There's no real main drinking and nightlife street in Bucharest, so you'll have to do some searching to find what you want. There's a great variety of nightlife on offer, from pubs and clubs to jazz bars and a lively gay scene.
There are a good number of bars and pubs in the area around the central Piata Unirii metro station, however, which we've concentrated on below.
Local Bars
The Amsterdam Grand Café (on Covaci Str) is a well-known name in Bucharest, and has recently re-opened. Offering food and beer, locals will claim that it's not what it once was, but it's still a decent option for a drink and a bite in the city centre. Nearby Bordello's on Selari Str offers a very good range of food (a very passable breakfast, by all accounts, and excellent ribs), and with Guinness on tap and international sports on three screens, it's a little home from home.
Half Time is a sports bar on Gabroveni Str, with plenty of screens and good service from a well stocked bar. Romanian matches take precedence, though, so we'd advise heading to Bordello's if there's a clash. Vintage Pub attracts a younger, more student based crowd than any of the places listed above. As a result, the prices are generally cheaper. Find it on Smardan Str.
Irish & English Pubs
Of course there are Irish pubs in Bucharest, and similarly they are all within 5/10 minutes walk of Piata Unirii.
Molly's Irish Pub on Calea Calarasi is new, and a typical example of an Irish pub abroad. Pub grub, Guinness, and a load of crap on the walls. What more do you want? More Irish bars? Well you could always try O'Hara's (Franceza Str) or The Harp (Bibescu Voda Str) for more of the same fare.
If you find yourself in the north of the city, then The Dubliner is the one to find - a huge range of TV channels, supposedly the best Guinness in Bucharest, and a decent steak and kidney pie. Seek them out on Titulescu B-dul.
Restaurants
The usual array of fast food outlets are dotted around the city, and most of the pubs mentioned above will serve snacks and pub-grub that'll be familiar to visiting Brits.
Bucharest, as a capital city, however, has a huge range of restaurants on offer to its visitors. From American burgers to fine French cuisine, Lebanese, Chinese and no shortage of Indian restaurants, there's something for every stomach, and every wallet.
For a cheap Romanian experience, La Mama is a chain of restaurants throughout the city which'll fill you up nice and quickly. For a slightly more authentic local meal, try Blanduziei on Academiei Str, or La Pechea on Doamnei Str, which both come recommended and won't break the bank.
