In the heart of the capital, where history blends seamlessly with tradition and culture, one of Bucharest’s most iconic landmarks proudly stands: Caru’ cu Bere. Founded in 1899, this legendary restaurant is far more than a simple brewery. It represents a true cultural institution, a place where the city’s history has been written and continues to be lived by everyone who steps through its doors. Over the decades, Caru’ cu Bere became a meeting place for legendary personalities, from Ion Luca Caragiale and George Coșbuc to actress Demi Moore and members of the famous rock band The Rolling Stones. More than 125 years after its opening, this renowned establishment remains a symbol of Bucharest’s tradition and hospitality.

A historic beginning on Calea Victoriei

The story of the famous Caru’ cu Bere dates back to 1879, when the Transylvanian Ion Căbășanu opened a small tavern on Calea Victoriei, at number 2. Here, the residents of Bucharest quenched their thirst while enjoying cold, quality beer delivered in horse-drawn carriages.

The current restaurant, which carries the same name and was founded by the Mircea brothers, Ion Căbășanu’s grandchildren, is located on Stavropoleos Street, number 5, in the historic center of Bucharest. Over the years, it has witnessed extensive architectural and cultural transformations. 

The building was designed by Ziegfried Kofsinski, the personal architect of King Carol I, together with Alois Pesch, and is a remarkable example of German-inspired architecture from the interwar period.

It was conceived not only as a brewery but as an elegant venue where every visitor—whether a simple Bucharest resident or a tourist from distant corners of the world—would feel welcomed. Built during a period when Bucharest was modernizing and absorbing European architectural influences, Caru’ cu Bere successfully combined tradition with innovation.

Among the building’s most notable features were its air-conditioning system, a private water well, an exterior freight elevator for supplies, and a unique beer refrigeration system that delivered chilled beer directly to patrons’ tables. The interior décor is exceptionally beautiful, with frescoes, stained glass, and carved wood paneling that create a regal and fairytale-like atmosphere.

A gathering place for personalities and intellects

One of Caru’ cu Bere’s greatest prides is its history, rich with famous visitors. During the interwar period, the brewery became a preferred meeting place for intellectuals and artists. 

Here, luminaries such as Ion Luca Caragiale, George Coșbuc (affectionately nicknamed Badea Gheorghe), Ionel Brătianu, Vlahuță, Delavrancea, Sadoveanu, and Jean Marais would gather for a good meal and a cold beer.

In the post-war period and continuing to the present day, Caru’ cu Bere has attracted prominent figures from politics, arts, and culture. Jean-Paul Belmondo, Kirk Douglas, Nicholas Cage, Demi Moore, Jon Voight, and Edward Kennedy are just a few of the notable personalities who have passed through this legendary venue.

The Crown Prince of Japan, Naruhito, also visited, confirming the international prestige of Caru’ cu Bere. Not to mention that the rock band The Rolling Stones stopped here during a tour, adding a touch of rock ‘n’ roll to the traditional atmosphere.

Tradition and gastronomy

From its inception, Caru’ cu Bere was designed to offer a familiar yet sophisticated atmosphere. Inspired by German traditions, the brewery aimed to be accessible to all—neither exclusive nor overly luxurious, but a place where anyone could enjoy a good meal and a cold drink.

Its German-inspired menu became famous for dishes such as krenwurstchen (sausages with horseradish), frankfurters with mustard, beef salad, and mashed peas, complemented by quality beverages like the Lacrima lui Hristos wine and the renowned Bragadiru beer. 

The beer was served directly from the barrel, either in a full mug or in a “half-mug,” and the Mircea family, founders of Caru’ cu Bere, had an exclusive contract with the Bragadiru brewery, one of Romania’s most respected breweries at the time.

Another remarkable feature of Caru’ cu Bere, rare for that era, was the quality of its food. Bread and rolls used in meat dishes came exclusively from Carol Gagel, considered the wealthiest baker in Bucharest. The atmosphere was enhanced by live orchestras or small Romanian music performances in the basement.

Caru’ cu Bere also stood out for technological innovations introduced in early 20th-century Bucharest. The air-conditioning system and beer refrigeration made it a unique venue. The exterior freight elevator, which facilitated the delivery of food and beverages, was also an innovative feature for the time.

Restoration and modern legacy

Over the decades, the building underwent multiple restorations and alterations. After nationalization in 1948, the brewery was taken over by the state, and some of the original architectural elements were covered or destroyed.

Between 1983 and 1986, Caru’ cu Bere benefited from restoration works coordinated by painter Nicolae Gheorghe, which revived the splendor of the interiors. Frescoes, wood paneling, and stained glass were restored by masters such as Ștefan Câlția, Sorin Ilfoveanu, and Mihai Buculei.

In 2006, following another series of rehabilitation works, Caru’ cu Bere reopened to the public, maintaining its authenticity while adapting to the modern expectations of visitors. Today, it is a stop not only for locals but also for foreign tourists seeking a genuine story of history, culture, and culinary tradition.

A symbol of Bucharest

In a world where everything changes rapidly, Caru’ cu Bere revives the spirit of interwar Bucharest and continues to be a place where diversity and tradition converge. 

Its original Germanic atmosphere blends perfectly with local and international elements. Every meal at Caru’ cu Bere is a journey through time, and every visit is an opportunity to experience a unique moment, just as Caragiale or Jean Marais did.

Caru’ cu Bere is much more than a brewery; it is a symbol of Bucharest, a “window” into the city’s storied past. This year, as it celebrates 125 years, Caru’ cu Bere reminds us that tradition and history give a place its true value. The atmosphere here remains, without a doubt, one of the most enchanting “breaths” of the Capital.