Top 5 Sofia Craft Beer Bars in 2026 [Sip'd & Tasted]

As a craft beer connoisseur who's spent years exploring Sofia's brewing scene, I can confidently say this city has become one of Eastern Europe's most exciting beer destinations.

I've tasted my way through dozens of Bulgarian breweries, befriended local brewers, and spent countless evenings sampling everything from hop-forward IPAs to experimental sours across the city's best taprooms.

Here are my expertly curated picks for the best craft beer bars Sofia has to offer in 2026.

5 Best Sofia Craft Beer Bars

#1. Hi5 Craft Beer Bar

[Photo: Hi5 interior with taps - "Beer taps"]

This is hands down one of my all-time favorite spots in Sofia. Hi5 sits right in the heart of the city center and boasts an impressive rotating selection of around 12 taps featuring both Bulgarian craft breweries and international favorites. The vibe here is unpretentious and welcoming – you'll find everyone from beer geeks discussing hop profiles to groups of friends just enjoying a casual evening out.

What really sets Hi5 apart is their knowledgeable staff who are genuinely passionate about beer (shout-out to Misha and Denis!). They're always happy to recommend something based on your taste preferences, and I've discovered some of my favorite Bulgarian breweries through their suggestions. The bar also regularly hosts tap takeovers and tasting events, so there's always something new to try. They even operate as a bottle shop, so you can take your favorites home.

The industrial-chic interior with exposed brick creates a relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for settling in for the evening. They also serve excellent bar snacks and sandwiches – the craft beer cocktails are an interesting twist if you're feeling adventurous.

• Address: ul. "Hristo Belchev" 29b, 1000 Sofia Center

• Hours: Monday-Thursday 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM, Friday 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM, Saturday 2:00 PM - 1:00 AM, Sunday 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM

• Google Maps: Hi5 Craft Beer Bar

#2. Crafter Bar

[Photo: Crafter beer selection - "Beer taps"]

Located in the city center just off Vitosha Boulevard, Crafter Bar offers one of the most refined craft beer experiences in Sofia. With 10-12 taps pouring a carefully curated selection of Bulgarian and international craft beers, this bar strikes the perfect balance between quality and atmosphere. As a beer connoisseur, I particularly appreciate their commitment to showcasing the best of what's available.

The space itself is modern and stylish, with a sleek interior that attracts a mixed crowd of locals and tourists. There's also a fantastic outdoor "garden" area adorned with beer-related artwork and a striking mural – it's one of the most Instagram-worthy beer spots in the city. The atmosphere is relaxed yet polished, making it ideal for both casual meetups and more refined evenings out.

What I love most about Crafter is their dedication to quality over quantity. Every beer on tap is served in perfect condition, and the staff are incredibly knowledgeable about their selection. They also offer a small collection of boutique Bulgarian wines if you're with someone who isn't into beer. The bar snacks and burgers here are legitimately excellent – some of the best food you'll find at a craft beer bar in Sofia. Prices are slightly higher than some neighborhood spots (expect around €4-5 for a pint), but the quality justifies it.

• Address: ul. "Hristo Belchev" 6, 1000 Sofia Center

• Hours: Monday 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM, Tuesday-Wednesday 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM, Thursday 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM, Friday-Saturday 5:00 PM - 2:00 AM, Sunday 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM

• Google Maps: Crafter Bar Sofia

#3. Kanaal Bar

[Photo: Kanaal outdoor garden - "Beer garden"]

One of the pioneering craft beer bars in Sofia, Kanaal has been a cornerstone of the city's beer scene since 2012. This hip bar in the Oborishte neighborhood specializes in Belgian craft beers alongside an impressive selection of Bulgarian and international brews. With around 30+ beers on tap across two bars, Kanaal probably offers the largest tap selection in Sofia.

The atmosphere here is wonderfully unique – it's bigger than it looks from the outside, with cozy couches, an outdoor beer garden, and greenery cascading down the walls. The Dutch minimalist design creates a trendy yet comfortable space that's perfect for long sessions with friends. Weekend nights feature live DJs, making this one of the liveliest craft beer spots in the city.

What makes Kanaal truly special is the staff's expertise and their global connections. The owners have relationships with brewers worldwide, which means they often get rare beers that you won't find anywhere else in Eastern Europe. The prices are very reasonable (around €3-4 for 400ml), and they even serve Asian-inspired food from their restaurant partner. The beer garden is particularly fantastic during warm weather, and the bar also opens early for excellent coffee and cake.

