It was in February when I had just finished my article about Bacchus Jazz Bar and had gone for a walk to take pictures to add. Unfortunately, instead of a pic, all I found was a sign on the large wooden door that’s keeping Zagreb’s greenest courtyard hidden away from the eyes of unknowing passers-by, saying it was closed – for good.

It’s not just that I had written my article in vain; it’s that Bacchus had been my Mediterranean oasis in continental Zagreb, with several huge fig trees throwing shade over the whole yard (watch out when in August those figs start to fall off and land on your table – free snacks!). I couldn’t believe the place was closed; it had existed since the 80s.

The good news is: Bacchus is open again, just in time for the warm and lazy summer evenings in the city and unpretentious Friday jazz nights. The current owner invested in new garden furniture. The break apparently did the place good — it seems even greener than before. 

The bar that goes with the courtyard is located in the cellar of a beautiful old-town building which is itself almost completely covered by all the plants and flowers growing from large terracotta pots on the numerous balconies and surrounding terraces. Bacchus is a spot to get a beer in after getting off the train from the coast on Zagreb’s main station and deciding I’m not quite ready yet to be back in the city.