District VII, the old Jewish Quarter of Budapest, holds the densest run of bars in the city. This is where the ruin-bar movement began, with rooms built inside derelict courtyards and packed with salvaged furniture. The list below covers the rooms our editors return to, from the original ruin bar to quieter wine and cocktail rooms a few doors away. Compare them with our best cocktail bars in Budapest and the full Budapest bar guide.
Kazinczy utca · $
Szimpla Kert opened in 2004 and set the template for the ruin bar. It fills a former factory on Kazinczy utca with mismatched furniture and many small rooms. It draws a heavy tourist crowd, so come early for a seat.
Akacfa utca · $
Instant-Fogas is the largest party complex in the quarter, running several joined buildings on Akacfa utca. It holds many dance floors and bars across two old houses. It runs late and loud most nights of the week.
Akacfa utca · $$$
Mazel Tov sets a Middle Eastern kitchen and bar under a glass roof on Akacfa utca. The room reads more polished than the ruin bars around it. Book ahead on weekends, when the courtyard fills for dinner.
Kazinczy utca · $
Ellato Kert runs a courtyard ruin bar with a taco counter across from Szimpla on Kazinczy utca. The drinks stay cheap and the crowd young. It works well for an early outdoor round.
Dob utca · $$$
Doblo pours Hungarian wine by the glass from a brick cellar room on Dob utca. The list runs long on Tokaj and Eger. It stays calmer than the ruin bars and suits a slower start to the night.
Kazinczy utca · $$$
Szivos Bar pours craft cocktails from a small, dark room on Kazinczy utca. The bartenders take the drinks seriously and the list changes often. It gives the quarter a quieter option a few steps from the crowds.
Nagy Diofa utca · $
Grandio sits in a hostel courtyard on Nagy Diofa utca under a canopy of plants and fairy lights. The drinks stay cheap and the crowd backpacker-heavy. It runs busy and informal late into the night.
Kazinczy utca · $
Koleves Kert spreads a garden bar with deckchairs and sand across a lot on Kazinczy utca. It works through the day as well as the night. The kitchen next door sends out Hungarian plates.