Why You Must Visit Super Panda Circus In Brno

Super Panda Circus is probably the most unique bar you will ever visit. In their own words, it is “a completely different world” where “nothing makes sense”.

The Super Panda Circus website tries to explain further:

Once upon a time, in a distant galaxy …
… on a pink planet called the Matrix …
… a football team of wizards, hippies and mermaids …
… built a spacecraft based on spice, bitters and cognac …
…
… In a chess tournament with a Chinese grandmaster……
to clap the sound of a falling tree with one hand
…… and fall through a wormhole into the city, where the noon is striking at eleven.

Now that doesn’t really explain what delights you will witness in this famous cocktail bar, but it does, at least, give the impression that Super Panda Circus is anything but ordinary.

Where Is Super Panda Circus?

The bar has a speakeasy vibe but it is not hard to find. It is located on the edge of the old town (map). Don’t look for a sign, there isn’t one.

Through The Curtains

At the exact spot given by Google Maps is an entrance hidden by some curtains.

Behind the curtains is a small alcove where I was immediately shocked by the sight of endless reflections of me in the mirrors on either side. To my right, I found the buzzer which would allow me entry into this strange world.

Waiting Room

After pressing the buzzer, the door immediately opened and I was greeted by a ‘porter’. He took me inside and sat me down on a very comfortable settee and explained the ethos of the bar. Over a glass of green tea and toothpaste, obviously.

Entering Super Panda Circus

Having given me the introduction, I was led upstairs to the bar.

It’s hard to explain the feeling when I first entered the bar. The other customers looked at me as if to welcome me to their cult. “Oh, you’re one of the people that finds places like this?” said no-one but it wouldn’t have surprised me.

Super Panda Circus Menu?

There is no traditional menu. At the time of writing, you order a drink by either choosing one of the petals…

The second part of the menu could be found by pulling down one of the many lanterns from above your head.

Cocktails

Super Panda Circus is a cocktail bar; there are no beers for sale. I’m not overly familiar with cocktails of spirits but the staff were more than happy to help. I almost ordered a tomato cocktail which I would NOT have liked. Instead, I asked for something ‘creamy’.

My first cocktail was made from vegan peanut ice cream, raspberry and (I think) rum. It was delicious.

I sat drinking my cocktail, enjoying the ambiance.

Cocktail Number Two

Pretty soon, it was time to try another cocktail. This time, I wanted sweet. By now, my drinks were being made by Zuzanna who was super-friendly and chatted with me all night as she made cocktails for everyone.

My second cocktail was called ‘Dolly Blockbuster’ which was rum pampero, popcorn, sesame, lime and coke. It came with a delicious Parmesan biscuit.

I sat and enjoyed my second cocktail whilst watching the masters in action.

Eyeballs?

I noticed one particular cocktail being made that had a floating eyeball in it.

Zuzanna kindly let me have one. I thought they were marbles but they turned out to be gummy candy filled with sour liquid.

Third Cocktail

I had originally told myself I was going to only have two cocktails. However, I was having a great time and the cocktails were delicious. It was time for my third cocktail.

I decided to go with the ‘bukkake strobe light’ just for the name alone. This wasn’t on the new menu so I had to actually ask Zuzanna, “Do you do bukkake?”

The drink is made up of Captain Morgan black spiced rum, coffee, cashew, Dubonnet, grapefruit and yuzu. Once again, it was delicious.

Cocktail Number Four

This was DEFINITELY going to be my last one so I asked to make it fruity. Zuzanna didn’t disappoint. I have no recollection of what this one was, other than it had dried pineapple and vegan caviar on top.

It was during cocktail number four that a group of people arrived and I started chatting with a German guy. We instantly got along and he tried to persuade me to stay for one more. He even insisted that he pay. Oh, go on then.

Zuzanna made me her favourite cocktail, which actually had beer as an ingredient. I drank my fifth and final cocktail whilst chatting with my new German friend. I then asked for the bill. When the bill arrived, the German guy looked at it and said that he would pay! For the whole bill! I tried to decline but he explained it would just go on his expenses and he insisted. Wow! I had just spent a whole evening in the most expensive bar in Brno and it hadn’t cost me a penny!

Is Super Panda Circus Expensive?

This was what was worrying me beforehand and why I had originally limited myself to two drinks. The cocktails I had were just under 200 CZK (about £6.50). When you compare to beer which is very cheap in Brno (around 30 CZK) then it is very expensive. However, for a cocktail bar, it isn’t over-the-top. And you are paying for the experience too.

Is Super Panda Circus Worth Visiting?

You simply have to visit Super Panda Circus if you are in Brno. It’s a wonderfully weird bar and utterly pretentious. But what makes it a great experience, apart from the drinks and decor, is the staff. They were all super friendly and they are clearly a close team who really care about what they do. The drinks menu changes every year, as does the delivery of the menu meaning you can return and expect something new. It really is a must visit if you are in Brno.

Check out other ‘Things to do in Brno’.