Svijet Stripa, meaning “Comic World” in Croatian used to be a cool neighborhood cafe where I sometimes enjoyed my afternoon coffee, surrounded by all the retro comics, it’s a place where you’d come to hang out by yourself and browse through the endless stacks reminiscing childhood .

Last spring, we discussed with a couple of friends how it would be a cool place to host acoustic gigs, just to find out that the same idea had occurred to the owner as well. So ever since then, you can find someone playing in “SS” every weekend and sometimes during the week. And I must say, it’s a great place for coming to enjoy a relaxing evening with friends or by yourself, and listen to some good music.

Another great thing about this place is that it is in a somewhat secluded street and the bar opens up with one whole wall onto the terrace, so no matter if you’re sitting outside or inside, you can hear the music. It also makes the air circulate, so it doesn’t get too hot or smoky inside.

It is definitely a spot to look out for, and I’m just hoping they have more surprises in store.

For me Figaro is one of those „Cheers” spots, where everybody knows your name. Naturally, since I’ve been having my morning coffee there since the time I was old enough to have coffee and got addicted to it (a trait most Croatians have in common).

A local neighborhood cafe where you know exactly what time each person is going to come: my parents are among the early morning birds at 08:00, myself a bit later together with painter neighbor we talk life, art and everything connected around 10:00, 10:00 – 12:00 the high-school kids from the neighboring school who are either skipping classes or on their break…

Apart for the morning-coffee ritual, Figaro is a nice spot for a glass of wine in the evenings, on those nights one doesn’t feel like going downtown, but is still in the mood for a hangout with friends. Especially during the summer, when you can chill on the terrace with your glass of wine chatting to people at neighboring tables.

So in case you’re wandering around Maksimir neighborhood, stop by Figaro, and if you do so a couple of times, you can be sure the waiters will remember your order so in no time you will just have to show up and feel like one of the locals.

update: Figaro is now divided in half for smokers and non-smokers The usual crowd of smokers complained too hard so the owners gave in… welcome to Croatia  

Legend Riders is a cafe where you can be sure every time you walk in you’re in for some good rock’n'roll, either music, or a spontaneous party that might develop.

The owner is one of the biggest Elvis fans I’ve met in my life, with an envious collection of quality music which is played usually from DVD’s on the big TV screen. He’s also kind enough to let his customers suggest music they are in the mood for, as long as it falls along the lines of Clapton, Satriani and other guitar masters.

Jazz and blues are also welcome. And if you’re there when he puts on the Elvis re-mastered 1977 DVD concert , be sure to stay, ’cause it’s quite probable he’ll pick up the guitar, play and sing, which is not to be missed.

It’s a perfect hangout place for weekday nights and easy Sundays or any other day you feel like good music, interesting people and conversations.

p.s. smoking allowed, naturally.