They arose from abandonment and create a unique atmosphere that exudes history and the desire to start over. Most of the 'ruin pubs', the premises built in disused buildings, are concentrated in the Jewish quarter, but they are an attraction for the entire city that refused to bow first to Nazism and then to communism.
Romkocsma in Hungarian, 'ruin pub' in English. It's a definition that risks detracting from the theme, because in reality these places are full of charm and attract the best young people in Budapest and the most informed tourists every night. Most of the most popular 'ruin pubs' are concentrated in the Jewish quarter, in pre-war buildings or in courtyards spared from property speculation. We are in the XII District, an area of the city where many buildings were abandoned following the Nazi occupation of 1944/45 and which led to the subsequent decline of the neighborhood. However, history knows how to take its revenge, and today this is an inevitable point of attraction for those who really want to capture the vibes of Budapest. Here you can meet to drink excellent beers, the most fashionable cocktails, and nibble on street food, but above all to experience an informal and cosmopolitan atmosphere, with some well-founded artistic pretensions.
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Szimpla Kert
Kazinczy utca 14
Without a doubt the most renowned ruin pub in Budapest. Inaugurated in 2001 in Kertész utca by a group of young people from Budapest, who managed to transform objects of various types from junk to eccentric pieces of furniture, four years later, the headquarters of the father of all ruin pubs moved to Kazinczy utca 14. At first, it housed only a small bar and a courtyard for film screenings in the summer evenings. Over time, the spaces that had been given a new lease of life have multiplied, and today it is a truly multicultural enterprise: music, art, readings and markets of all kinds, and most notably the farmer's market. For ten years, about forty small producers have attracted thousands of customers every Sunday with their fresh products: cheeses, honey, jams, syrups, vegetables and fruits, Mangalitsa and game meat, mushrooms, truffle specialties, spices, and spreads. Of course, there is also an antique and second-hand market. For cassettes and vinyls, on the other hand, visitors have to wait for the first Saturday of the month.
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Gozsdu Udvar
Király utca 13 - Dob utca 16
More than a bar, it's a neighborhood that extends over 60,000 square meters, full of commercial and culinary offerings. It is named after the Romanian lawyer Manó Gozsdu, who was known for his real estate investments. Among them are the seven buildings and six interconnected courtyards that connect Király utca with Dob utca and give rise to Gozsdu Udvar (Gozsdu Courtyard). Designed by the famous Hungarian architect Győző Czigler, this labyrinth of the current Hungarian nightlife was inaugurated in 1902. However, its history has alternated and for many decades it has lived in a state of abandonment: the current flourishing commercial dimension was only achieved in the 2000s. Today, Udvar's restaurants and bars, such as the all-too-fashionable Spíler Buda, its twin the Spíler Shanghai Secret Bar, and the Vicky Barcelona, are always packed. At the weekends, there is the unmissable flea market.
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Mazel Tov
Akácfa utca 47
Created in 2014, focusing on the combination of local and Mediterranean cuisine, today it is recognized for its Middle Eastern fusion. People often ask if Mazel Tov's food is kosher. The answer is clear: "Our answer is a resounding no. According to the "rules" of modern Israeli cuisine, we cook in the spirit of openness, bearing in mind the recipes and ingredients of the Mediterranean region, which are rich in flavors, colors, creativity and vegetables." The atmospheric covered pergola makes it suitable for any season and catapults the guest into an atmosphere of true relaxation, despite the many covers. The wine list is particularly well-compiled, with excellent local selections. If you want to visit during the peak hours (especially at dinner time), booking is very highly recommended.
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Kisüzem
Kis Diófa utca 2
Kisüzem is a much-appreciated ruin pub in Budapest, with an exhibition space that hosts very special artists and many concerts that deviate from the mainstream (predominantly jazz), but it is based on a small lie: it is not really an original ruin pub, because its atmospheres have been recreated ad hoc. However, it is very popular both among locals and among tourists with strong intellectual leanings, especially cinephiles (it is rumored that Lars von Trier is a frequent visitor). Hungarian wines and beers stand out on the menu. Child and dog-friendly.
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Instant-Fogas
Akácfa utca 49-51
A thriving ruin pub boasting seven music floors distributed over 1,200 square meters, with 18 bar counters, open every day from 6 pm to 6 am. It's clear that people do not come here to chat. The operation has distant roots: Fogasház and Instant have been the iconic nightclubs of the city's famous ruin pub scene for years. When they joined forces in a single premises in Akácfa, this entertainment giant was born, and did not want to completely betray its past, especially in terms of decor. Admission is free (so then payment is guaranteed by the copious drinks), but you have to reckon with a long line. Booking is always a good idea.
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Dürer Kert
Öböl utca 1
Live music, underground culture and in summer it's a spectacular location under high trees, where you can also grill or use the wood oven, renting everything you need. Those who come here do not only focus on drinks, but above all on socializing, which is strongly encouraged, as is the case with the Playhouse Project: ten cubic meters of boxes of board games to play for three minutes or three hours, with hundreds of participants. Ping pong tables (paddles and balls on loan with deposit) and foosball tables are also very popular. As well as being animal-friendly, Dürer Kert is also a supporter of green transport: a large area for bicycle storage is located at the entrance to the garden.