• Address: Blvd. "Madrid" 2, 1505 Oborishte, Sofia

• Hours: Monday-Thursday 5:30 PM - 1:00 AM, Friday-Saturday 5:30 PM - 2:00 AM, Sunday 3:00 PM - 1:00 AM

Google Maps: Kanaal Bar Sofia

#4. Vitamin B Craft Beer Bar

[Photo: Vitamin B beer garden - "Outdoor seating"]

This bar in the Oborishte area near the university has an absolutely amazing selection – when I visited, the menu had around 300+ bottled options from Bulgaria and around the world, plus 6-8 rotating taps. The bartender assured me they actually stock everything on the menu, which is rare for such an extensive selection.

The interior is modern and inviting, with a relaxed, low-key vibe that's perfect for serious beer exploration. What really impressed me was the staff's knowledge – they're genuinely passionate about beer and took the time to help me pick options based on my preferences. They even offered tasters before I committed to a full pour. The bar also functions as the official taproom for Sofia Electric Brewing, so you'll always find their excellent local beers on tap.

The large beer garden out back is a fantastic bonus, especially during Sofia's pleasant spring and summer months. Despite having two rooms and this huge backyard, Vitamin B gets packed during peak hours, so arrive early if you want a good seat. The music selection is spot-on – moderately loud but atmospheric. They also partner with Podlez restaurant for food, so you can enjoy tacos and other quality bites with your beer. Prices are very reasonable at around €3-5 per pint.

• Address: ul. "Vrabcha" 24, 1504 Sofia Center

• Hours: Monday-Friday 4:00 PM - 2:00 AM, Saturday-Sunday 2:00 PM - 2:00 AM

• Google Maps: Vitamin B Craft Beer Bar

#5. Nosferatu Bar

For craft beer lovers who appreciate good metal music, Nosferatu is an absolute must-visit. This small bottle shop and bar near NDK has been a cornerstone of Sofia's craft beer scene, and it offers something you won't find at the other bars on this list – an unapologetically rock and metal soundtrack paired with an excellent beer selection.

What makes Nosferatu special is Itsko's incredible knowledge and genuine friendliness. He's one of the most knowledgeable and welcoming craft beer experts in Sofia, always eager to help you navigate his extensive selection of Bulgarian, Polish, Baltic, and Scandinavian craft beers. There are about 5 beers on tap at any given time, plus an impressive wall of bottles covering styles you won't find elsewhere in Sofia. The place is compact with just a few tables inside, but there's also the option to grab your beer and enjoy it on the sidewalk outside if the bar gets packed. Prices are very reasonable, typically around €3-4 per beer, and you can take bottles home too.

• Address: bul. "Patriarh Evtimiy" 28, 1000 Sofia Center

• Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

• Google Maps: Nosferatu Craft Beer Shop

Fun Facts About Craft Beer Culture in Sofia

• The Bulgarian craft beer boom began around 2012, and the country now has over 50 craft breweries, with many based in or around Sofia

• Sofia hosts an annual Craft Beer Fest in May, featuring dozens of Bulgarian breweries and attracting thousands of beer enthusiasts from across the Balkans

• Most Bulgarian craft beers are incredibly affordable – expect to pay €2.50-4 for a pint at most bars, significantly cheaper than Western European capitals

• Bulgarian brewers love experimenting with local ingredients like rose petals, lavender, and even yogurt (yes, really – and it's surprisingly good)

• The Sofia craft beer scene is incredibly welcoming to newcomers – you'll rarely encounter beer snobbery, and bartenders are genuinely happy to help you discover new favorites

• Many Sofia craft beer bars also function as bottle shops, so you can take home your favorite discoveries

• Card payment is widely accepted at all major craft beer bars, though it's smart to carry some cash for smaller neighborhood spots

• The city's craft beer scene has strong community vibes – you'll often see the same faces at different bars, and it's easy to strike up conversations with fellow beer enthusiasts

• Several bars participate in the Sofia Party Pub Crawl, which is a great way to experience multiple venues in one night if you're short on time

FAQ

1. What's the average price for craft beer in Sofia?

Craft beer in Sofia is remarkably affordable compared to other European capitals. You can expect to pay between €2.50-5 for a 0.4-0.5L pour at most craft beer bars. Some upscale venues might charge closer to €5, while neighborhood spots can be even cheaper. Bulgarian craft beers are generally less expensive than imported options.

