In Budapest, with warmer weather comes the substantial expansion of your al fresco drinking options. Here’s a selection to keep you going over the next few weeks.
Gödör Klub
Never has a failed building project become something so wonderful. Following plans for it to become the site of National Theater, the foundations were built, leaving a huge hole after a government change and new plans took shape. A big pit in the middle of the city (Gödör means pit) is now where crowds flock throughout the year, in summer taking over the huge outdoor seating area sprawled across huge stone steps. Live music most nights spans alternative, acoustic, folk, electro, world and rock.
1051 Budapest, Erzsébet tér
Tel.: +36.20.201.3868
www.godorklub.hu
ChaChaCha Terasz
On the bank of Margaret Island, this one guarantees a bass line and a packed dance floor well into the early hours during summer, most nights – especially when the weather really hots up. Expect similar tunes to its indoor, Déli Pályudvar, version, and a bigger crowd during warmer months. Good for the latter stage of long summer nights on the island, with an indoor area in case it rains. Worth the trip over the construction-marred bridge.
1030 Budapest, Margaret Island
www.chachacha.hu
Pótkulcs
Meaning “spare key”, Pótkulcs is easy to miss. Tucked behind an unmarked door on quiet residential street, Csengery utca, it’s worth venturing the few minutes from Oktogon for. Live music (and occasional DJ sets) inside can be heard from the wooden tables outside, perched on a multi-level, shaded patio. Mainly Hungarian style food is available daily, 5 p.m.-midnight, including the likes of goulash soup (1,290 HUF) and roast duck with cabbage sztrapacska (1890 HUF), and bar prices aren’t bad.
1067 Budapest, Csengery u. 65/b
Tel.: +36.1.269.1050
Email: info@potkulcs.hu
Black&White Cocktail Bar
Opened last November, with a huge cocktail selection, all the classics are easy to find. Instead, though, look to the unusual selection inspired by bar supervisor Balázs Bácskai’s Cuban travels – think chili-honey Caipirinha or a Batida with a Magyar cranberry pálinka swirl. Whatever you go for, sit under the sun or stars at the foot of the Basilica’s steps on the large, uncovered terrace.
1051 Budapest, Szent István tér 4-5.
Tel.: +36.1.235.0208
Open: Mon.-Sun.: noon- 3 a.m.
www.bwbar.hu
Instant
Prepare to get lost in this three-story labyrinth-like building’s basement gig-venue, contemporary art gallery, café, four bars, 14 ex-residential rooms, a former dental surgery and a now uncovered courtyard complete with shiny, floating fish. The owners have pretty much taken over a whole apartment block and filled it with an international crowd and bands and DJs bouncing electro, world music, break-beat, jazz, dub and more off its crumbling walls.
1065 Budapest, Nagymező utca 38.
Darshan Udvar
To some, it might seem Asian with its Buddha statues, others might find South-American Indian motifs dominating, and there are many who think it’s dead cert Gaudi with the myriad mosaics adorning the walls. And this colorful cavalcade of styles is the best thing about Darshan Udvar. Or the wide selection of food? Or their atmospheric roof terrace? Maybe the fact that it’s one of the rare spots you’ll find white beer on tap? Why don’t you decide for yourself?!
1088 Budapest, Krúdy Gyula utca 7.
Tel.: +36.1.266.5541, +36.1.267.5120
www.darshan.hu
Café Ponyvaregény
Don’t be deceived by the name of Café Ponyvaregény (Pulp Fiction), it’s not a busy-buzzing spot with Travoltan motifs and gun frenzy. Café Ponyvaregény sits in the green oasis of lush Lágymányos Bay. The sunset above the Danube adds an extra special flavor to their lip-smacking oven food and a glass of wine, or if picnics are your thing, they can prepare you a basket of bites to share near the water. There’s also a kids’ corner service with friendly staff.
1117 Budapest, Kopaszi Gát 12-es épület
Tel.:+36.20.335.5496
www.cafeponyvaregeny.hu
Anonymus Restaurant
Two minutes’ walk from stunning Heroes’ Square, inside the shady garden of historic, fairy-tale like Vajdahunyad Castle, Anonymus Restaurant is an island of chill-out during the day, romantic with its huge walls and tiny ducklings, but it transforms into a lounge haven when the sun sets. Enjoy background tunes while you’re munching on gourmet bites and wash it all down with cool cocktails or a glass of superb Magyar wine.
1146 Kós Károly sétány 1., Vajdahunyad Castle
Tel.: +36 1 363 5905
www.anonymusetterem.hu