In the heart of the city, at the foot of Margaret Bridge on the Buda side, a new spot has been attracting beer lovers since its opening in late August. With a real downtown bar feel, Margaret’s carries an impressive assortment of local and international brands – like Budapest-based FIRST Craft Beer, the Czech Bohemia Regent or Primator – that all beer enthusiasts would surely appreciate. Here, you will find a wide range of pale ales, IPAs, NEIPAs, and stouts. In addition to the heavier brews, the 9% IPA being the most massive, Margaret’s offers 3 types of fruit beers.

The menu is also worth mentioning – or tasting, for that matter: looking at the bar snacks alone, you will be tempted to try the paprika mangalica crackling with red onion and sourdough bread or the cold Bavarian sausage right away! Excellent ingredients and expertise combined with many years of experience shine through everything prepared here: legendary Hungarian dishes like red wine beef stew, confit duck leg or tenderloin steak – and so much more for you to enjoy at Margaret’s!

Margaret’s is where the party’s at, no matter the occasion! They’ve got live music on the weekends, making it the ultimate hangout spot for friends, family feasts, birthday bashes, and anniversaries. Need a place for your company event? They’ve got you covered with a room for up to 30 people, and they’ll also handle all the planning!

Margaret’s isn’t just about good times, they’re also dishing out some seriously cool events and jaw-dropping deals. So, make sure to keep tabs on Margaret’s Facebook page for the scoop on what’s happening!

1027 Budapest, Margit körút 2. |Website

Gaining widespread popularity in the US during the craft beer revolution of the 1970s (at a time when craft brewers wanted to distinguish themselves from the big-batch brewers of the country, who typically sold lager varieties), American pale ales trace back their roots to the other side of the Atlantic, drawing their main inspiration from the pale ales of Albion. The term ‘pale ale’ also originates from England, denoting the contrast between the deep brown or black colour of porters that dominated the taps of English pubs, and the newer, lighter beers brewed with the improved malting technology of the late 18th century. As opposed to the earthy, herbal hops of their English counterparts, the hop character of American pale ales present bold, citrusy, and pine-like flavours, stemming from the American hop varieties used during the brewing process.

The colour spectrum of APAs varies between straw-like pale golden to deep amber, while the beers themselves have a very clear look to them, with white, medium heads. Characterized by a medium body, a moderate to strong aroma, a very smooth mouthfeel, and an alcohol content of around 5%, this highly carbonated beer type can be the perfect pairing to your roast or grilled meats, cheddar platter, or homemade apple pie, making it the quintessential American variety. Now that you’re familiar with the basics of yet another brew type, let us present you with two exquisite APAs to soak up during your next night out.

SPIRIT BREWERY: APACHE WARRIOR

The first ginseng-infused beer of Hungary, the reddish-coloured, robust Apache Warrior has an alcohol content of 6%, and a unique, earthy flavour character, with notes of beetroot and malty caramel. Recommended drinking
temperature is between 7-10 degrees Celsius.

VANDAL BREWING: KAYAK RAFT BEER

Invigorating as getting splashed in the face with the ice cold water of a crystal clear rapid, Kayak Raft Beer is full of energy, tropical flavours, crispy maltness, and refreshing gassiness. Brewed with Simcoe and Azacca hops, it is a prime thirst quencher.

Roots Budapest

On the far end of Király utca, inside a former and prestigious video rental shop, Roots Budapest aims to revitalize the outer parts of the Grand Boulevard by serving as a cultural hotspot of the area, hosting exhibitions, concerts and parties, and playing what is possibly the most versatile collection of music during the day. Stepping inside Roots Budapest you’ll most likely find good vibes, a lot of tattooed people in snapbacks, sipping on Jamaican coffee or drinking a tall glass of craft beer, enjoying a quesadilla, or reading a book from the bar’s help-yourself bookshelf. On the gallery floor you can also find a tattoo shop, in case the guys downstairs persuade you to finally lose your ink virginity.

1077 Budapest, Király utca 77.

Szatyor Bár

Opened in 2010, Szatyor is one of the most renowned bars of the Buda side. It represents the very essence of Central Europe condensed into a single bohemian venue, whose interiors were designed by 18 young talents. The main hangout of local hipsters and arts types (of whom you’ll see plenty of drawing and painting on their iPads), Szatyor awaits visitors with a menu offering a flavourful combination of Hungarian and international tastes, colourful cultural programmes, art exhibitions, and live music events, making it the heart and soul of the lively Újbuda neighbourhood. If you’re looking for a unique, more sophisticated version of Pest’s ruin bars, drop by Szatyor!

