Over the last couple of years, I've noticed that a lot of new places has opened in Zagreb, and there was something different about them. At first glance I couldn't put my finger on it, but then I realized that the business owners that were starting new businesses, realized that they have to offer a bit more than what they used to. For instance, when it comes to decorating, all you had to do about ten or fifteen years ago when you wanted to open a, let's say, a coffee shop in Zagreb, was to put out tables and chairs. Nowadays, the competition is immense, there's generally a lot of bars, restaurants and similar places in one place, and every one of them wants to attract customers. What is then done by the business owners of bars, restaurants, hostels, and other guest establishments? They are trying to be unique, and different based on something they offer. Some places in Zagreb aced in that category by creating a themed site for their guests.

Step into the fantasy world

Photo Credit: Potter

Although I'm sure that I won't be able to list all of the places with a theme in Zagreb, these are the ones I've visited, and that stayed in my memory. Since I like to consider myself being a bit of a nerd, I had no doubt how to start this article. The choice immediately fell on places with fantasy themes. The eternal dispute between the so-called "Potterheads" and "Ringers" can be continued in Zagreb since both of them have their "headquarters" in Zagreb. The fans of the stories about a little wizard with a lightning bolt-shaped scar will surely love the Caffe bar simply called "Potter." As far as I could guess, the interior of the place was largely inspired by the Whomping Willow Harry and Ron drove into with the modified flying Ford Anglia. Fans of the middle earth will, on the other hand, find happiness at Opatovina where a pub called "Tolkien's house" can be found. Their selection of beer is simply impressive, and they have a shooter called "Sauron's brain," and it's delicious. I know what it's made of, but I won't reveal it as I don't want to spoil the fun of trying it for yourself for the first time. Since I'm already talking about trees, there's a place that's maybe a bit less well-known than the previous two, but that doesn't mean it's any less cool. The Treehouse Cafe is located at Radićeva 15, and it offers an excellent tea and schnapps selection, along with an interesting choice of books you can read during your coffee break. Although its interior irresistibly reminds of Lord of the Rings, it's actually a fusion of the owner's spirit and the Venetian wall clock. 

Photo Credit: Tolkien's House

No place like home

If you make a few steps down the street from The Treehouse Cafe, you will shortly reach a unique place in Zagreb. It's called "Mio Corazon Tapas bar," and you pretty much learn what's so special about it from its name. Even more curious fact about Mio Corazon is that the same owners are running a restaurant with the same name just across the street. The owners of the restaurant and the bar are a married couple. He is from Spain, and she is from Croatia. They combined their love towards the two countries, food, and drinks, and made a unique, creative business story. Another thing that's also special about Mio Corazon is that they offer unique cocktails and their interior is something else. Mio Corazon is not the only place inspired by love towards a country. 

Photo Credit: Belfast North Irish Pub

There are two drinks Ireland is famous for. And those are whiskey and beer, without a doubt. You can look for both in a pub called Belfast North. Unlike Mio Corazon which is situated just a couple of steps from the main square, Belfast North found its home at Jablanska Street 76. Belfast North is also a sports bars, a type of bar which also grew in popularity in recent years. The United States inspire one of my favorite sports bars, Brewbites. It's located in the very center, and besides being an authentic American sports bar you see in movies, Brewbites also offers delicious food, so you have something to nibble on while cheering your favorite team, be sure to swallow before your team scores! 

Photo Credit: Brewbites

Sweet or rough and tough

If you happen to be in the mood for something cute and sweet, your destination is, without a doubt, Kim's coffee. People like going there because they feel like they're in their living rooms. The place is a shrine of coziness. Their interior decor is not the only one that's providing coziness; there's also their food and drinks. What I like the most is going there during the Christmas time because they have the most imaginative coffee and hot chocolate-based beverages ever. If you have a real sweet tooth, you can also get some pancakes and other sweet stuff there. Kim's coffee is located near the town center, at Petrova 21. 

Photo Credit: Kim's Coffee

On the other hand, if you're a fan of rock 'n' roll and that whole image, but in general, a true fan of beer, your trajectory will drag you to another direction. What would better fit this topic than the R'n'R theme park? You can dance the night away at the club called Klub or you could try some beer from the selection of over 220 different ones at Beertija. 220, yeah, you read that right. During warmer parts of the year, you can enjoy them outside on their garden terrace among busts of some of the biggest rock icons. If all that is not enough for your wild rock 'n' roll hearts, you will find more of that similar experience at Bikers Beer Factory. Besides motorbikes hanging from the ceiling, BBF has a music program that takes place there throughout the entire year. This nightclub/pub/cafe bar also offers food, and the thing I like the most about it is that it has free parking behind the club which is a rarity at Savska cesta 150 where BBF is located. 

Photo Credit: The Beertija

Whatever theme is the right one for you, I hope some of these places caught your eye, and that you know where to look now when in search of a themed place in Zagreb. 

Header Image Credit: The Treehouse Cafe

Author: Tibor Trupec