Bars and Cafes in District II (Budapest)

Calgary Antik Drink Bar

Owner Viky Szabo-ex-model turned junk shop specialist - is a well-known, much-loved character and she has turned Calgary into one of Buda's relatively hidden treasures, with a host of loyal regulars who stay up all night, playing cards, drinking and gossiping. The tiny front bar is deceptive: totter down the back stairs and you are in an Aladdin's Cave, filled to bursting with antiques. HB, Gosser, Amstel, Kaiser, Heineken, Diebels, Oberdorfer Wiessbier, Staropramen, Czech Pils and Guinness all feature here. An unpredictable selection of home-style Hungarian fare: stuffed cabbage, cauliflower soup and Transylvanian cabbage is occasionally on offer. There are also Frankfurters, scones and party cakes if you just want something to nibble on.

Marxim

This pizza place with a friendly atmosphere is situated not far from Moszkva ter, on a side street off Margit korut. It's a popular local hangout with good pizzas and cheap beer. The decor here is interesting: the tables are separated by barbed wire and there are red flags all over the place, there's a uniformed mannequin and even a showcase of Communist medals and trinkets.

Nancsi Neni Vendéglöje

Nancsi neni is popular with families with small children, tourists who want to sample home-style Hungarian cooking and couples out for a romantic evening under the stars. Inside, you'll find jars filled with homemade pickles and preserves, gingham tablecloths and rustic furniture. Outside are tables and a playground for the little ones. The menu includes traditional Hungarian dishes and summer seafood. Meat is featured predominantly on the menu. The Budapest Wine Society compiled the wine list.

Remíz Café and Brasserie

Although Remiz means 'tram depot,' the trams glide past silently. In the summer, everyone sits outside and enjoys the aroma of the grilled dishes wafting across the bushes. Enjoy excellent salads and one of the best and healthiest lunch options around. The grilled salmon is divine and the chunks of meat grilled on skewers will delight carnivores. Choice wines from all over Hungary and naughty desserts can also be found on the tantalizing menu.

Auguszt

The Auguszt family make some of the best cakes and pastries in the city and this is one of their outlets. You can either sit in the tiny, cramped café and enjoy a coffee and delicious cake, or take away. The decor recalls a certain turn-of-the-century faded glamour, with old-fashioned mirrors and lamps.There is a variety of cakes and a selection of little savory scones (served by the kilo), as well as specially made cakes for family celebrations and mouth-watering pastries. See the website for further details.

Fecske Beach Club

Located on the Buda side of the Danube bank, this urban beach bar provides a great atmosphere and view of Margaret Island from its roof top terrace of the Császár-Komjádi Baths. To make a splash at this party purchase a ticket that gives you access to the open-air swimming pool. After a dip, dry off and head back up to the roof and grab a cocktail and play baby foot, or giant chess under the sun! There is a built in sand beach for Cosmo girls, restaurant, massage area to really unwind and an outdoor lounge. Local DJs spin every night, and the party will continue on with no entry fee or strict closing time. Fecske can fit up to 1300 people. This is the spot for friendly, fun loving mixed crowds with really different lifestyles. 

Chachacha Underground Café

The original Chachacha was a serious old timer among the underground bars of Budapest, and probably the one that was the most serious about this definition: it was located in a subway station. It had to close after several last parties Spring 2007 because of the construction of the new metro line. Luckily, the open air Chachacha Terrace opened up in the same time on Margaret Island with the same bar tenders, resident DJs and night fever. It is always packed from Thursday to Saturday, and partly because every night has its regular music and style, it pulls in everyone from bmx riders to young managers. The peak is Thursday night's retro party. After 3 shots under the stars at the counter selling spirits only, you might be able to sing Hungarian songs at the Karaoke in the bar inside the building near to the river. Locals will highly appreciate your attempt!