A City Steeped in Poznań Craft Beer Tradition
Poznań craft beer has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the 19th century. In those early days, brewing was a family affair, with small breweries scattered across the city. The Stock family produced Sztokowskie beer, while Brauerei Sawiński and Conrad Lambert introduced Poznań’s first Bavarian-style beer. Other breweries popped up on Wrocławska and Święty Marcin streets, but their beers were often criticized for being of low quality.
An industrial tax introduced in 1819 led to the closure of many of these smaller breweries. However, the late 19th century brought modern brewing equipment, allowing Poznań craft beer to flourish. Three large breweries emerged—Aktien-Brauerei Bavaria, the Hugger Brothers Brewery, and a Czech-style brewery in Kobylepole. This shift laid the foundation for Poznań’s reputation as a city that values high-quality beer.
Stary Browar: A Tribute to Poznań Craft Beer History
One of the best places to see Poznań craft beer history in action is Stary Browar (Old Brewery). Originally home to the Hugger Brothers Brewery, the site was abandoned for years until entrepreneur Grażyna Kulczyk transformed it into a shopping, business, and cultural center in 2003.
Stary Browar celebrates its brewing heritage through its industrial-style architecture, featuring red bricks and historical references. Visitors will find an original arched brewery window, bottle caps embedded in walls, and a giant metal beer mug standing in the courtyard. Fun fact: this beer mug holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest beer mug sculpture in the world!
The Poznań Craft Beer Scene Today
Today, Poznań craft beer is thriving, with bars and breweries offering a diverse selection of high-quality brews. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a beer enthusiast, there’s no shortage of places to explore.
Piwna Stopa – A Poznań Craft Beer Gem
Piwna Stopa is a must-visit for Poznań craft beer lovers, offering 16 rotating taps and nearly 200 bottled options. The bar frequently collaborates with breweries, creating exclusive beer editions.
Besides beer, Piwna Stopa serves unique hot dogs, double-layered toasts, and craft beer tasting sessions. The bar also features live jazz, rock, blues, and country music, an outdoor beer garden in summer, and a cozy fireplace in winter.
Ministerstwo Browaru – The Authority on Poznań Craft Beer
Ministerstwo Browaru offers 10 taps and 400 bottled beers, making it one of the largest Poznań craft beer selections in the city. The expert staff can help you find the perfect beer or set up a tasting board.
The venue also serves Belgian fries, cheese and meat platters, and gourmet burgers, alongside cocktails and shots. Events like the Mini Festival of Poznań Craft Breweries make this bar a lively spot for beer enthusiasts.
Ułan Browar – A Poznań Craft Beer Experience in City Park
Ułan Browar is a brewery and restaurant that produces six signature Poznań craft beers, including Kapral Pils, Major Pszeniczne, and Porter Bałtycki BA—some of which have won Gold Medals at Kraft Roku competitions.
The venue spans 1,000m², featuring a relaxation zone, a billiards area, and private event spaces. On Wednesdays, Ułan Browar hosts “Ułan Browar and Friends”, where guest breweries introduce their best beers.
Chmielnik – Celebrating Polish Poznań Craft Beer
Chmielnik is dedicated to Polish craft beers, with 13 rotating taps and a vast bottled selection. Its beer garden features a live hop plant (Sybilla), a nod to traditional brewing.
Besides beer, Chmielnik offers beer-based cocktails and grilled steak, Baltic trout, and pork neck, making it a great spot for food and beer pairings.
Brovaria – The Iconic Poznań Craft Beer Brewery
Located in a historic Old Market Square tenement house, Brovaria is one of the oldest Poznań craft beer breweries. It serves eight draft beers (five seasonal) and six bottled varieties. Popular options include Sweet Stout (with coffee and chocolate notes) and Baltic Bourbon Barrel Aged (with bourbon undertones).
The restaurant offers beer-infused dishes alongside Polish, French, Italian, and German cuisine. Brovaria’s elegant setting and large outdoor seating area make it a great spot to enjoy craft beer in a historic atmosphere.
U Boćka – Popular Spot For Beer Enthusiasts
U Boćka is known for its friendly owner and offers a wide selection of beers, particularly focusing on quality Czech beers. Patrons have noted the welcoming atmosphere, with complimentary snacks like pretzels provided alongside drinks. The pub has received positive reviews for its ambiance and service, with a rating of 4.8 out of 5 on Restaurant Guru. Additionally, Bar U Boćka is dog-friendly, inviting guests to visit with their canine companions.
Poznań’s Beer Revolution Continues
From its early brewing struggles to today’s thriving craft beer scene, Poznań has come a long way. Whether you’re looking for historic breweries, experimental stouts, or seasonal IPAs, the city offers a diverse beer experience that keeps evolving. So grab a pint and discover the best of Poznań’s brewing tradition!
