Nightlife
10 Best Craft Beer Bars in Tbilisi: Hoppy Hideouts Worth Finding
Discover the 10 best craft beer bars in Tbilisi, from hidden gems serving Georgian microbrews to a surprise mead spot.
Georgia may be world-famous for wine, but Tbilisi's craft beer scene has been quietly brewing something special.
Over the past few years, I've watched local breweries start experimenting with uniquely Georgian ingredients - think khinkali-spiced gose and tarragon pale ales - creating beers you won't find anywhere else on earth.
This guide covers my favorite spots to drink craft beer in Tbilisi, from cozy basement bars to pet-friendly hangouts.
10 Best Craft Beer Bars in Tbilisi
1. Tsota Tsota
"Tsota Tsota" means "a little bit" in Georgian, but there's nothing small about the beer selection here. As the official taproom for Megobrebi Brewery, this Sololaki basement bar pours 14 of their beers on tap plus an impressive fridge stocked with cans and bottles. This is my go-to spot for trying experimental Georgian brews.
The vibe is Berlin-meets-Tbilisi: exposed brick, dim lighting, and the hum of conversation from locals and tourists alike. Order the Tiflis Night milk stout or, if you're feeling adventurous, ask about their khinkali-inspired sour beer - it tastes like Georgian dumplings in a glass. The burgers here are some of the best in the city, and the staff genuinely love talking beer.
Address: 7/20 Geronti Kikodze St, Tbilisi 0105
Hours: Daily 4PM-1AM (until 2AM Friday/Saturday)
Phone: +995 511 20 28 62
2. Process Craft Beer Bar
Process has the best security guard of any beer bar in Tbilisi - a small dog named Teddy who keeps watch from the doorway. Inside this hole-in-the-wall spot on Kostava Street, you'll find four taps of house brews plus fridges packed with bottles from Georgian breweries like NaturAle, Underground, and Megobrebi.
The bar encourages visitors to grab a Sharpie and leave their mark on the wood-paneled walls and tables. Sit outside on a deck chair when weather permits and chat with the friendly street dogs wandering by. The music rotates between 90s Britpop and modern pop - sometimes in the same hour. It's unpretentious, affordable, and exactly what a neighborhood craft beer bar should be.
Address: 19 Merab Kostava St, Tbilisi 0108
Hours: Daily 3PM-1AM
Phone: +995 593 73 73 93
3. Jerk N Sip
This isn't your typical craft beer bar - it's a jerky bar that happens to serve excellent beer. Jerk N Sip specializes in house-made beef jerky and what locals swear are the best hotdogs in Tbilisi, paired with a rotating selection of Georgian craft brews. The combination of salty, savory jerky with a cold IPA is surprisingly perfect.
The bar hosts regular live music events and has a loyal following among Tbilisi's creative crowd. It's a bit off the beaten path compared to other spots on this list, which makes it feel like a genuine local find.
Address: 16 Ivane Machabeli St, Tbilisi
4. Crossroads Bar
While not technically a craft beer bar, Crossroads serves the best mead in Tbilisi, and if you're exploring Georgian fermented beverages beyond wine and beer, this expat-friendly spot near Liberty Square deserves a visit.
The bar runs quiz nights on Wednesdays, karaoke Sundays, and social events that attract a mix of locals and international visitors. The cocktails are top-tier, the bartenders are genuinely fun to chat with, and the mead selection offers something you won't find at the dedicated beer bars.
Address: 30 Shalva Dadiani St, Tbilisi 0108
Hours: Daily 8PM-late
Phone: +995 511 20 11 08
5. Sma Craft Beer Bar
Sma is so small there wasn't room for the extra "ll" in its name. This tiny bar on Lado Asatiani Street channels serious 80s vibes with retro posters and vintage knick-knacks covering every surface. Despite the limited space, they've managed to fit eight taps and a well-curated fridge of local craft beers.
The bartender at Sma once spent an evening discussing Georgian basketball players from the NBA with me while Joy Division played overhead. That's the kind of place this is - unpretentious, music-forward, and beer-obsessed. Their burgers are legitimately excellent too, served on brioche buns with grass-fed beef. Every sixth pour is on the house.
Address: 48 Lado Asatiani St, Tbilisi 0105
Hours: Daily 4PM-12:30AM
Phone: +995 595 85 05 54
6. Abragi
Walk into Abragi and you'll see a wood chip wall proudly declaring "only Georgian craft beer." They mean it. This Sololaki spot stocks six taps and an enormous fridge with bottles and cans from virtually every brewery in the country, including some labels I haven't spotted anywhere else.
The staff here are serious beer nerds who will happily walk you through tasting samples before you commit. Order the Seahorse APA or ask what's new from Underground Brewery. There's outdoor seating for warm evenings, and the location just off Freedom Square makes it an easy first or last stop on a bar crawl.
Address: 20 Shalva Dadiani St, Tbilisi 0105
Phone: +995 558 89 56 65
7. HOPA Taproom
HOPA claims to be Tbilisi's first dedicated taproom, and while I can't verify that, I can confirm their West Coast IPA is one of the best-brewed beers I've had in Georgia. The bar has 12 taps plus a fridge with local cans and a few Belgian imports for variety.