1111 Budapest, Bartók Béla út 36.

Trapéz

Situated just a stone’s throw away from the Great Market Hall, nearby the campus of Corvinus University, Trapéz gives space to a cozy ground floor area, a spacious, well-lit loft on the upper floor, and a tranquil inner yard. With plenty of settings to choose from as the place of your lunch or coffee break, friendly outing, or date, Trapéz fits any need. As far as eating and drinking options go, the charmingly distasteful bar offers a whole slew of sandwiches, burgers, salads, and a decent drink list, featuring draft beers, spirits, and cocktails, with prices that match the size of your average university student’s wallet.

1093 Budapest, Imre utca 2.

FIRST Craft Beer & BBQ

Although one of the most promising names of the Hungarian craft beer scene, FIRST isn’t that very well known outside of a handful of brew buffs, the reason being is that their open brewery doesn’t exactly have a central location. Luck for us, the team didn’t hesitate for long, and opened their new wave brew bar in the heart of Budapest’s party district, offering on tap their uniquely flavoured ales, the products of international brands, and more than 200 types of bottled beers, as well as delicious meaty dishes, snacks, and salads. The price of a glass of beer starts at around 650 HUF, while the menu includes steaks, pulled pork sandwich, Angus burger, chili, and Chocolate souffle.

1074 Budapest, Dob utca 3.

Dzzs Bar

You don’t necessarily want to leave behind the busy Party District, but you also wouldn’t mind getting your buzz on at someplace less touristy and more genuine? Lucky for you, Dzzs Bar is just such a place. The Nagydiófa utca venue is capable of seating 50 people, perfect for hosting a small friendly get-together too. The atmosphere is super friendly and homely. The interior design shows traces of a bohemian retropical ruinbar, while the same influences can be observed on the drink list. Whether you opt for a rum drink (there are roughly 20 types in their assortment), a cocktail, the wormy mezcal, or a glass of craft beer, you won’t regret it. Dzzs Bar is the jewel box of downtown Budapest.

1072 Budapest, Nagydiófa utca 32.

Műhely Pub

 Located right next to the Budapest University of Technology, Műhely Pub is a car repair shop-turned-underground secret bar themed around the world of mechanics, attracting a colourful clientele of university students and Budapesters looking for something quite different than what they’d find in downtown ruin pubs. You can choose from six beers on tap and a large variety of bottled beers, a list of local wine, a wide range of high quality spirits, a number of classic and signature cocktails. Their bartenders know what they are talking about. Even though the pub closes its doors as early as 11PM, regularly the funky looking venue also gives home to free live music concerts and smaller-scale electro parties. It’s a place where the night starts, regardless of who you are with.

1111 Budapest, Budafoki út 29.

Find Food One

1078 Budapest, István utca 5. 

Just a stone throw away from the beautiful Rózsák tere, the István utca eatery is awaiting you with mouth-watering breakfast offers, an ever-changing lunch menu, delicious sandwiches, outstanding soups, desserts, coffee and tea specialties, and alternative caffeine sources. It’s a place where everything is lactose free, and there are numerous vegan, vegetarian, diary and gluten free options on the menu to choose from. Bring your animals along, or order online! Find Food One has also joined “Take me home” Foundation’s initiative supporting shelter dogs by creating a virtual menu. Add an extra virtual meal to your cart (it won’t be delivered) to help homeless puppies. Find out more here: netpincer.hu.

Attaboy Street Food Bistro

1075 Budapest, Síp utca 4. 

Located in Síp utca, Attaboy Street Food Bistro is awaiting you and your four-legged friend with special hamburgers, ever-changing limited offers, thin crust pizza, fresh salads and heavenly desserts. The homely eatery delivers the best, high-quality street food to your table reimagined with a special ‘Attaboy’ twist. From American classics to gourmet food creations, you’ll find everything your taste buds desire. Are you vegetarian or you have special dietary needs? Don’t worry, Attaboy supplies all your needs. Meat-free specialties and diet-friendly options are also available. Wait no more, head to Síp utca and put Attaboy’s delicious meals to test! All pups are welcome!

