Introduction

In Budapest, you can find a lively mix of Hungarian classics and dishes from other countries and gastropubs are becoming a popular part of the picture. Together with tasty new dishes, wonderful beers and a great vibe, gastropubs in Budapest appeal to anyone who enjoys good food or like to hang out with friends. Wherever you are—from District VII’s liveliest spots to the peaceful Buda—these pubs offer a fresh take on the traditional pub idea. This article looks into Budapest’s gastropub scene, recommending top places to visit, their offers and how to enjoy them.

What Makes a Place a Gastro Pub?

A gastropub improves upon the pub experience by offering top-quality meals in addition to a well-chosen selection of drinks. Here in Budapest, many gastropubs feature interesting meals and frosty artisan beers made locally. You can get award-winning burgers, vegan choices or mixes of Hungarian and international food styles on their menu. Their main appeal is the rustic, stylish interiors, live music or the terraces they offer. To many—whether young professionals or visitors to Budapest—gastropubs provide a taste of the city’s newest food styles.

What Makes Budapest’s Gastropubs Successful

The rapid increase in gastropubs in Budapest shows people here are interested in interesting food and craft beer. Microbreweries Rizmajer and HopTop, along with others from the 2010s, have led a craft beer movement which gastropubs now showcase in their IPAs, stouts and unique beers. Budapest’s low food prices allow everyone to enjoy dining at gastropubs, unlike in Western Europe. Both VII (Erzsébetváros) and V (Belváros) are known for lively activities, with great food, but District I in Buda gives a quieter experience.

The Best Gastropubs for Food in Budapest

Check out these highlighted gastropubs that are a big part of Budapest’s culture:

1. Kandalló Pub

Kertész u. 33, District VII is where you’ll find Kandalló Pub, offering both craft beer and burgers. Because of its 16 taps filled with local brews by Monyo and Mad Scientist, beer lovers feel right at home here. There are beef and vegan burgers available, all made with creative care and charged at 2,500–4,000 HUF ($7–$10 USD). Groups and crowds looking for a lively atmosphere may enjoy the venue’s space, terrace and welcoming atmosphere during matches. Being chosen for GastroGuide’s Top 10 Burgers Budapest only strengthens Kandalló’s good name. Booking in advance is suggested.

2. Élesztőház

At Élesztőház located in Ferencváros district, Tűzoltó u. There, you’ll find a great collection of craft beers made in a former glass factory. Because of its 20 plus choices of Hungarian and international beer, it’s a popular bar for people who love beer. You’ll find smoked trout sliders and beer-battered pickles as bar snacks and pork ribs (2,800–4,500 HUF, $8–$12 USD) as the bigger, main dishes. The presence of an industrial courtyard, DJs and at times beer tastings makes the event fun and lively. It’s best for informal evenings or trying out Budapest’s craft beers.

3. The Jónás Craft Beer House

You’ll find Jónás Craft Beer House on the Buda side, near Gellért Hill at Fővám tér 11, where you can enjoy the river and a casual feel. Locally brewed Fóti Kézműves Sörfőzde beers are on the menu, as are duck confit sliders and paprika-flavored cauliflower wings (priced between 2,000 and 3,500 HUF or $5–$9 USD). With its minimal interior and outdoor spaces, it’s a perfect setting for watching the sunset. The mix of good prices and high quality charms both local residents and tourists.

Best Places to Find Food and Drink

The craft beer buffs love Hungary, because Budapest’s gastropubs offer great craft beer with inventive dishes. If you’re craving a burger, Kandalló has both beef choices and options containing lentils and mushrooms for vegans. Sharing food is easy with small plates and those can include truffle fries or smoked cheese. For a Hungarian feel, try the lángos tacos or goulash croquettes. You’ll find different types of beer regularly, including IPAs, porters and lagers. Those who do not drink beer can opt for a craft cocktail, Hungarian wine or make theirs without alcohol, with prices starting at 2,000 HUF ($5 USD) for Kandalló’s special signature cocktails.

Ways to Get the Most from a Gastropub

These tips will help you have the best time at a gastropub in Budapest:

• Don’t put it off; popular sites, like Kandalló, become packed with large groups quite soon. Make your booking via the internet or email.
• Look at Menus: Gastropubs change their taps often, so it’s a good idea to see what they have on the menu or ask a staff member.
• Try Sharing Plates: Pick a selection of smaller dishes to try a number of flavors, great for sharing with people.
• If you want to enjoy a gastropub, check their events calendar to find with hosts beer tastings and other entertainment. Look on social media for the Olympic schedule.
• Leave District VII to experience District IX or District I of Buda to find different sorts of attractions.

Gastropubs Have a Place in Budapest’s Food Culture

Popular gastropubs are a perfect fit for the city’s food scene which includes everything from award-winning restaurants to outdoor food markets like Karaván. Unlike traditional Hungarian csárdas, gastropubs provide a casual and trendy eating atmosphere that fits well with the city’s young culture. Vegan and gluten-free menus are becoming more popular in fast food. Because of the rise of craft beer, breweries like Kispolszki are collaborating with HopTop which has improved the industry. Their reasonable prices and innovative menus attract lots of local people as well as vacationers.

Practical Advice

Typically, gastropubs open from noon to midnight, but they keep going on Saturdays and Sundays for up to two hours later. The M1 or M2 metro makes it simple to reach District VII and trams (19, 41) will take you to any of the gastropubs in Buda. It’s standard to place orders with Wolt or Bolt Food and many restaurants provide Wi-Fi without charge. A good tip is 10% of what you spend at a restaurant. To learn about today’s menus or special events, follow gastropubs on their Instagram or Facebook pages.

Conclusion

Hungarian gastropubs mix tasty food and creative brews with exciting settings, so they’re a big part of the city’s food scene. You can have great experiences at these places, whether you’re drinking beer at Kandalló, munching sliders at Élesztőház or enjoying the riverside atmosphere at Jónás. Moving to several areas of Budapest and enjoying their meals with others will help you get the best from gastropubs. Make yourself a part of this vibrant neighborhood to find out why food and beer lovers love it here.