The four-beer flight sampler at 15 GEL is a steal, and there's a loyalty program where your sixth beer is free. Space is limited inside, so most regulars sit on the front patio along Atoneli Street when the weather cooperates. Fair warning: the neighboring restaurants sometimes send BBQ smoke your way, but honestly, it just makes you hungry.
Address: 18 Atoneli St, Tbilisi
Hours: Daily 12PM-1AM
8. Black Dog Bar
Tbilisi's first pet-friendly bar has become a local institution. Black Dog has two locations - a neighborhood feel in Sololaki and a larger space at the Wine Factory complex. Both pour the full tap list from Number 8 Craft Brewery and serve some of the best bar food in town, including burgers that rival dedicated burger joints.
The Sololaki location has movie posters on the walls, including murals from The Big Lebowski that really tie the room together. Bring your dog, bring a friend's dog, or befriend one of the street pups wandering by - they're all welcome. The bar also operates a seasonal outpost at Gudauri ski resort.
Address: 33 Lado Asatiani St, Tbilisi (Sololaki location)
Hours: Daily 2PM-2AM (varies by day)
Phone: +995 599 03 62 51
9. Number 8 Craft Beer Club
Number 8 was one of Georgia's first microbreweries, and their Vake taproom remains one of the best places to drink their beers fresh from the source. The bar has a proper pub atmosphere with a jukebox, sports on TV, and live music on weekends.
Beyond beer, Number 8 stocks the biggest craft spirits menu in Georgia - local tinctures, brandies, whiskey, gin, and absinthe. Order the house lager or their seasonal IPA, then work through the bar food menu featuring American-style burgers and nachos. They offer 50% off on takeaway beer, which is perfect for picnics in nearby Vake Park.
Address: 22 Irakli Abashidze St, Tbilisi 0186
Hours: Daily 12PM-1AM
Phone: +995 591 65 14 14
10. Optimist Craft Bar
This one takes some effort to find - look for the sign on Nato Vachnadze Street, then walk through a gate and down an alleyway. The hidden entrance is worth it. Optimist has ten taps pouring not just beer but also cider and mead, making it a good option if your drinking group has varied tastes.
The minimalist interior feels different from the other bars on this list - more polished, less graffiti. The staff speak Russian and English and are happy to guide you through the selection. It's closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
Address: 7 Nato Vachnadze St, Tbilisi 0105
Hours: Tue-Sat 7PM-2AM, Sun 7PM-12AM, Mon closed
Phone: +995 591 06 22 46
FAQ
How much does craft beer cost in Tbilisi?
Expect to pay 8-15 GEL (roughly $3-6 USD) for a draft craft beer at most bars. Bottles and cans are similar or slightly cheaper. High-end bars charge 15+ GEL for specialty imports. Compared to Western Europe or the US, drinking craft beer in Tbilisi is remarkably affordable.
What are the best Georgian craft breweries to try?
Megobrebi is the most experimental, known for sour beers and Georgian-ingredient infusions. Number 8 was a pioneer in the scene with reliable classics. Underground Microbrewery, NaturAle, and Seahorse all produce excellent beers worth seeking out.
Are Tbilisi craft beer bars cash only?
Nope, most bars in Georgia accept card payments.
What time do craft beer bars open in Tbilisi?
Most open in the afternoon between 12PM and 4PM and stay open until midnight or later. Bars like HOPA open at noon for lunch drinkers, while spots like Crossroads don't get going until 8PM.
Can I bring my dog to craft beer bars in Tbilisi?
Yes, several bars are explicitly pet-friendly. Black Dog Bar built their brand around it, and Number 8 also welcomes dogs. Even at bars without an official policy, Tbilisi is generally relaxed about well-behaved pets.
Is craft beer popular in Georgia?
It's growing quickly. Georgia's wine culture still dominates, and the local spirit chacha remains beloved. But over the past five years, craft breweries have multiplied and beer bars have become established hangouts, especially among younger locals and expats.
What food should I order at Tbilisi craft beer bars?
Burgers are the most common pairing - Sma and Number 8 both serve excellent ones. Tsota Tsota has great bar snacks and burgers. Jerk N Sip specializes in jerky and hotdogs. Many bars also serve Georgian classics like khinkali.
What is the best craft beer bar for beginners in Tbilisi?
Start with Abragi or HOPA. Both have knowledgeable staff who offer tasting samples and can guide you through Georgian beers based on your flavor preferences. The flight options at HOPA are particularly good for sampling multiple styles.
Are craft beer bars in Tbilisi open on weekends?
Yes, weekends are peak time. Most bars are busier on Friday and Saturday nights, with some extending hours until 2AM or later. A few smaller spots like Optimist close on Mondays.
How do I get around to different craft beer bars?
Most bars on this list are walkable from each other in the Old Town and Sololaki neighborhoods. For bars farther out like Number 8 in Vake, use Bolt for affordable rides. Just don't drive after drinking - taxis are cheap and plentiful.
Conclusion
Tbilisi's craft beer scene keeps getting better. Local breweries are pushing boundaries with Georgian ingredients, and the bar owners genuinely care about building community around good beer. Start at Tsota Tsota for the full Megobrebi experience, hit Abragi for the widest Georgian selection, and end at Crossroads if you're curious about mead. Your liver might protest, but your taste buds will thank you.
