Scott is joined by Jack Anderton, the founder of The European Bar Guide, to talk about the magic to be found at 10 of Europe’s best bars. From hidden gems to icons, their conversation covers them all and offers plenty of inspiration for your next trip with stories of character-filled bars & pubs that capture the spirit of their cities.
Links to topics and bars discussed:
The European Bar Guide Top 100 of 2025
The European Bar Guide Glossary of Terms
Chata Pod Rysmi – Slovakian ‘pub’ and hut/inn on a mountainside in the Tatras Mountains
The Mountain Hostel – another magical European mountain experience
Papa Joe’s Jazzlocal – one-of-a-kind jazz pub in Cologne
Papa Joe’s Biersalon – Papa’s other spot in Cologne
Cafe Beveren – vintage bar in Antwerp with the last remaining Decap dance organs
Zlatna Ribica – utterly unique bar in Sarajevo
The Blue Bell – tiny but tremendous historic pub inYork (go for the cheese & crackers on Sunday nights). A few other great York pubs that were mentioned: The Phoenix, The Swan and The Golden Ball
t’Brugs Beertje – great beer bar with cozy atmosphere in the heart of Bruges
Cafe De Dokter – One of my favorite bars of all time, hiding in plain sight in the center of Amsterdam.
Retsins Lucifernum – not just a bar, a labor of love by a slightly eccentric, art lovin Belgian named Willie
Stampen – rocking jazz and rhythm & blues bar in the Old Town of Stockholm, Sweden
Yorckschlösschen – iconic jazz bar in Berlin
Szimpla Kert – one of the original and easily the most iconic ‘ruin bar’ in Budapest
Jernbanecafeen – quirky, rail-themed bar behind Copenhagen Central Station
La Fleur En Papier Doré – atmospheric and artistic bar in Brussels (ranked #1 by European Bar Guide in ’25)
Hofbräuhaus – historic beer hall in Munich where you can get a taste of Oktoberfest all year round