Our history
Gambrinus Brewery – a place with history since the early XX century. The Brewery welcomed its first guests in the fall of 1901, and it was also known as “Caragiale’s Brewery”.
The famous playwright founded the Gambrinus Brewery at the beginning of the 20th century, being an active patron in serving. He was often seen with his apron tied around his waist, serving customers and joking with them as was his comedic nature. Among the guests were always the journalists of the time, writers, actors, politicians and working class people. A place of ideas, sarcastic humor and beer, Gambrinus represents over a century of memories and history.
The famous location was in the vicinity of the former National Theatre, having been moved in the 40s after suffering damage from the bombings in the Second World War. It was moved to the place where we still find it today, in the building designed by the architect Arghir Culina. Located on the ground floor of the Palace Hotel (currently Cișmigiu Hotel), the Gambrinus Brewery continued to be a lively place until the arrival of the communists.
Although it managed to keep its name even after nationalization, anecdotes and ideas no longer circulated in the Gambrinus Brewery as it used to, being closed in 1990. The entire building was transformed into a dormitory for the students of the Academy of Theater and Film, as told in the famous song “Hotel Cișmigiu” signed by Vama Veche.
The building was taken over by a private company and reconsolidated starting in 2005, and the Gambrinus Brewery reopened its doors in the fall of 2013. At the end of 2022, the Gambrinus Brewery expands on Ion Brezoianu Street, currently having a large space with multiple rooms. History has been honored by preserving the original architecture and name.
Today is A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Today, the Gambrinus Brewery stands as a testament to a rich history woven through the fabric of time, melding the past’s echoes with today’s vibrancy. Nestled in its historic location on Ion Brezoianu Street, it occupies a grand space, spread across multiple rooms that exude a sense of nostalgia yet pulse with contemporary life.
The brewery, with its deep roots stretching back to the dawn of the 20th century, continues to honor its heritage. It is housed within the architectural marvel once known as the Palace Hotel, now the Cișmigiu Hotel. Despite the passage of time and the shift in eras, the essence of Gambrinus has been meticulously preserved. The original architecture stands unaltered, a silent narrator of tales spanning over a century.
Inside, the atmosphere is a fusion of the old and the new. Patrons of Gambrinus today are greeted with an ambiance that pays homage to its storied past. The walls, imbued with history, might no longer resonate with the raucous laughter and banter of Caragiale and his eclectic circle of intellectuals and artists, but the spirit of camaraderie and creativity lingers.
Food from another time
The menu is a tribute to tradition, with dishes crafted following original recipes that have stood the test of time. Each meal is an invitation to a culinary journey through history, offering a taste of the brewery’s glorious past. Yet, this historical homage does not deter from the modern palate – the brewery skillfully integrates contemporary culinary trends with classic flavors, catering to a wide array of tastes.