You might not be aware, but Romania is number 3 in beer consumption in Europe. And although beer has been produced in the area for hundreds of years (among wine), the communist period made it cheap and low quality. This changed soon after 2000 when plenty of imports started to take over the market and the first local craft breweries emerged.
Nowadays, there are hundreds of craft beer producers all over the country and Bucharest became a hotspot for craft local beer. Most restaurants though still serve the big brands, so we’ve made a short list of places you should definitely pay a visit if you’re a beer fan.
Note that most of those places do not take reservations and some are self-service only. This is because most started as small businesses that quickly became very popular, especially with the craft beer book in Bucharest. So make sure you take those easy and have a backup plan in case your group is large.
Zaganu is one of the first larger craft beer brands in Romania, founded in 2013, the owners bought an old beer factory about 100km out of Bucharest and turned it into a craft beer factory.
And the best way to taste their beer is at their own pub on Calea Victoriei. You will be able to taste their whole beer portfolio and maybe some experimental ones as well.
There’s also a more picturesque location in the new building of Obor Market.
This could be heaven for any beer lover with over 25 different draught craft beers. You can choose your size and get a grass as low as 100ml (so you can taste more). The place is entirely self service and can get packed, especially evenings.
This place also hosts one of the best burger places in town, so make sure to try one if you get there.
Pay attention to the details around this place, it used to be the main travel agency for the Romanian rail transport service – you might find some interesting reminiscence from its past.
Very close to the Ironic Taproom, this feels a bit like a hidden gem. With a great beer selection and no seating indoors – so less crowded (the place is tiny, really tiny), it’s perfect for a pit stop while wandering the streets of Bucharest.
You might find some seating outdoors, although this is a rare sight here. Beware that drinking in public in Romania is illegal, but tolerated if you are in front of the pub.
This terrace sits in the middle of one of the nicest parks in the heart of Bucharest – Cismigiu Park and has a great local beer selection. They serve the house beer (a pils made in the Northern part of Romania and draught served) that is perfect for a hot summer day. Note that this place has outdoor seating only and it’s also self service.
It’s also a very popular hip place in Bucharest, so arrive early to make sure you get a table (no reservations available).
This is a brand that originates from the Hungarian speaking area in Romania. It has a distinctive taste and process that makes it delightful.
Their brand also runs a restaurant in Bucharest (it’s located within the old-town) where you can taste all their beer and also enjoy traditional Romanian and Hungarian food.
Their fruity beer is also miraculous for any hungover.
