The long hot summer has already begun here in the capital, so let Business Review bring you the lowdown of the green oases in central Bucharest where you can escape the hot town and enjoy the shade, drinks, food and vibes.
CAFE VERONA
13-15 Arthur Verona Street
An extension of the Carturesti bookstore, Cafe Verona is a favorite spot for readers. Serving a wide range of lemonades in oversize glasses, it welcomes everyone for long and breezy evenings. The space occasionally hosts book launches, concerts and fairs.
CONTROL CLUB
4 Constantin Mille Street
Definitely the place to be. There is always something going on, be it a DJ set, live music from one of Bucharest’s better acts or a quirky international band you actually want to go and see. The crowd is equally eclectic, refreshingly free of the airs and graces you find in so many other Bucharest clubs. It’s not only a club, but also a brasserie during the daytime, terrace and restaurant, everything shaded by a huge creeper.
GRADINA EDEN
107 Calea Victoriei
Located behind the imposing Stirbey Palace, Eden is said to be one of the biggest gardens in the city. Scattered between the trees, which have been growing wildly for years, you’ll find hammocks, wooden tables and chairs and beanbags to rest after a day’s work or sightseeing. Three bars serve the garden, with drinks ranging from fruit juices to cocktails and specialty beers. Plus good music.
J’AI BISTROT
55 Calea Grivitei
One of Bucharest’s best known spots, J’Ai Bistrot’s courtyard is filled with wooden tables and chairs that enjoy plenty of shade. Serving a wide range of dishes, it also boasts a great playlist.
SHIFT PUB
17 General Eremia Grigorescu Street
It’s the food, it’s the drinks, it’s the mood. Or all of them. There’s a lively atmosphere on the green terrace during hot summer days when everyone wants a spot. Sit back and enjoy the select music from dream pop and post-rock to jazz and electronica.
GREEN HOURS JAZZ CLUB
120 Calea Victoriei
This Bucharest institution is all about a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere on summer evenings, drinking cocktails and listening to… jazz. Some of the most highly acclaimed Romanian jazz musicians, like Harry Tavitian, A.G. Weinberger, Mircea Tiberian and Maria Raducanu, have put in an appearance.
ACUARELA
40 Polona Street
One of the coziest places in Bucharest is Acuarela – where creativity is at its best. It offers a good selection of drinks and atmospheric interior design. The open terrace has umbrellas as its roof, and doors as its tables, everything nestling in a lovely leafy garden.
FABRICA
50 11 Iunie Street
Long story short: urban design pub, nightclub and music venue with a terrace, international menu and kids’ playground. Basically, an entire eco-fun-system in one yard – and the menu is tasty. Check out the interior design vintage store in the same yard.
SIMBIO
26 Negustori Street
Great food, great drinks and a casual, relaxed atmosphere are the ingredients here. The kind-of hidden garden is perfect for the long summer evenings we all deserve. Well-curated menu, too.
MONTEORU TERRACE
115 Calea Victoriei
Hipster hangout in a former Writers’ Union, which seems to have been forgotten by the world. Many tables, shaded by greenery, await you with a good selection of drinks and stories. One of Bucharest’s most bohemian city terraces, this will suit those looking for a less conventional space. A big plus is the music; after sundown a local DJ may surprise you with a set.