A Gothic Revival brewery and restaurant in Bucharest’s Old Town, Caru’ cu Bere has served guests for over a century with its signature beer and Art Nouveau interiors—a survivor of empires, communism, and restoration.
At a glance
Caru’ cu Bere (“the beer wagon”) stands at 5 Stavropoleos Street in the Lipscani district, Bucharest’s historic quarter. The establishment combines a brewery, restaurant, and landmark interior design in one Gothic Revival structure. Its name reflects its original function and the family enterprise that built it.
History
Ioan Căbășan and his three nephews—Ion, Gheorghe, and Nicolae Mircea—opened the original brewery in 1879, bringing Austro-Hungarian brewing tradition from their native Transylvania. The family business evolved through several hands: Ion’s death in 1889 led to Víctor’s entry; Nicolae purchased the Stavropoleos Street site in 1897 and commissioned a new building.
The restaurant opened in 1899 under co-ownership of Nicolae, Ignat, and Víctor Mircea. By 1912, Víctor had departed to establish his own brewery; Nicolae later supported Ignat in a wine venture. Nicolae’s death in 1929 passed control to his heirs until communist nationalization in 1949.
After Romania’s 1989 revolution, the Mircea heirs began reclaiming their property. Ownership was restored in 1999, followed by major renovations. Nicolae Gheorghe directed a comprehensive restoration in 1986, and subsequent work returned the establishment to its historical appearance. Today it operates within Dragoș Petrescu’s City Grill chain.
What you see
Austrian architect Siegfrid Kofczinsky designed the building in the Gothic Revival style, chosen to create a distinguished setting for the restaurant and brewery. The interior is celebrated for its Art Nouveau decoration—ornamental detailing characteristic of the fin-de-siècle aesthetic that frames the dining experience.
The structure at street level presents the formal architecture of its era, with period features restored during twentieth-century conservation work.
Cultural significance
Caru’ cu Bere embodies Bucharest’s cosmopolitan late-nineteenth-century identity, built by entrepreneurs from the Austro-Hungarian Empire who established themselves in Romanian commerce. The establishment survived two political systems—the monarchy and communism—and its recovery mirrors Romania’s post-1989 restitution efforts.
Romanian writer Mateiu Caragiale set his frame story Sub pecetea tainei within its walls, cementing the restaurant’s place in modern Romanian literature. It remains classified as historic monument B-II-m-B-19728.
Key facts
- Country: Romania
- City: Bucharest
- Address: 5 Stavropoleos Street, Lipscani
- Year opened: 1899
- Architect: Siegfrid Kofczinsky
- Architectural style: Gothic Revival
- Interior style: Art Nouveau
- Historic monument classification: B-II-m-B-19728
- Coordinates: 44.4321° N, 26.0981° E
Practical information & getting there
Caru’ cu Bere is located in Lipscani, Bucharest’s Old Town, within walking distance of Piaţa Revoluţiei and other central monuments. The restaurant and brewery operate as a working establishment; visitors can enjoy meals and beer during regular hours. Reservations are recommended, particularly for groups. The building is recognized as a historic monument and remains an active cultural venue.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
See this place and what’s around it →📷 Become a Cultural Heritage Online photographer
Share your photos of places: they stay published under your name as the author. The more they're seen, the more you get noticed — and soon a contest will reward the most appreciated photos.
Log in or sign up free to add a photoDo you manage this place?
This page is read by travellers and heritage enthusiasts who find it on Google. Keep it accurate — and make it work for you. Free for non-profit heritage institutions.