Archives for “jazz” tag

“Basta” means garden in Serbian. And this one is a garden of stone. But it’s not just another new café with some playlist on repeat. When I saw it for the first time, I had a feeling of “knowing this place from before” which I usually feel when a place has some “soul”. This brand new outdoor spot is situated in an old backyard in a boundary area between the Savamala and the Kosancicev Venac quarters.

I like it because it’s hidden, has a great selection of white wines and a great crowd. And they’ve just introduced periodical live jazz nights. Every evening there’s a combination of a particular music and a drink on promotion. The place is relatively small and gets crowded easily (reservations are possible). If you get lost wandering through Savamala area, just find the building No.43 in Karadjordjeva Street and follow the stairs next to it. On top of the stairs, this garden is hiding.

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Basta | Bars, Music | Beer RSD 180
Male stepenice 1a | +381607407408
20:00 – 02:00 daily

“Supermarket” is the city’s first concept store, opened in 2008. I remember it was a supermarket warehouse in my childhood. I love huge spaces and this one definitely is. Even when it’s crowded you still have a room to breathe. I usually come here to have a lunch or diner but sometimes just to buy a gift. And even if you’re not hungry or not interested into design – you should come for a drink and spend some time in this refreshing space.

The kitchen is international – a real fusion of bites – for some you might even think as incompatible. In the city where the most predominant restaurant food is either national grill or cucina italiana – this restaurant is like an oasis. Sunday from 13:00 to 17:00 is so called Jazz brunch when live jazz is played.

The store items are in the range from Scandinavian design for home to designed clothes and watches by international labels. The book “Dorcol – Manual for lost, found and around” can be bought here and I find it quite useful for anyone who is in Belgrade for the first time. In September 2011 a tattoo shop has been opened, so if you’re into tattoos…

As you are approaching the main entrance door, you’ll see a word “Super” on the left door handle and a word “Si” on the right handle. “Super Si” – meaning “You’re Superb” in Serbian. Yes I am but so are you!

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Supermarket Concept Store | Art & culture, Bars, Coffee & tea, Music, Shopping, Snacks, Restaurants (Intern.) | Meal for 2 +/- RSD 2500
Visnjiceva 10 | +381112910941
10:00 – 00:00 daily

“Ptica” means “Bird” in Serbian and it’s a very rare bird for Belgrade. In the city where most live band venues still prefer bands playing mediocre pop and rock covers – “Ptica” is a music jewel. And the most famous jazz club in the city.

The place has recently changed its original location and moved into a much better one for a club. The ground floor is a typical café with a bar, in a wooden interior, decorated with instruments and pictures of jazz and blues musicians. It’s nice for a daily conversation with a drink while listening to some jazz or r’n'b. But the real gem is in the basement. Down there in the dark the live bands play, usually every Friday and Saturday at 21:00. Sometimes Serbian jazz legends and doyens play, other times you can see some “new stars” of the domestic scene.

I like the “hidden feeling” in the basement – if you were on the street above ground, you would never even think that some music is played underground. And it’s like a commune down there – loyal and regular clientèle comes to enjoy (and dance a bit sometimes).

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Ptica | Bars, Coffee & tea, Music | Entrance to live music RSD 150
Cara Urosa 19 | +381113287925
Mon – Thu 12:00 – 00:00, Fri – Sat 12:00 – 01:00