Zaton supermarkets

Zaton supermarkets are more like small grocery stores, so it's best to stop off at one of the larger supermarkets in Gruz if you want to do a big shop.

Mlin Bay

Mlin Bay has some good-sized supermarkets, as well as small kioska selling day-to-day grocery items.

Dubrovnik supermarket recommendations

In Dubrovnik, there is a small Konzum supermarket in the Old Town. For larger supermarkets, try Lapad or Gruz, where Tommy and Konzum have outlets. You could also try Gastro Shop Pomalo or Gusti Wine, which are reported to carry some liquors.

Supermarket chains in Croatia

Some of the supermarket chains in Croatia include Konzum, Plodine, Lidl, Eurospin, Interspar, Kaufland, Studenac, Tommy, Ribola, DM-drogeriemarkt, and Muller.

Croatian beer

Croatia produces a variety of beers, predominantly blond beers. The two most famous are Karlovacko and Ožujsko. Ožujsko has been in production since 1892 and is the most popular Croatian beer, while Karlovacko is the national beer, thanks to its huge level of marketing. The craft brewing scene is also thriving in Croatia, with small independent breweries popping up all over the country, from Zagreb to Istriam and Dalmatia, as well as the islands.

Specialist liquor stores in Dubrovnik

Specialist liquor stores are hard to come by in Dubrovnik, as wine, beer, and spirits are typically sold in supermarkets. However, if you're looking for a place with a good selection of liquor, there are a few options to consider.

Konzum Supermarket

Konzum is a small supermarket located in Dubrovnik Old Town. For larger supermarkets, head to Lapad or Gruz, where you'll find outlets of Tommy and Konzum.

Gastro Shop Pomalo

Gastro Shop Pomalo, located at Antuninska Str 5, is recommended by a user on TripAdvisor.

Gusti Wine

Gusti Wine, found at Izmedju Polace Str 11, is another suggestion from a TripAdvisor user.

D'Vino Wine Bar

D'Vino Wine Bar, located in the heart of Dubrovnik's Old Town, boasts an impressive selection of domestic wines available by the glass, bottle, or tasting servings. They also offer daily wine tastings, personalized group events, and guided wine tours.

Razonoda Wine Bar

Razonoda Wine Bar, found at Ul. od Puča 3, is a small wine shop with over 50 types of Croatian wines.

Buzz Bar

Buzz Bar, situated on Prijeko Street, is a popular local bar that offers cheap coffee and cocktails.

Art Café

Art Café, located just outside the Old Town's Pile gate, is a funky and creative spot adorned with unique features like bathtub chairs and old records. They serve smoothies, cocktails, and coffee.

Pub Dubrovnik

Pub Dubrovnik, situated in the heart of the Old Town, is a cozy cavern-like space with wooden benches and vintage Guinness ads. They serve all-day breakfasts, traditional pub meals, and a variety of draught beers.

M'arden Dubrovnik

M'arden Dubrovnik is a hidden gem in the old town, offering a secluded walled garden where you can enjoy quality Croatian wines. The staff are known for their warm welcome and extensive knowledge of local wines.

Grabovac Wine Spot

Grabovac Wine Spot is a wine bar just off Old Town's main square. The bartenders are knowledgeable about the wines they serve and offer regular pours at reasonable prices.

Please note that some of these establishments may be bars or restaurants rather than specialist liquor stores, but they are included as they offer a good selection of liquor.

Breweries in Zagreb, Dubrovnik and Istria

Croatia has become well-known for its wine, but in recent years, a lively craft beer scene has emerged. Here are some of the top breweries in Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and Istria.

Zagreb

The Garden Brewery is housed in an old red-brick factory in Zagreb's industrial east. It is a lively, characterful venue for both club nights and family-friendly events. The Garden Brewery offers gourmet burgers, which pair well with their beers, including a zesty pale ale and a stout.

Beertija has a courtyard terrace and a basement bar. It has a post-industrial aesthetic, with a glass-wall smoking tank in one corner. It offers a mind-boggling choice of local and imported ales, including Newcastle Brown and Montenegrin Nikšićko pivo.

All In is a trendy modern bar with a great cast of craft beers from Croatia and beyond. They have local favourites like Zmajska on tap.

Tolkein's House is an early adopter of American-style craft beers, as well as cask ale imports and local Croatian favourites.

Dubrovnik

The Dubrovnik Beer Company is Dubrovnik's leading brewery, with a range of unfiltered and unpasteurized craft beers.

Istria

Bura Brew in Poreč is one of the best-known breweries in the region. They experiment with unique flavours and create beers that go perfectly with Istrian cuisine, from fresh seafood to grilled meat.

San Servolo Brewery in Buje, near the Slovenian border, offers guided tours where you can learn about the brewing process. After the tour, you can savour the beers in the brewery’s restaurant, enjoying the view over the surrounding hills.

Kampanjola in Svetvinčenat produces an eco-friendly craft beer in three variants, two basic and one occasional.

SUXO in Pula is a small craft brewery producing nine types of craft beer, three of which are constantly produced, while the others depend on demand and season.

Istarska Pivovara in Buzet is another brewery in Istria, which has merged two famous Istrian ingredients—truffles and muscat—with beer. Istarsko muskat is the first Istrian beer champagne, while Istarsko tartuf is an unfiltered light beer.

UK-based delivery services

If you're looking to buy Croatian beer and get it delivered within the UK, there are a few options to consider. One option is to check out specialist online retailers such as Beers of Europe, which offers a wide range of Croatian beers, including well-known brands like Ožujsko and Karlovačko, as well as craft beers from independent breweries. They provide free delivery within the UK for orders over £100.

Another option is to explore the offerings of the Wee Beer Shop, which is based in Glasgow and delivers to the UK mainland. While they don't always have Croatian beers in stock, it's worth checking their website or getting in touch to see if they can source what you're looking for.

For those in London, Taste Croatia in Borough Market is a great option. This shop offers a range of Croatian delicacies, including wines, and may also stock Croatian beers. You can visit their physical store or explore their online offerings.

Additionally, some users have recommended checking out Balkan UK and Dissa for Croatian alcoholic drinks, although it's unclear if these are specific to London or deliver across the UK. It's worth investigating these options further to see if they can cater to your needs.

Frequently asked questions