Craiova: the best bars and pubs where locals go
June 11, 2025
Craiova, one of Romania's most important cities, offers not only a wealth of history and culture, but also a vibrant nightlife. In this article, we'll take you on a tour of the best bars and pubs that locals go to. You'll learn about the places where you can sip delicious craft beer, listen to good music and experience the true atmosphere of this Romanian city. Whether you're looking for a cozy pub for a quiet evening or an energetic bar for a party night, Craiova has something for everyone. Get ready to discover hidden gems that will delight you with their unique character and hospitality.
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Beer and atmosphere at its best
Let's start our journey with Old Court Biergarten, a place that has won the hearts of locals and tourists alike. This bar, located at 18 Frații Buzești Street, offers an unforgettable experience for beer lovers. Old Court Biergarten is especially famous for its wide selection of draft beers, making it a paradise for beer enthusiasts. The atmosphere here is exceptionally pleasant, and the spacious garden allows you to enjoy your drinks outdoors. Interestingly, this bar is particularly popular with students, which gives it a youthful, energetic feel. It's worth noting the affordable prices, which make this place attractive to people of all budgets. Reviewers also praise the presence of adorable cats, which add a unique charm to the place.
Another place worth visiting is Fabrrica, located at 4 Traian Demetrescu St. This bar stands out not only for its great beer, but also for its unique atmosphere. Fabrrica offers a wide selection of drinks, including craft beers that will satisfy even the most demanding connoisseurs. The place is known for its excellent taste in music, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate good background music. Prices are fair, especially considering the bar's central location. In addition, Fabrrica offers an interesting bonus - when ordering several beers, guests receive a free snack, a nice gesture reminiscent of Spanish bar traditions.
Also worth mentioning is Steam Punk, located at 4 Panait Moșoiu St. This bar features unique decor inspired by steampunk aesthetics, which creates an unusual atmosphere. Steam Punk offers a wide selection of cocktails, cider and beer, which means there is something for everyone. The place is especially popular with a younger clientele, which gives it an energetic feel. Of note is their hot chocolate, which according to reviewers is exceptionally thick and rich in flavor, resembling more of a hot chocolate cocktail than a traditional drink. Steam Punk also offers a spacious garden, perfect for warm evenings.
Each of these places has its own unique character and atmosphere, but they all have one thing in common - they are favorite gathering places for local Craiova residents. Visiting them, you will not only enjoy a good beer or drink, but also feel the true spirit of the city and its residents.
International flavor in the heart of Craiova
Continuing our tour of Craiova's best bars and pubs, we can't leave out Fado Irish Pub, located at 8 Traian Demetrescu St. This place is a real gem for lovers of Irish atmosphere in the heart of Romania. Fado Irish Pub stands out not only for its authentic decor, but above all for its extraordinary atmosphere, which attracts both locals and tourists. The bar is famous for its excellent music, and it is especially worth noting the DJ performances, which are top-notch, according to reviewers. The Fado Irish Pub also offers a spacious space for dancing, making it an ideal place for a night out with friends. It's worth noting that the party here usually kicks off after 10:30pm, so if you're looking for an energetic atmosphere, plan your visit for a later hour.
One of the perks of Fado Irish Pub is its location in the heart of Craiova's historic center, making it a great starting or ending point for an evening tour of the city. Although some guests express disappointment at the lack of Guinness on the menu, the bar makes up for it with a wide selection of other drinks and friendly service. Prices are moderate, making Fado Irish Pub accessible to a wide range of guests.
Another place worth noting is Miki's Pub, located at 7A Brazda lui Novac Street. This pub stands out for its warm, inviting atmosphere and cozy decor that makes guests feel right at home. Miki's Pub is the perfect place for a night out or a relaxing gathering with friends. The bar offers a fantastic selection of craft beers, cocktails and local brews, which will satisfy even the most demanding connoisseurs. Of note is the menu, which according to reviewers offers delicious and fresh food in large portions.
Miki's Pub is also distinguished by its friendly staff, which makes every effort to make guests feel comfortable. The atmosphere here is described as warm and inviting, making it an ideal place for long evening conversations over a good beer. Prices are moderate, making Miki's Pub accessible to a wide range of guests.
When comparing Fado Irish Pub and Miki's Pub, we can see that both places offer unique experiences. Fado Irish Pub is ideal for those looking for an energetic atmosphere and dancing opportunities, while Miki's Pub is a great choice for those who appreciate cozy interiors and a quieter atmosphere. Both places offer a wide selection of drinks, but Miki's Pub may be a better choice for craft beer lovers.
It's worth noting that both Fado Irish Pub and Miki's Pub enjoy high ratings among visitors (both have a 4.3 rating), a testament to their high quality and popularity among locals. Whether you choose the Irish vibe of Fado Irish Pub or the cozy atmosphere of Miki's Pub, you can be sure to have an unforgettable evening in Craiova.
Summary and tips for visitors
To sum up our tour of Craiova's best bars and pubs, it's worth noting a few key aspects that will help you plan the perfect evening in this Romanian city.
First, diversity. Craiova offers a wide range of venues that will satisfy the tastes of even the most discerning visitors. From Old Court Biergarten, ideal for craft beer lovers, to Fabrrica with its unique atmosphere and music, to Steam Punk with its unique steampunk decor, each of these places has its own unique character.
As for prices, most of the bars and pubs described offer moderate prices, making them accessible to a wide range of visitors. Old Court Biergarten stands out for its particularly affordable prices, making it popular with students. Fabrrica, on the other hand, maintains fair prices despite its central location, additionally offering free snacks when ordering several beers.
The atmosphere at each of the described places is slightly different, allowing you to tailor your choice to your preferences. Fado Irish Pub is the ideal place for those looking for an energetic atmosphere and the opportunity to dance, especially after 10:30 p.m. On the other hand, Miki's Pub offers a more cozy and quiet environment, ideal for long conversations over a good beer.
The location of the various venues is worth noting. Most of them are located in or near the center, making it easy to move between them. Fado Irish Pub and Steam Punk are located in the heart of the historic center, making them ideal starting or ending points for an evening tour of the city.
For craft beer lovers, Old Court Biergarten and Miki's Pub will be top choices. Both places offer a wide selection of beers, including local Romanian brews. And for those who prefer cocktails, Steam Punk and Fado Irish Pub have interesting offerings.
As for music and entertainment, Fado Irish Pub stands out for its excellent DJ sets, while Fabrrica is known for its good taste in music. Steam Punk, although some guests complain about the lack of popular tunes, offers a unique atmosphere thanks to its steampunk decor.
It's worth remembering that most of these venues can be crowded on weekends, especially during the evening hours. If you plan to visit on a Friday or Saturday, consider arriving early or booking a table, especially for larger groups.
Finally, remember that each of these places has its own unique character and atmosphere. The best way to experience Craiova's nightlife is to visit several of them and find the one that best suits your preferences. Whatever you choose, you can be sure to spend an unforgettable evening in the company of friendly locals, enjoying good drinks and soaking up the authentic atmosphere of this fascinating Romanian city.
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