Oslo Mikrobryggeri has been serving up beer brewed on location since 1989.
Back in the day, “Oslo Mikro” was the city’s only option for an alternative to the typical Norwegian swill. In fact, it was the first time I’d encountered a steam(er) beer that wasn’t Anchor’s. And it’s still around.
The interior is dark, warm, cozy and pub-like. Numerous booths and tables invite you to meet up with friends for an intimate chat. Saddle up on a barstool at the horseshoe bar to chat with the patron next to you or exchange flirtatious glances with the sultry stranger on the opposite side.
The atmosphere ranges from calm and intimate (early weekday evenings) to vibrant on Friday and Saturday. Located in one of the more highfalutin’ areas of Oslo, Oslo Mikrobryggeri is a pretension-free oasis.
Like darts? There’s a board in the innermost corner of the pub. You can ask to borrow a set of darts from the bar, but there’s a decent chance the players you’re eyeing to challenge not only have their own but are ranked among Norway’s best.
While Norway has seen a veritable beer-culture explosion in recent years, Oslo’s oldest microbrew pub seems to continue ambling along at its grandfatherly pace, so the quality of the atmosphere – not the beer – is the real appeal. There’s genuine comfort in the consistency and reliability of Oslo Mikro. It figured out long ago what it wanted to be and remains true to that ideal.