Anker’t

1061 Budapest, Paulay u 33.

Looking for the hippest spot in Budapest where all the rad faces of the city chill in their skinniest jeans and wayfarer-style shades while sipping cool and colourful cocktails? You don’t have to go any further than Paulay Ede utca’s Anker’t to dive into the chic Hungarian ruin pub atmosphere. Just order a drink or two at the 8-meters long bar and lay back in the 800 square meters outdoor area, or if you feel like grabbing a bite, don’t miss out on their hearty hot-dogs or homemade beef burgers, both as delicious as they are enormous. In case you want something meat-free, go for the vegan pizzas of vegazzi, the city’s best plant-based Neapolitan pizzeria. Dogs are obviously allowed.

BB’z Bar & Grill

1075 Budapest, Király utca 15. 

Király utca’s dog-friendly venue takes animal protection very seriously: BB’z Bar & Grill has already organized charity events in the past to support stray dogs, shelter pups and injured animals through fundraising. Guests can also get involved with these projects by ordering from the virtual dog menu, making it a ‘two birds with one stone’ situation: while feeding themselves on BB’z delicacies they are able to support a good cause. BB’z is one of the best possible choices if you are looking for a great pup-friendly place, as the bar provides their four-legged guests with comfy dog beds, treats, fresh water and a welcoming atmosphere. Visit BB’z Sunday Brunch and enjoy the DJ-show!

Bistro Fine

1061 Budapest, Andrássy út 8. 

Are you looking for a casual, friendly yet sophisticated place to spend a tasty lunch or a nice dinner at? There’s a restaurant, where all the aforementioned factors come together. Bistro Fine’s tempting menu offers a quick culinary trip around the world with flavourful Hungarian and international specialties, but a great selection of fine wine is also available. Their unique ‘Enomatic’ wine dispensing system allows you to taste numerous wine specialties. When creating their mouth-watering meals they don’t forget about special dietary needs and aim at creating creative, colourful and delicious meals to impress your taste buds even if you live gluten and lactose-free. Pup-friendly!

Double Shot 2

1053 Budapest, Veres Pálné utca 33.

The beloved coffee shop of Pozsonyi út had a little brother last May in Veres Pálné utca, nearby Kálvin tér. The 100% dog-friendly place offers delicacies for the whole day: breakfast dishes such as Eggs Benedict with salmon and American pancake with fresh fruits until 12am, a great variety of soups, pastas and pizzas for lunch, and tapas and salads to end the day well. Still, they put emphasis on their quality coffees that is made with their own special technology. They are always double that allows them to show you their unique coffee science.

Kuzin Bar

1074 Budapest, Dohány utca 7. 

Situated just a stone throw away from the Great Synagogue, Kuzin Bar’s charm lies in friendliness and hospitality. Other than that, their wide range of beverages (long drinks, wine, Checz Budweiser, new wave beer specialties) and divine street food offers are also worth a mention. Once you are there, Kuzin’s staff will guide you through the brew adventure by introducing their numerous beer types. The popular venue gives home to many fun events of which we highly recommend the quiz parties, but the bar also serves as a great spot for a memorable birthday celebration or a Christmas gathering with friends or colleagues. The best thing is that you got to enjoy these moments with your furry friend!

Tompa Angyal Bistro & Café

You are surely familiar with the term „local tourist” which refers to people who has one simple goal: to experience the fascination of a tourist while feeling the comfort of a local. The key to discovering Budapest as a local tourist is to go a bit further from the busy city centre, and visit the favourite spots of residents including Tompa Angyal Bistro. Thanks to its wallet-friendly prices the drink bar/eatery is very popular among university students, but the venue’s welcoming atmosphere and great selection of quality beer (nearly 50 types of small-scale and craft beer are available) and tasty snacks (tuna cream, hot sandwich, quesadilla) definitely add to its charm too. Hesitate no more, head to Tompa Angyal, where the most expensive beer (Liquid Cocaine) costs only 4€! Cheers!

1094 Budapest, Tompa utca 14.

Gellért Söröző & Brasserie

Buda’s best gastropub, Gellért Söröző & Brasserie is the temple of beer fans known for outstanding quality. It watches over one of the world’s most beautiful bridges at the foot of Gellért Hill, nestled inside the Art Nouveau Hotel Gellért. The breathtaking view is part of the amazing package that Gellért Söröző & Brasserie offers to its visitors, including a carefully assorted selection of quality Hungarian craft beers and wines complemented by a seasonally changing beer kitchen. For an unforgettable experience, have a pint of Gerardo (one of the house’s craft beers) while nibbling on some toothsome snacks: pork cheek bruschetta with the sun dipping is a must-try!

