Dracula loves going to the best beer places in town because that is where you find the tastiest blood… I mean beer!
Number 5 – Zaganu Craft Beer + Zaganu Craft Beer in Obor Market
Zaganu is the first craft beer producer to achieve commercial success and expand to supermarkets, they produce a wide range of beers that start with the basic ones, a really good introduction to craft beers, and their central location is always full on Calea Victoriei. My problem is that it can get really crowded on the weekends. Might get a better review after I visit the location in Obor Market.
Pros: tradition in beer, new location open in Obor Market, 15 minutes walking distance from Old Town
Cons: Really busy, outside you sit close to the street, if you pay by card, you need to make your own payments on a screen.
Location: Zaganu Bar on Calea VIctoriei , Obor Market
Number 4 – Hop Hooligans
Some of the best craft beers in town are made by a microbrewery that loves beer. It is at number 4 just because of the high prices, and the staff is just ok. The location is cool in a house that is more than 100 years old, food is mostly fried snacks and there is something missing. So just evaluating as a craft beer bar experience, it is at number 4, but just know if you focus on craft beer, this is the place to be.
Pros: Cool location, close to Old Town
Cons: Most expensive craft beer, limited food options
Location: Google Maps
Number 3 – Ironic Taproom
This used to be my number one for their diversity of Romanian craft beers and hip, cool atmosphere. Due to it’s popularity and proximity to Old Town, it get crowded staff no longer has the time to talk to people uncertain of what they want, payment can only be done by card, and you have a screen with tips. The smash burgers and fries are just perfect, with a vegetarian burger available. You have to order your food at the counter, and that is why I’m annoyed about tipping…
Pros: Extensive list of Romanian craft beers on tap, good food, interesting interior design, close to Old Town
Cons: Tips on the POS appear and you feel obliged to tip, crowded during the weekend, card only
Location: Google Maps
Number 2 – Ground Zero
The place I keep returning to quite often, it is close to the metro at Universitate, it looks cool, has good artisanal beer, staff is friendly, you have nice indoor and outdoor seating and has a good atmosphere for good conversation. They have decent pub food, and it’s also really important to mention really good non-alcoholic drinking options like socata (Romanian elderflower fermented drink), lemonade, and non-alcoholic beers for when you have friends that can’t drink. I would prefer a bit more variety as I usually stick for the Easy Rider or if I’m lucky the hazelnut Imperial Stout…
Pros: in Old Town, good Romanian craft Beer, freindly staff, decent food, good non-alcholic options, close to the metro.
Cons: limited beer menu on tap, much better during the summer
Location: Google Maps
Number 1 – Anagram Brewery
Bad news: it is not in Old Town… But it is close to a perfect spot for a sunset. The staff is really friendly, if you are not sure what to order, they offer small tasters. The beer that they make is tasty, and they have adventurous types and mild ones to try out. The factory is in the same building, the staff love their job, and the location is unique, what more can you ask?
Pro: Staff, quality, perfect for sunsets, tasters, off the beaten path, bold flavours, food options, decent prices (for Bucharest), Romanian produced craft beer, souvenirs, it is more of an experience rahter than just having a beer.
Cons: Outside Old Town, not very extensive list on tap, better during the summer.
Location: Google Maps
Bonus places:
Pardon Cafe – for international beers and a couple local brands located around Romana out of the hustle and bustle of the city center but easily accessible. Has more of a loud pub atmosphere, would have made the list if it had a focus on Romanian craft beers
Beer Station – for the diversity if international craft beers and super central.
Delta Craft Beer Taproom – haven’t been there yet but looks like my type of place.
No Room Taproom – Impossible to get a table but an unique atmosphere.
Beer O’clock – Large diversity of international beers and super central.
Dracula's Guide to Romania 
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