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Whatever the time of year, new Zagreb bars are always raising and lowering their banners across the city centre and beyond, while traditional landmarks stay firm. Time Out's experts discover the best places to sip across town. Its small entrance gives way to a reasonably long seated area whose walls are decorated with a constantly-changing display of local art plus pictures and memorials of the late journalist's life and achievements.
The premises remains in the hands of his family, who uphold the warm appeal and original ethos of the bar, welcoming anyone from students and artists to young professionals and tourists but, truth be told, nobody would look out of place here. Coffees and teas, craft beers and all typical bar fayre is available, served by friendly and efficient staff who always have some interesting but not intrusive music playing on the house soundsystem. In summer, the outdoor terrace is lively and full, in winter, there are few cosier bars in Zagreb you could hope to be in.
A taste of real Zagreb. The team behind this place are big music enthusiasts and are attached to several major events in the city's calendar. The atmosphere often buzzing, thanks to its mix of backpackers and locals, and if you enjoy cocktails, it's a fabulous place to drink them without breaking the bank. As much a bar as it is an essential hub for alternative culture.
The music prgramme is dizzyingly diverse and there's usually something happening in the bar's basement. Just off the first square as you walk up from the station, the Bacchus Jazz Bar is an ideal place to meet friends, listen to jazz and either have a civilised party evening or get revved up for what's to come. The interior preserves the concrete, exposed brick and metal girders of the original factory floor, but clever lighting and comfortable seating ensures that this is far from being a minimalist post-industrial experience.
