Ruin Pubs: Budapest’s Newest Art Scene

Anker't, housed within the huge building of a former factory, is a lovely alfresco garden in summer and a heated grotto during winter. Anker’t features a minimalist chic industrial design and unique atmosphere, and provides a regular home to rowdy parties, film screenings, cultural events and Sunday markets.

Stepping into the laid-back locale of Csendes Létterem is a somewhat surreal experience: mannequins, old toys, vintage knickknacks and a hobby horse hang above your head, abstract drawings adorn the walls, while century-old chandeliers and huge ornate columns enhance the charm. The vibrant buzz of the place attracts artists, students and couples for drinks, chatting and chilling; this is more a café that transforms into a civilized bar in the evening than a pub per se.

Hidden away from the action even while located in the midst of it all, Ellátó Kert is a clandestine club found behind a nondescript plastic curtain. It is highly frequented by an eclectic hip crowd and offers tasty authentic Mexican dishes just right to ease your post-drink craving for food.

Élesztő does not so much classify as a ruin pub because of its looks, but rather because of its unique buzz and succulent suds. This is the place to go for quaffing quality craft beers; an ever-changing selection is provided here from 20 taps in total.

Fogas Ház was among the vanguard of the city’s ruin pub scene, enhanced with an eclectic, stylish and dilapidated design and dance floors to keep you moving all night.

UdvarROM and Füge Udvar are the most fuss- and frill-free places of all. These are super-chill drinking zones, ruin bars at their unpretentious best, providing a fun and affordable night out.

Kuplung is a shrine of underground lore, though easy to miss along the thoroughfare leading to it. The slender courtyard is enhanced with minimalist design and urban art. Why not join the jumping crowds who pack the place almost every night when local bands play?

Púder is built on the ruin of restaurants, and is a bit more upscale, yet it is an intriguing hangout and a hotspot for regular cultural events. Púder’s interior is true eye candy, created by visual wizards, enhanced with colorful murals covering surfaces from floor to ceiling. Installations from local artists regularly adorn the walls.

As the pioneer of today’s ruin pubs, Szimpla was one of the first to set up shop. The interior looks like it was assembled from a second-hand shop selling old toys, bikes, all kinds of knickknacks, even Russian cars, and the effect is completed with work by local artists. On Sundays, Szimpla doubles as a well-beloved farmers’ market that customers love because of the ambience.

MazelTov is the ideal example of what a restaurant in the Jewish district and amid the many ruin pubs should be like. Although the cuisine is not kosher, the flavors will instantly take you to the Middle East, and a touch of the ghetto wall at the far end of the garden will give you a deeper understanding of the area's history.

Kőleves Garden is a true downtown treasure. In addition to a seasonally changing menu, they also offer meat and vegetarian lunch menus on weekdays, complete with a jug of cordial. During the warmer months, university students and romancing couples frequent this silent shelter, where you can sit down on one of the colorful chairs or the swings swaying at the counter.

At Liebling's salon, wine bar and club mixture, you can taste wines or prepare for a crazy Friday night with the wide vodka, whiskey and rum selection. In the spring, an upstairs terrace, while in all other seasons, live music evenings and cocktails ensure a good atmosphere.

Kertem is a cherished summertime hangout with its wooden bar decorated by old vinyl records and varied bands providing live entertainment late into the warm evenings. This one-of-a-kind alfresco ruin pub is a harmonious place for anyone to enjoy some drinks and conversation amid a laid-back atmosphere illuminated by multicolored bulbs and enhanced by the aroma of grilled burgers.