"The Sarajevo Brewery's cathedral-like beer hall pours unfiltered house lager beside veal and sausage plates for a lively group night."
About Pivnica HS
Pivnica HS is the grand beer hall of the Sarajevska pivara, the Sarajevo Brewery founded in 1864, on Franjevačka in the Bistrik quarter of the old town (Stari Grad). The hall opened in 2004 inside a protected historic brewery building, a few steps from where the beer is still made. It is one of the most distinctive rooms in our Sarajevo guide, a city better known for its ćevabdžinice and grills.
The draw is the house beer poured at source, unfiltered light and dark Sarajevsko lager, alongside a long menu of Bosnian and European plates. There is live music most nights, which tips it from a quiet dinner toward a sociable evening. For why a long-running room tends to outlast the trend-led ones, see our guide to the signs of a great restaurant.
The Kitchen
The kitchen leans on hearty Bosnian cooking: rolled and stuffed veal, grilled and house-made sausages, schnitzels, and platters built for sharing, with lighter options such as squid and salads for the table. The unmissable order is the unfiltered Sarajevsko beer brewed metres away, light or dark, which most plates are built to drink with. A main with a side runs around 20 KM, which keeps a long table affordable.
The Room
The setting is the spectacle: a vast, neo-Gothic brewery hall of dark wood, arched windows and brass, more grand civic interior than neighbourhood pub. It runs loud and convivial, especially with the nightly live music, so it suits a celebration or a big group over a hushed dinner. Service is brisk and used to handling tables of all sizes, and there is an English menu.
Best for a group night out or a birthday
Book a long table for a team dinner or a birthday over the house lager; the room and prices also make an easy, sociable business lunch in the old town.
Not for
A quiet, intimate dinner: this is a vast, music-filled brewery hall built for big sociable tables rather than a hushed romantic evening.
Frequently Asked
What is Pivnica HS in Sarajevo?
Pivnica HS is the grand beer hall of the Sarajevska pivara, the Sarajevo Brewery founded in 1864. It opened in 2004 in a protected historic building on Franjevačka in the Bistrik quarter, pouring the brewery's own beer.
What should I order at Pivnica HS?
The house unfiltered Sarajevsko lager, light or dark, brewed metres away. To eat, the kitchen is known for rolled and stuffed veal, house-made sausages and sharing platters of Bosnian grilled meats.
Where is Pivnica HS?
It is at Franjevačka 15 in the Bistrik quarter of Sarajevo's old town (Stari Grad), beside the Sarajevo Brewery. The phone number is +387 61 488 019.
Is Pivnica HS expensive?
No. It is mid-range, with a main and a side running around 20 KM, which makes it an affordable choice for a large table.
Is Pivnica HS good for groups?
Yes. It is a vast, lively brewery hall with live music most nights, built for big sociable tables, birthdays and team dinners rather than a quiet meal.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Pivnica HS
Walk-ins welcome; book ahead for large groups and weekend evenings with live music.
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Practical Information
AddressFranjevačka 15, 71000 Sarajevo
NeighbourhoodBistrik, Stari Grad
CuisineBosnian grill & brewery
Price$$ · mains around 20 KM
RecognitionBeer hall of the 1864 Sarajevo Brewery; opened 2004 in a protected building
SignatureUnfiltered Sarajevsko lager; rolled veal and sausage plates
