So far I have been into the Oliver Twist pub a few times, handy as it is pretty central, and also Paddy Reillys in Stauffacher which was pretty disappointing for me at least in terms of the beer quality there. I know there are lots of other Irish/English bars but I have no idea which are the best ones to try.
http://www.theinternational.ch/
For a good selection of beers - here's what Erzbierschof has on tap:
http://blackrider.erzbierschof.ch/on-tap
I'd go to the International alone as the vibe is really fun. Erzbierschof is a bit hit and miss with the vibe but I would definitely go with a bunch of beer loving friends. There's not much there if you're not a beer lover as it's a very beer-centric place. Mind you, I've only been a handful of times so maybe I've been missing its lively moments.
It would probably help if you told us how old you are, as the different pubs appeal to different crowds...
I far prefer Kennedy's to Paddy's, but that may be because I'm mid 30s not early 20s. The beer is better in Kennedy's, but still a very mainstream offering. It's also ridiculously busy these days which could be a good or bad thing depending on your viewpoint. As it has got so busy, I'm spending more time in The Lion, as it's a bit quieter and the new(ish) manager John is doing a great job of injecting some life into the place.
I agree that Kennedy's beer tastes better than Paddy O'Reilly's. For meeting new people the Nelson Pub near Main Train Station / Bahnhofstrasse may be worth visiting. The have happy hours from 5-8 (different prices 5-6, 6-7, 7-8, 8+). But on a sunny hot evening it is quite empty and boring, but on not so nice days it can get quit crowded and I found the background music makes a good atmoshpere. The women/man ratio varies but is sometimes much better than in other bars/pubs. The nearby Lady Hamilton is similar and belongs to the same company, but even more empty on sunny summer evenings.
Yeah , very true. The normal "drafts" are not very drinkable but if you take a Hoegarden, Grimbergen or Erdinger it is ok.
I would mark Kennedy's down on cosy (and time of day dependent, fun - it's better at the weekend than the after-work crowd)
Nelson loses out on beer quality. Wins points for happy hour though. I haven't eaten there, but doesn't look great
Lion isn't cosy and most of the staff aren't great
Paddys beer is so so and crowd a little too young and crowded for my taste
Oliver Twist is a bit dingy imo and food is average at best
International is (intentionally) very different in style to the others - it's more of a craft beer place. They don't really do food and frankly if you are asking about hospitality jobs in other threads the prices are going to make you eyes water.
I think that covers the main places. If there's any others, I've probably forgotten about them, but could give a view.
hmmm CHF 9.80 for a pint of Murphys Red ? hey it is Uster and not Zurich !
I think that Paddy Reilly's can be super fun on a Friday night for more of a party atmosphere.
Kennedy's, as said before is really cool for after work, they also have a decent menu.
Oliver Twist has had some live bands which I miss from bars in the US.
There's a bar called Cooper's in Oerlikon, it's a bit understated and not crazy at all, but perhaps a bit cheaper and lower key since it's not directly in the center of Zürich.
However, no matter where you go, you'll be paying a decent Rappen for your beer
Cheers!
Do you know any place where US sports matched (NFL/NBA/NHL/MLB) are generally broadcasted?
Thanks for any tip!
Darione