Samo Pivo

Samo Pivo is a craft beer hall at Balkanska 13 in Belgrade's Stari Grad, Serbia, close to the Balkanska street axis that runs between the railway-station area and Terazije. The name translates roughly as Only Beer, and the concept follows: 24 taps of Serbian craft beer, plus an upstairs terrace for warmer months. The crowd is a mix of local beer enthusiasts, office workers after hours, students and visitors seeking the Serbian craft scene, with an age range of early twenties to forties. The atmosphere is casual and social, with shared tables and conversation more important than dress, so jeans and trainers are entirely normal. Music is incidental and kept low enough to talk over. The drinks programme is the reason to go. The rotating tap list gives visitors a way to sample beers from Serbian craft breweries, with pints typically 300-700 RSD (roughly $3-7), depending on strength and style. Staff can usually suggest a lighter lager, a hoppy pale ale or a stronger stout, and ordering several smaller measures is a common way to taste across the list. Opening hours are listed as daily from noon to 1AM, so the hall is suitable for an early afternoon beer as well as a late evening. The terrace upstairs is the first choice in summer, while the indoor room is warmer in the colder months. There is no cover charge. Reservations are not usually necessary on weeknights, but groups wanting terrace seating on a Friday or Saturday evening should arrive early or ask whether a table can be held. Bottle service does not apply; the format is pints and tasters at the bar or table. Samo Pivo works as a first stop before dinner in the old town, or as a beer-focused alternative to the cocktail bars of Dorćol and Savamala.