1114 Budapest, Szent Gellért tér 2.

Beer Tasting in Etyek

Would you like to know more about how „liquid bread” is made? Bring your friends or family members along and head to Etyek Craft Beer Manufactory (around 25 km away from Budapest), where they give insight into the whole brewing process while you are pampering your taste buds with refreshing drinks right from the barrel, complemented by tasty snacks. The gastro attraction includes an introduction to the basics of beer production as well as some behind the scene secrets you wouldn’t hear about anywhere else. Access the Etyek-Buda Wine Region via City & Wine’s (wine tour company) organized tours or by public transport from Etele tér’s bus station. Cheers!

2091 Etyek-Botpuszta, Kolumbusz utca, Hrsz. 1511/1.

Kuzin Bar

All you craft beer fanatics out there, we’ve got great news for you! Kuzin Bar offers an amazing selection but the Dohány utca locale is a lot more than just your regular craft beer bar. It’s central, it’s lively, the Kuzin’s have 10 taps flowing with the best that Hungarian craft beer has to offer (including the award-winning new wave craft beer, Horizont) in a cozy, stylish space. You’ll also find your favourite Czech beer on the drink menu, as well as specialties such as draught Budweiser CVIKL, which is only available here in the country. What is more, Budweiser is actually on three taps! Named after the mysterious “Kuzin”, the founder of the place, the bar’s charm lies in its classy, black & white interior, fun quiz nights, delicious culinary delights (incredible street food, too), and quality beer offers that will draw you back like a magnet from time to time. Thanks to its great food, refreshing beer, friendly atmosphere and excellent service, Kuzin Bar is the perfect spot for any occasions, let it be a birthday party, or a chill night with friends or colleagues. Test it yourself!

1074 Budapest, Dohány utca 7.

Black Cab Burger

Being an eatery where you can make your own burger (guests can build their desired burger from top to bottom), Black Cab is one of the most popular burger restaurants in town. Their monthly offer, Black Cab ‘s Blue Burger Bleu d’Auvergne (with blue cheese) is a must-try, but house specials are also worth a shot. Even though the restaurant is known for its juicy salads, fantastic hot-dogs and full chocolate, home-made brownies, Black Cab’s drink menu is also worth checking out. Choose from a decent list of ice cold beverages including the Crabbie’s refreshing bottled ginger beer and test the authentic, characterful draught beer, Fuller’s London Pride’ burger taming bitterness!

1095 Budapest, Mester utca 46.
1088 Budapest, Rákóczi út 19.

Anker’t Bar

Budapest’s biggest ruin pub/outdoor beer bar is located in the heart of Budapest (Paulay Ede utca), and its friendly vibes are simply irresistible. With several flat screens and the greatest variety of beer imaginable, Anker’t is the perfect venue to watch the events of the football world cup at, especially if you enjoy being surrounded with enthusiastic but civilized fans and the biggest expat community in the capital city. With such circumstances, no match is unexciting, right? In case you get hungry, we highly recommend you to try Ankert’s delicious vegan pizza or other street food offers. Don’t forget to book a table in advance, because Anker’t is very popular at this time of the year!

1061 Budapest, Paulay Ede utca 33.

Neked Csak Dezső Brewpub & Bistro

Having 32 local and international craft beer on tap plus several flat screen TVs, Rákóczi út’s Neked Csak Dezső (Call me Dezső, in Hungarian) remains a really attractive venue for beer enthusiasts during the football world cup too. The Budapest beer bar carries the who’s who of Hungarian brews (Mad Scientist Brewery’s Smooth Hoperator and Dip Me Baby) including products from breweries such as Hübris and Horizont. When beer and snacks get together, only good things happen, and Neked Csak Dezső’s beer bites are only the tip of the iceberg. Check out the bistro menu’s specialties or choose from a list of street food offers! They have a brunch menu, too!

1088 Budapest, Rákóczi út 29.

Their brand can be found around Budapest in popular craft pubs such as Szimpla Kávézó, Élesztő, or Léhűtő. It’s called SHARE – A Jótékony Ser, and the company donates all of its profits to a growing list of Hungarian charities. The founders, Lóci Alvégi, Márton Káldi, and Isu Ádám, had little experience in the beverage world, but now find themselves in charge of a growing craft brand. They’ve already donated 200,000HUF and hope to raise much more by their one-year anniversary. So how did an architect, tour guide, and t-shirt merchandiser get into the barely-existent benevolent beer business? It all started a bit over two years ago with the ordering of a simple pint.

