Just in the center of Budapest, Becketts Irish Pub is a place that highlights Irish culture, giving everyone a cozy atmosphere. From its position on Liszt Ferenc Square, this legendary pub has contributed to Budapest’s nightlife since 1994 with tradition, friendship and fun craic. Thanks to its Irish atmosphere, large whiskey list and hearty food, Becketts is not only a pub—it’s a place that reflects Irish customs in Budapest.
Declan O’Callaghan, born in Dublin, started Becketts by moving to Budapest on New Year’s Day in 1995. Finding love for the city while trying to manage the pub for his employers, O’Callaghan decided to take over Becketts and turn it into an institution the community treasured. When the pub opened close to the Hungarian parliament, it drew close attention from the growing group of expats as well as curious tourists. Yet, in 2014, a fight over taxes in court meant the pub had to close which was a tough blow to take for O’Callaghan. Dedicated to his dream, he moved Becketts to its current home in 2015 and kept its spirit vibrant.
When you enter Becketts, the Irish character and coziness are hard to miss. The clinking of Guinness and the green Irish tricolor running along the walls are made cozy for guests by old whiskey barrels and literature by Samuel Beckett, the pub is named after, for example “Dance before you think about it. Think later. The way it happens is just standard procedure. The comfortable wooden furniture and soft seating make the room the ideal place to relax after finishing the day in Budapest. In summer, people gather on the open terrace shaded by trees to watch the activity happening on Liszt Ferenc Square.
The items on the menu at Becketts celebrate Irish food and will make you feel warm inside. A highlight of the place is their shepherd’s pie which is minced lamb, vegetables and mashed potatoes, all baked until crisp and golden. Another fan favorite is the Guinness beef stew which gives its rich flavors to the stout it’s cooked in. If you’re in the mood for a light alternative, salmon with salad or nachos drowned in melted cheese are available. Whenever you order Irish breakfast, you will receive bacon, sausage, eggs and a traditional Irish dish called black pudding.
Customers will find an excellent whiskey collection on Becketts’ drink menu, making it one of the city’s most impressive. There’s something for everyone, from Jameson and Bushmills in the Irish family to scotch and bourbon. The feature helps customers try different whiskeys and Magners cider and O’Hara’s ale make refreshing changes. Many people say the lack of cream makes the Guinness unimpressive, still, the drink is widely loved and treated with respect.
The real strength of Becketts is how it acts as a center for the community. Lots of sports fans choose the pub, where they can watch GAA football, rugby, hurling and soccer matches through large screens. On the days when games are played, thrilling excitement fills the place with supporters of all kinds cheering on the locals. Special events for both English speakers and locals give the city a festive feel and help everyone bond. You’ll be swept away by live performances of Irish tunes by musicians who play their instruments like real troubadours.
It’s clear from its customers that pub is a multicultural site. Expats remember the place they came from, visitors enjoy the local character and Hungarians enjoy comparing the dry humor here to that in Ireland. A 17-year employee like Mónika Csányi shows how welcoming the pub is by making all guests feel like they belong. His passion for Becketts can be seen in everything he serves and every chat he has.
Yet, Becketts also has some weaknesses. A few people have pointed out that the service can be hit-and-miss, especially on match days and there are also the odd complaints about food being served late. While an expat-style pub, the prices are above average for Budapest given it’s in a top area and serves products from abroad. But these little obstacles don’t undermine Becketts’ brilliance. Patrons keep coming back because the bar brings a bit of Ireland to a lively Budapest environment.
If you want to taste something Irish in Budapest, Becketts Irish Pub should be on your list. You can enjoy a drink outside, cheer for your favorite team or have fun with the locals—and every time is truly memorable. What makes Becketts special is the people inside and O’Callaghan often reminds us that’s what makes any pub truly special.
