Explore Bucharest’s oldest brewery: Caru cu Bere

In Bucharest, the capital of Romania, it is very easy to be in the shoes of Hollywood actors. Many international movies were filmed in my country, portraying its beauty. This comes as no surprise when one looks at Romania’s gorgeous sights and landmarks. Alongside actors, Bucharest attracts plenty of singers, writers, and international political figures. Caru cu Bere, in English “The Beer Carriage”, is a late 18th-century brewery in Bucharest, the oldest in the capital. It has welcomed many celebrities across the years and will surely continue doing so. Dining here, tourists can explore what celebrities love about this place- mouth-watering food, carefully crafted traditional beer, and the exquisite neo-Gothic style of the building.

The history of the brewery

Before serving celebrities like The Rolling Stones, Nicholas Cage, Demi Moore, Kirk Douglas, Edward Kennedy or the prince of Japan, *Naruhito *Caru cu Bere was just a piece of land bought by Nicolae Mircea. This man had other businesses in the region and acquired the land specifically for building a brewery. With the help of the architects Zigfrid Kofczinski and Alois Pesch, the owner made sure that the neo-Gothic style brewery would have the ambiance and interior design to set it apart from other similar establishments from that time. The facade of the building isn’t symmetrical, and the inside looks more like a baron’s home or a museum, rather than a brewery.

The building went through a restoration process between the years 1983-1986. This is when all of the frescoes, stained glasses, and panelings were brought to their former glory. After the year 1999, the works started on reconditioning the basement and ground floor. Today, the access isn’t allowed above the ground level of this two-storey building, with the consolidation work still being needed on the top levels. In spite of this, there is still much to see when entering this beautiful building.

The interior design

The style of the building is consistent with the way it was when the brewery first opened, in the year 1899. Visitors can still see Kofsinsky’s lovely designed murals which were painted by artists like Friedrich and Wilhelm Hugo. The wooden paneling and furniture are to this day head-turners, reminding us of a period when the carving of wood was at its finest.

A wide palette of color can be seen on the walls, murals, and frescoes. The arches and the ceiling are hand painted in oil, whereas the vines of the columns are plated with gold. Inside the brewery, visitors can also see several intricate paintings on the walls, depicting merry people around beer barrels, drinking as they enjoy their meals. One of the paintings was made to mimic stained glass, showing a king who is thoroughly enjoying his beer. The authentic stained glasses complete the look of Caru cu Bere, adding an extra finesse to the already impressive interior design.

Fabulous food and beverages

If the magnificent style of the brewery hasn’t made you put Caru cu Bere on your bucket list, then rest assured that the served food and* drinks will. Around 38 types of beer await those who pass the brewery’s threshold, traditional Romanian beer and international brands. Try the beer of the house. It is made using Nicolae Mircea's original, over 100-year-old recipe, and it's one of their most beloved beers. For those of you who aren’t fond of beer, the establishment offers a variety of wines or the traditional Romanian alcoholic drink - Pălincă*.

Food lovers can rejoice because the brewery prides itself on making excellent steaks, traditional Romanian skinless sausages called mici, along with chicken, lamb, and veal dishes. It is true what they say, beer tastes best served with food. It is refreshing, and the mix of beer and food flavors provides a feeling of wellness.

Take full advantage of your visit to Bucharest and explore the capital’s oldest brewery - Caru cu Bere. Here, delicious food and traditional beer provide a fun ambiance where locals and tourists befriend each other. Book a table now and let your new culinary and drink experience begin.