Dracula has been disappointed by many bars in Bucharest, as they miss the mark on the quality of balancing the flavors of drinks. But from all his experience, there are a couple places to go for drinks and fully experience the Romanian drink culture.
Shoteria – Shots
This was a hidden gem from a cultural point of view. This is a place where you can experiment with the flavors of Romania in unexpected ways. There is a drink that mimics a funeral cake (coliva), there is a drink that looks like sanitary alcohol Mona, or there is a drink dedicated to Dracula… Vlady Mary!
Location: In Old Town – Google Maps
They even have a drinks shop where you can buy bottles of your favorite drinks. 30 minutes by public transport from Old Town, also perfect place to get alchoholic drinks Google Maps
Pamela Cafe Bar – Communist Chic
I hope you are ready for something unique to explore. Pamela Cafe Bar is located in a communist laundry service that still works to this day. The interior design is best described as communist chic, drinks use Romanian brandy and liqueurs but also drinks from communist countries. According to guests from Calatorii si Farfurii, a food blogger interviewing food personalities of Bucharest, this pops up quite often as people’s favorite choice.
Location: Google Maps
Robescu 14 – Experience Bar
This place offers personalised cocktails according to a set of questions, or particular flavours that you are looking for. I talked to one of the bartenders and they bragged that they can offer you the flavour of what Romania is all about.
Location: Google Maps
Oficiul 1 – Excelent drinks in a former post office
The design is minimalist with some elements from the former post office. You arrive there and you are not sure if you arrived at the right location, you ring the door… you wait… is it open?!? The door opens, and you are still unsure if you arrived to the right destination, you go in past the second door, and finally you realize you are at the right location. Inside, you will get a proper cocktail experience. This is currently my favorite spot in town for cocktails. Bonus: Close to Old Town.
Location: Google Maps
The Owl Cocktail House – Cocktail Bar
Tell them what you enjoy and they will offer you that drink with a twist. If you like the flavour more bold, you can kindly ask for some extra kick to the flavour.
Location: Google Maps
Negroni Aperitivo Bar – Cool esthetic
So just to get it out of the way… I didn’t want to put this place on the list… I don’t like negroni… But my friends that love Negroni, love this place… The design is funky, I have had some good nights but never because of the drinks. Blame my friends if you don’t like it! Bonus: Close to Old Town.
Location: Google Maps
Piana Vyshnia – Choice is an illusion
Sour cherry liqueur, this is all that you get, but it is really cool going somewhere where they do only one thing so you don’t bother with choices. The interior design is cool, the drinks are good and it is one of my constant pit stops in Old Town when I want to start my night with a drink and move on.
Location: Google Maps
Obor Amor – Hidden Gem
In the largest market of Romania, a place where many people go for their grocery shopping, you have one of the most unique cocktail bars in the city. Why put one in the least fancy place in town? Because fanciness is a state of mind!
Location: Google Maps
Decadance – Restaurant & Bar – Another place with really good cocktails
The food is to pricey for me here, but the cocktails hit the right spot. The interior design is top knotch, the bartenders know what they are doing (I asked for a warm cocktail and they delivered), good understanding of flavors, and good service. This is the best place for cocktails, in my opinion, but… it is a bit far from Old Town. If you are looking to tone down the hastle of the touristy spots, you should head here.
Location: Google Maps
Frank – Speakeasy bar
Romania had its prohibition of alcohol more than 2000 years ago but Frank is going for the speakeasy atmosphere in a more American style. To get in you need to make a reservation and you need a 50 bani coin in order to get in. If youa re looking for a more unique cocktail experience this is my most recent find in the city.
Location: Google Maps
Dark interior, old furniture… Dracula couldn’t get a good photo…
Erbario – Winter cocktails
Just went in this place for brunch and fell in love with their cocktails. They have the ability to make warm cocktails and seasonal ones. I had one that tasted like a christmas dessert, one with chocolate and orange juice, a pear pulp with christmasy flavours and with those drinks alone this is my new favorite place to go to in the cold season. Is it in Old Town?… no… is it easy to get here?…no but it is memorable.
Location: Google Maps
Maybe you are looking for a particular flavor:
Maybe wine is your cup of tea… I mean wine:
Maybe you want some beer suggestions:
Photo by Aleksandr Popov on Unsplash
Dracula's Guide to Romania 
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