Founded for the first time in Zlătari Inn in 1879, the restaurant then moved to the actual location, in a landmark building designed by Architect Zigfrid Kofczinsky in Neo-Gothic style. Stained glass windows, an impressive interior decorated in a mock German beer house style, as well as a traditional, more austere cellar, together with the house beer (supposedly following a secret recipe), all join hands to create a unique experience. And, if until a few years ago the service was from bad to worst, nowadays it is improving (even though exceptions and “I do not know, wasn’t me” situations still occur. But even so, an evening at the Caru’ cu Bere is a fine experience with their live music and traditional dances from different parts of the country, as well as with the fine (even though a bit crowded) terrace. In autumn (the last week of September and all October) they also serve grape must.

Book ahead, it tends to be full for dinner (the show starts at around 7:30 PM), while if you want to explore the building at ease, go there for lunch.

Mind you the ‘non smoking area’ actually is half of the main hall and smoke tends to travel from the smoking area in there, as there is nothing to separate the two halves. Therefore, if you have a problem with that, better book a table on the terrace and only visit inside. The service varies widely according to the number of customers, but this is not a place where promptness should be expected.

Note: As of end 2013, the façade was under restoration, scaffoldings included, but the restaurant is open as usual.

GPS - N44 25.916 E26 05.896

5 Stavropoleos (the easiest access is from Calea Victoriei, as you look at the National History Museum, take the street to the left of it and soon find the restaurant to your left, just past Chocolat Cafeteria), http://www.carucubere.ro/