Lóci Alvégi was in Berlin for a business trip and stopped at a local bar for a beer. Unable to choose from a staggering list of unknown brands, the bartender offered him a bottle of Quartiermeister, explaining that all proceeds from the beer go to charity. Having worked with charity foundations in the past, Lóci was no stranger to altruistic pursuits. As he sipped on his pint, he felt great. “Drinking and saving the world at the same time, this is perfect for me.” Afterwards, Lóci told the bartender, “give me that beer from now on, every time I enter this place.”

Lóci realized that such a model would do great in Hungary, one of the world’s largest consumers of alcohol per capita. “Consumption of beer is really high, but the civil sector is small.” So he enlisted two of his friends and got started. It took them a little over six months to get the brand off the ground, eventually launching in September 2016. Much of this time was figuring out logistics and navigating through piles of regulation. It took months alone to find the best brewery to produce their product. They needed a place that not only had the spare capacity to brew for their brand, but could also produce a consistently high quality product. They eventually settled for Ikkona brewery in Slovakia. SHARE must still buy the beer—unfortunately, making a beer for free is an unreasonable financial burden on most small companies—albeit at a reduced price.

SHARE has two products, a pilsner and a non-alcoholic citrus-flavored dark beer. However, they hope to add an IPA and other more craft-focused styles to their portfolio soon. Their lofty goals don’t stop at beer. Someday they’d love to expand their brand to coffee, wine, soft drinks, and other products. At the moment, their two beers have been enough to keep their growing team of over twenty workers, all of whom work completely for free, extremely busy. The charities are spread within six target areas, each getting an equal part of the proceeds. Because Hungary has among the top rates of alcoholism in the world, alcoholism and addictions programs will get twice as much as the other areas. And yes, the founders are well aware of the irony of selling beer to fight alcoholism.

So far they’ve made two 100,000 forint donations. The first was to Káva Kulturális Nevelési Műhely, a theater education group which provides a type of therapy through art. Last week, they sent their second gift to Utca Jogász, who give free legal support to the homeless. Recipients are chosen by six ambassadors, one for each of SHARE’s target sectors. At the moment, they have only found the first three, but they will hopefully be able to fill the final seats soon. Their ideal ambassadors would have both the expertise and public recognition to not only administer the funds, but also bring attention to the group’s work.

The ambassador program was started to remove the founders from any involvement with the handling of donations. Due to tax limits and laws prohibiting charitable foundations from selling beer, SHARE is “officially” a for-profit business. Therefore, transparency is of the utmost importance, especially for the corruption-weary citizens of Hungary. A financial summary of each quarter is posted on their website, and their books will be made public when the fiscal year is complete. Executing the project has not been easy. Even though their noble goals give them strong negotiating leverage, they still have to deal with the same struggles as any small beer company. Many bars and restaurants are locked into contracts with large breweries, preventing the sale of non-affiliated brands. Retailers are still allowed to make a profit from selling SHARE, but the margins will be significantly lower than those for products made by Dreher or Heineken. Large breweries control nearly all of the Hungarian beer market, but SHARE is not deterred. “Even if we only got just fractions of percents, that would mean billions of forints we can give to the civil sector,”Lóci says. “This project can grow quite big if we do it well.”

SHARE is doing all it can to reduce administrative, marketing, and production costs, which use about 50% of their income. Quartiermeister, their German inspiration, actually donates less per beer, which gives SHARE a bit of pride. “It’s easier for us because they were doing it for five years so we can learn from their mistakes,” Lóci says. There may be a bit of friendly competition involved. SHARE has recently started exploring a new, more funds-generating channel for their brand.  They’ve begun to secure contracts with tech companies such as Prezi, LogMeIn, and Coding Sense, to stock their fridges and provide SHARE at company outings, parties, and training events.  With no retailer taking a cut, this means more money for charity.

So if you see SHARE at your local pub, buy a bottle. And if you find yourself being a little too charitable, take solace in that when you wake up the next morning with a splitting headache, feeling sorry for yourself, that you did it all for the greater good.

Unique sports bar, decorated with the biggest hungarian soccer player Ferenc Puskás’s photoes and souvenirs.