2. Do Sofia craft beer bars accept card payments?

Yes, most craft beer bars in Sofia accept card payments, especially the more established venues in the city center. However, I always recommend carrying some cash (around €20-30) as smaller neighborhood bars might be cash-only or have minimum card payment amounts. ATMs are widely available throughout the city if you need to withdraw Bulgarian lev (BGN).

3. What Bulgarian craft breweries should I try?

Some of my favorite Bulgarian craft breweries include Crafted, White Stork, Hmeli & Lef, Kanaal Brewery, and Blek Pine. Each has a distinct style – Crafted excels at hop-forward IPAs, White Stork makes excellent Belgian-style beers, and Hmeli & Lef creates wonderfully balanced traditional styles. Most craft beer bars will have at least 2-3 of these on tap.

4. Is Sofia safe for solo travelers visiting craft beer bars?

Absolutely! Sofia is generally very safe for solo travelers, and the craft beer scene is particularly welcoming. The bars I've listed have friendly atmospheres where it's easy to chat with bartenders and other patrons. Just use common sense – avoid unlicensed taxis (use Taxi Me or Yellow Taxi apps instead) and don't leave drinks unattended.

5. What's the best neighborhood for craft beer in Sofia?

The city center around Vitosha Boulevard has the highest concentration of craft beer bars and is most convenient for visitors. However, I'd encourage you to venture into neighborhoods like Lozenets and Krasno Selo for a more local experience. The craft beer scene is spread throughout the city, which actually makes bar-hopping quite interesting.

6. Can I do a craft beer tour in Sofia?

While there aren't many dedicated craft beer tours, you can join the Sofia Party Pub Crawl which includes stops at some craft beer venues. Alternatively, many craft beer bars are within walking distance of each other in the city center, making it easy to create your own self-guided tour. Bar staff are usually happy to recommend nearby spots.

What food pairs well with Bulgarian craft beer?

Bulgarian craft beers pair wonderfully with local cuisine. Try them with traditional dishes like shopska salad, grilled meats (kebapche and kyufte), or kashkaval cheese. Many craft beer bars also serve elevated pub fare like gourmet burgers, craft sausages, and cheese boards. The staff can usually suggest good pairings for specific beer styles.

Are there any craft beer bottle shops in Sofia?

Yes! The Beer Spot is the best dedicated craft beer bottle shop in Sofia, offering hundreds of Bulgarian and international options. Many craft beer bars also sell bottles to-go, and some larger supermarkets now have decent craft beer selections. Prices at bottle shops are very reasonable, usually €2-3.50 per bottle for Bulgarian craft beers.

When is the best time to visit Sofia's craft beer bars?

Sofia's craft beer bars are enjoyable year-round, but spring and early summer (April-June) are particularly great as many bars have outdoor seating and the weather is perfect. The annual Craft Beer Fest in May is an excellent time to visit if you want to try many different breweries at once. Weekday evenings tend to be less crowded than weekends.

Do I need to speak Bulgarian to enjoy Sofia's craft beer scene?

Not at all! Most staff at craft beer bars speak English well, and beer menus are typically available in English. Bulgarians appreciate any effort to learn basic phrases, but you'll have no problem navigating the craft beer scene with just English. The beer community in Sofia is very international and welcoming to visitors.

What's the tipping culture in Sofia craft beer bars?

Tipping isn't mandatory in Bulgaria, but it's appreciated for good service. At craft beer bars, rounding up your bill or leaving 5-10% is standard for table service. If you're sitting at the bar and chatting with the bartender, leaving a euro or two per drink is nice but not expected. Many locals simply round up to the nearest convenient amount.

Conclusion

Sofia's craft beer scene has matured beautifully over the past decade, and these five bars represent the best of what the city has to offer. Whether you're a serious beer enthusiast hunting for rare Bulgarian brews or just someone who enjoys a good pint in a welcoming atmosphere, you'll find your spot here. My advice? Start with Hi5 to get oriented, then explore the neighborhoods to discover your own favorites. The beauty of Sofia's craft beer community is that everyone's genuinely passionate about sharing great beer, so don't hesitate to ask for recommendations. Cheers, or as we say in Bulgaria – Наздраве!