Scouting beer dens in Tallinn…

In rabib anticipation of this trip I’ve been Googling pubs all over Europe. Estonia being the country I know the least amount, it seemed logical to start there.

At the top of almost every list I see is the “Hell Hunt”, a bar that, according to which guidebook you believe, is either full of locals or a tourist trap. Seeing as its in all the guidebooks I’ve been reading, I’m voting for the later. Then again, they do serve beers in both of my favorite colors: light and dark. Actually, for most of my research I’ve been using a website I found entitled “The European Beer Guide” and its pretty helpful. Now its hard to tell how up-to-date the information they provide is, but it does offer links to the main pubs in Tallinn, where hopefully the information (and by information, I mean beer prices) are more current. (more after the jump…)If the prices listed are correct (or even close) its looking like Tallinn will be a bargain by the rest of Scandinavian standards (let’s not get into the “Estonia is NOT a Scandinavian country” debate right now, okay?). Beers between $US 3-5 are pretty comparable to drinking at home. Except without the gorgeous Scandinavian women.

So besides for the Hell Hunt, it’s looking like the beer of choice in Estonia is “Saku.” Now I’m not sure how much diversity there is in beer in Tallinn, but believe me, I will do my due diligence and try as many different ones as I can find. Sometimes over and over again just to make sure I get a good sample size. And a sufficient buzz. My life is tough.

I’ve actually found another great way to hear about non-tourist trap bars. Talk to locals. yes, but I want to plan something in advance you say? Oh, well in that case just head on over to Couchsurfing and message a few people from wherever you’re headed. I’ve found this is a great way to get the truth from people over there. Unlisted happy hours, updated prices, new joints - no one knows a city like its true inhabitants. So go right to the source.

By the way, can I get some feedback on the “whole blogpost” vs “split between main page and dedicated page post”? I really like the more feature; its nice so people don’t have to scroll past several paragraphs of something they’re not interested. Then again, if no one follows my links or reads my whole entry - well you haven’t even seen this question then huh? F.