Špunka

Špunka is a craft beer bar at Užupio gatvė 9 in Užupis, the self-proclaimed 'republic' of artists on the eastern bank of the Vilnia river in Vilnius, Lithuania. The bar serves as a showcase for the Dundulis brewery and sits close to the Užupis Angel, the statue that marks the district's central square. Its crowd is a blend of Užupis residents, artists, students and visitors who have walked across the river from the Old Town, and the dress code is entirely casual. The atmosphere is neighbourly and unhurried, in keeping with Užupis's bohemian reputation: people tend to linger over several beers rather than move between venues, and the volume is set for conversation. The drinks programme focuses on Dundulis beers, with a draught and bottle selection that lets visitors sample the brewery's range in the district where it is promoted. Prices of about €3.50-5 per glass keep the bar affordable. Those curious about Lithuanian craft brewing can ask the staff which styles are currently available, as availability can change with the brewing schedule. Opening hours are not fixed in the information on file; the bar usually opens in the evenings daily, and visitors are advised to check the venue's own page before making a special trip, particularly outside the summer season when smaller neighbourhood venues sometimes adjust their schedules. There is no cover charge, reservations are generally unnecessary except for larger groups, and bottle service is not part of the format. Because Užupis is a quieter residential district, noise etiquette matters: late-night rowdiness is out of keeping with the surroundings. A visit pairs naturally with a daytime walk past the Angel, the riverside paths and the district's small galleries, followed by an early evening beer as the area settles.