Cica Bar

Cica Bar is a tiny rakija bar at Tkalčićeva 18, on the pedestrian street that runs along the former Medveščak stream beneath Zagreb's Upper Town in Croatia. The bar is known for serving dozens of homemade fruit and herb brandies, called rakija, poured at the counter. The room is very small, so the atmosphere is close and sociable: a mix of curious visitors, local regulars and groups making a stop between larger venues on the Tkalčićeva strip. Ages range widely, though most guests are in their twenties to fifties. There is no dress code and casual clothing is normal. Music is incidental and conversation is the focus, which suits the tasting-style format. The drinks programme is built around rakija in many varieties, including herbal brandies and fruit versions such as plum, pear, quince, walnut and honey styles, typically priced around €1.5-3 per small glass. Because the glasses are small and prices are low, many visitors try several in a row, comparing flavours; the staff can usually suggest a progression from lighter fruit styles to stronger herbal ones. Rakija is strong, commonly around 40 percent alcohol or more, so pacing matters. Opening hours run daily from about 9AM to midnight, which makes the bar suitable for an early-evening aperitif or a late afternoon stop as well as a night out. There is no cover charge. Reservations are not usually taken for a venue of this size, and there is no bottle-service culture; drinks are ordered at the counter. Tkalčićeva is lined with cafés, restaurants and bars, so Cica Bar fits easily into a longer evening walk, and Ban Jelačić Square and the funicular to the Upper Town are both a short stroll away.