When I started writing for Spotted by Locals, the choice of local beers could be narrowed to the ubiquitous Jelen or Lav (the two most widely found brands), while the Black Turtle was Belgrade’s only microbrewery. The situation has since changed for the benefit of beer lovers, and now there are several more brewing places with some lip-smacking beers. However, none have the modesty and affordable prices you will find in Black Turtle pubs – and that is something I appreciate.

I like their full-bodied stout best, which, together with the pleasantly bitter lager, are two of their standard beers. When I get enough of them it is time to move on to their specials such as Indian Pale Ale, Bitter Ale or Weissbier, just to name a few. Alas, there is rarely more than one or two of the special brews available and pubs occasionally run out of them. Though there is still place for improvement, the efforts of launching the first microbrewery, keeping it alive for all these years and retaining decent prices are more than praiseworthy.

The concept of Black Turtle Pubs is rather simple: mouthwatering beers, dimmed lights, background R’n’R, plus a relaxed atmosphere. If we disregard beer lovers of all ages, the majority of clientele is young and utterly unpretentious.

This small company owns two more centrally located pubs: at Kosančićev venac 30 and Gospodar Jovanova 56. Additionally, several more venues serve their beers, so stay alert for the Black Turtle signs!