Ruin bars are an integral part of Budapest’s night life and are a completely unique experience from any other bar I have visited. Abandoned buildings and war ruins have been transformed into eccentric bars, giving the otherwise inoperable structures a second chance at life. I had the opportunity to visit two ruin bars during my stay in Budapest and had unforgettable experiences at both. The two bars, Szimpla Kert and Mazel Tov, were incredibly different from one another. Szimpla Kert is a more traditional bar experience with loud music, flashing lights, and filled with a wide range of kitschy decorations. Mazel Tov, on the other hand, is a more “upscale” experience and I would classify it as a restaurant more so than a bar. Both were equally amazing; it really just comes down to the type of experience you’re looking for when deciding which one to visit. Better yet, visit both and get to experience the full spectrum of what the ruin bars of Budapest have to offer.
Szimpla Kert
Szimpla Kert is the ruin bar that started it all. Since it was the first one to open, it is one of the most notable bars in Budapest’s night life scene and always filled with a bustling crowd. The lack of ceiling and walls is made up for by an assortment of patterned sheets and scrap material used to section off the building. There are different levels and hidden nooks to find everywhere, with a number of bars scattered throughout the entire building. The décor is chaotic in the best way possible, with writing covered walls and random objects covering every surface. A bike hanging from the ceiling, a bathtub turned into a couch of sorts, a graffitied car parked right next to your table; you never know what you’ll find. The cocktail and craft beer menus are extensive, so you’re sure to find something that suits your fancy. The drinks are served in a typical dive bar fashion, in a pint glass with a disposable straw. They do have a food selection from what I’ve heard, but I unfortunately cannot speak on it since I didn’t realize they served food when I visited. Szimpla Kert is a bar you visit for the vibes, atmosphere, and stories held within its walls. Even if you don’t plan on partying late into the night, it’s definitely worth stopping by for a drink and exploring everything Szimpla Kert has to offer.
Mazel Tov
If boisterous bars aren’t really your thing, no fear, Mazel Tov is here! Whether you’re looking for a more upscale cocktail selection or to experience the ruins of Budapest through a more culinary focused lens, Mazel Tov is the way to go. Their splendid cocktail selection includes all the classics you love as well as more unique house signatures, all executed to perfection. From a strawberry negroni sour to the more out there popcorn flavored cocktail, their rotating selection of cocktail specials are sure to entice your taste buds. The food menu includes a variety of Mediterranean delicacies prepared to absolute perfection. Grab a few small plates to share, a full entrée, or just skip straight to dessert. The Mezze Dip Selection was one of my personal favorites as it allows you to sample three of their incredible dips paired with soft sourdough pita and briny marinated olives. For the hummus gurus, they have an entire menu of different flavors of hummus you can enjoy, all served with their incredible grilled sourdough pita. Mazel Tov is a place for the epicures exploring the ruins of Budapest and a must visit in my books.
Whether it’s Szimpla Kert, Mazel Tov, or one of the many others, ruin bars play a major role in Budapest’s night life. Exploring them provides insight into the many stories that have unfolded in these unique structures throughout history. The ruin bars reclaim what was once destroyed through great tragedy and discrimination by repurposing them into places where a melting pot of people come to have fun. If you’re ever in Budapest, I encourage you to take the time to explore everything that the ruin bars have to offer.
