Prime craft beer pubs in Irkutsk

Irkutsk, the sixth largest city in Siberia, annually attracts thousands of tourists. It is mainly known as the best cutoff to Baikal Lake, Russia's seventh wonder. However, with its Soviet and modern architecture, as well as Saint-Petersburg-like marine flair, it has much more to offer. Besides, the city's nightlife and the art are truly flourishing, whilst the culinary and beer scenes offer a good mix of cool and chilled-out pubs and bars. Don't go on a long search, just scroll to see what are the prime craft beer pubs in Irkutsk to find your sensational ale.

Shop & Pub Dekabrist 

On a residential side road, next to the central Dzerzhinskogo Street, Dekabrist is a dimly-lit bar owned by a bunch of Irkutsk beer enthusiasts. Opened several years ago, it positions itself as a beer space with the vision to foster the city’s craft revolution. It’s known for its hip interior and some excellent beers. Its 12 pumps pour some great ale, and lager such as Blanche and Guinness Nitro IPA, whilst its chock-full fridges feature about 50 different bottles of beers. Dekabrist also sells some entertaining merchandises, like gift wooden beer boxes and beer flight sets.

It usually opens at 4 pm and works till midnight over the week, and till 2 am on weekends. On some Friday nights, there are kvartinik-style parties. Kvartirnik is known in Russia as a small cozy musical concert or performance usually at someone’s apartment. So, make sure to pop out in Dekabrist around this time. 

Shop & Pub Dekabrist, Irkutsk

Kiyevskaya Ulitsa, 7, Irkutsk, Irkutskaya oblast', Russia, 664003

Light bulbs and beer at Edison

With its 20 taps, quality live music, American and European cuisine, Edison Craft Beer Pub clearly means business. A five-minute walk from Lenin Street, it enjoys the vibrant atmosphere of the 130th Quarter in the historic city center of Irkutsk. The pub’s big hall is a popular location for music events. You might see here some of the best Irkutsk indie bands or blues solo vocalists. 

Each Wednesday, Edison has a jam session followed by a Thursday quiz night. Add to this some juicy burgers and more than 20 kinds of tap beers. You can try your special Edison Stout every day from 6 pm to 2 am, except for Saturday, when you can enjoy it even until 4 am. 

Edison Craft Bar, Irkutsk

Ulitsa 3 Iyulya, 33, Irkutsk, Irkutskaya oblast', Russia, 664022

The 130th Quarter, Irkutsk

Ulitsa 3 Iyulya, д. 8, Irkutsk, Irkutskaya oblast', Russia, 664022

Belgium is closer than you think at KwakInn 

Although you might not find Guinness at KwakInn, a pint of the finest Belgian beer is guaranteed. An Irkutsk franchise of a popular Saint-Petersburg bar chain, KwakInn serves as a real ambassador of Belgian beer and culinary tradition in Russia. As of 2016, this powerful beverage and overall Belgian beer culture is inscribed at the UNESCO intangible heritage list. 

Located at the crossroad of Kievskaya and Karl-Marx streets, this elegant three-coloured bar opens its doors from Sunday to Wednesday from 12 pm to 12 am, whilst during the weekends, the opening hours shift to 2 am. Guests can watch sports games, whilst enjoying the culinary delicacies served with the beer. 

KwakInn Bar, Irkutsk

Kiyevskaya Ulitsa, 2, Irkutsk, Irkutskaya oblast', Russia, 664003

Not only you can expect vodka in your Siberian trip – although there is plenty – but also a fair mix of cozy pubs and elegant restaurants. Hope you can find your dream ale in one of the suggested craft beer pubs of Irkutsk.