Pivnica Union

Pivnica Union is a beer hall beside the Union brewery at Celovška cesta 22, north-west of the centre of Ljubljana, Slovenia. Union is one of the country's best-known beer brands, brewed in Ljubljana for well over a century, and the beer hall is the brand's own tap room and restaurant, so the draught beer is served at its freshest. The menu is classic beer hall food at moderate prices, with mains around €10-18. Union beer-hall sausages, grilled pork and beer-battered snacks are the usual orders, along with sides such as potatoes and sauerkraut, and portions are filling. The drinks programme centres on Union lager and the brand's other styles, served by the half-litre or litre, and non-beer drinkers can find Slovenian wine and soft drinks. The hall is large, with long tables, a high ceiling and a lively, communal atmosphere, and the noise level is loud when it fills, especially on evenings with football matches or groups. Dress is casual. It is open daily, typically from noon until late, according to its listing, but visitors should check before going. Reservations are advised for Friday and Saturday evenings and for groups, while weekday lunch is generally possible without booking. Booking is by phone or through the venue's own website. The location is a short tram or bus ride or a walk of around 20 minutes from the Old Town, so it works as a destination in its own right rather than a stop on the central tourist circuit. Visitors who want a quieter experience can come at lunch, and those who want the full beer-hall atmosphere should aim for an early evening before the hall fills. Sharing a sausage platter between two or three people is a common way to order.