Cocktail bar$$lipscaniWed-Sat 19:00-02:00; Sun-Tue closed
SIP Bucharest Vault is old town's speakeasy lives behind an unmarked door on covaci, inside a former-bank vault with the original steel doors still in place.
Why locals love it: Old Town's speakeasy lives behind an unmarked door on Covaci, inside a former-bank vault with the original steel doors still in place.
Tip: Reserve ahead by phone; the door is plain wood with a small SIP plate.
Cocktail bar$$cismigiuMon-Sun 16:00-02:00
Garden of Eden on Brezoianu in Bucharest is a leafy first-floor garden bar hidden three flights up inside the Universul building, heated through winter.
Why locals love it: A leafy first-floor garden bar hidden inside the Universul building on Brezoianu, three flights up via a courtyard locals walk past daily.
Tip: Heated through winter; access via the door marked 'Universul' next to Beans and Dots.
Eastern European$$lipscaniTue-Sun 12:00-24:00; Mon 14:00-24:00
Crama Domnească Cellar is built into the cellar of the princely court ruins on șelari, with wallachian wines and live taraf folk most nights.
Why locals love it: Built into the cellar of the Princely Court ruins on Șelari, with Wallachian wines and live taraf folk most nights.
Tip: Wines by the carafe; live music every evening keeps the room full.
Eastern European$$lipscaniTue-Sat 17:00-01:00; Sun-Mon closed
Abel's Wine Bar back room behind the Old Court on Tonitza in Bucharest is the city's most considered Romanian wine list, with eight tables on Saturdays.
Why locals love it: Set behind the Old Court on Tonitza, Abel's small back room is the city's most considered Romanian wine list, with tasting flights that rotate monthly.
Tip: Reservation-only Saturdays; the back room sees eight tables at most.
Modern European$$dorobantiTue-Sat 18:00-23:00; Sun-Mon closed
Kane Garden off Tunari behind a Dorobanti townhouse in Bucharest is one of the quietest fine-dining patios in the city, full tasting menu in summer.
Why locals love it: Tucked off Tunari behind a Dorobanți townhouse, the Kané garden is one of the quietest fine-dining patios in the city, with the kitchen's full tasting in summer.
Tip: Garden open May to October weather permitting; bookings via the website.