Hungary’s capital features plenty of large-scale concert halls, but it can be difficult to find a relaxed club or café hosting mellow musicians – until now. In this roundup, we collected our favorite hangouts for when we’d like to sit back and listen to diverse types of live music while enjoying some drinks, food, and light conversation, with no wristband required. If you have any additional suggestions, don’t keep them to yourself – all recommendations are welcome in the comment section!
1/9
Mazel Tov
Mazel Tov is one of the most popular cultural clubs of Budapest’s Jewish Quarter, found somewhere around the crossing point of urban gardens, creative openness, and popular Mediterranean cuisine. The place awaits guests with an open kitchen and various cultural and musical events, making it an ideal meeting spot for friendly gatherings. The local event organizers aim to provide acoustic music that won’t disturb anyone during dinner, but rather serves as a pleasant backdrop. One of the recurring performers is András Jász, who often plays together with the resident band of Mazel Tov, as well. Sometimes the program turns out to be interactive, with the audience singing or dancing along. These events are always open to the public.
Music: jazz, ragtime, swing
Entry fee: none
Food: hot meals
Program
2/9
Margitutcakilenc
One of the friendliest community places of Buda is located somewhere between Margit Boulevard and Gül Baba’s türbe, and it has something of a countryside vibe. Nearby locals, and even those who live a little further away, fell in love with this spot over the years: families, cyclists, and dog owners feel at home in this garden hiding between two brick walls. We can eat and drink accompanied by charming live music here, with talented performers on the “stage” such as Zsanett Pápai, the Oti Voice & Bass Duo, and the Harmónia Garden Duo. A very sympathetic feature of Margitutcakilenc is that the band plays among the audience with no separation, further adding to the already cozy atmosphere.
Music: jazz, swing, pop, modern, traditional
Entry fee: none
Food: hot meals
Program
3/9
Pótkulcs
Pótkulcs is a hidden gem on Csengery Street – only the most observant passersby discover this pub, and that’s why it has been able to preserve its unique multicultural atmosphere that makes it special. This is one of those rare places with live music every day, featuring violinists, Hungarian folk bands, and Roma and jazz musicians. The party begins relatively early here, often with dance and – less often – song requests. After the performance, musicians often stick around for a drink or two, and are more than glad to talk a bit with the audience. We specifically recommend this place for those over 30, and for those who are not necessarily looking for that typical downtown atmosphere.
Music: jazz, gypsy music, modern, violin, swing
Entry fee: none
Food: dry snacks
Program
4/9
Jedermann Jazz Café
Throughout the day, Jedermann Café is a quiet nook for studying, while at night the place transforms into a buzzing jazz club. Sometimes the band members outnumber the audience members, but this scenario is fortunately quite rare here. Delicious food and wallet-friendly prices await everyone who would like to spend an evening with pleasant and non-obtrusive jazz or blues music playing in the background – although there are some nights when the band becomes a tad too loud for chatting. However, this usually isn’t a problem, since the core of the audience consists of students, artists, and music fans, who come for the music anyway. Regular performers of the café include the
Dresch Quartet and
5/9
Liebling
Since the opening of Liebling next to Fogas, Akácfa Street’s party district is finally complete. In this combination of a salon, wine bar, and club, we can taste wines or prepare for a crazy Friday night with the wide selection of vodka, whiskey, and rum. In addition, there are concerts 2-3 times a week, with astonishing diversity in genres. We prefer the acoustic shows, but the recent piano-accordion performance of Ernő Weszely was superb, as well. However, any concert is worth checking out here if you’re looking for a pleasant evening.
Music: swing, jazz, funk, Afro, Latino, hip-hop
Entry fee: none
Food: hot meals
Program
7/9
Trafik Klub
Trafik Klub at Mikszáth Kálmán Square is a little bit of a poor fit for this list, as the program is dominated by rock music, and club concerts are still an important part of the club’s lineup, even though the tiny stage doesn’t really provide enough space for pogo or stage diving. Still, the place has a familiar feeling that makes it fun, and it often gives emerging bands an opportunity to introduce themselves here, who in turn make sure that the evening won’t be boring.
Music: rock, punk, hardcore
Entry fee: varies by event
Food: snacks
Program
8/9
IF Café
IF Café attracts guests with a turn-of-the-century atmosphere, relatively friendly prices for Ráday Street, and a pleasant atmosphere for guests, even if they are not huge fans of jazz music. However, it’s true that most people come here for the music, and the tables are specifically arranged so that every guest has a good view of the performers’ corner. Concerts begin every night of the week at 7:30pm.
Music: jazz
Entry fee: 800 forints for a ground-floor table, 400 forints for a gallery table
Food: hot meals
Program
9/9
Lámpás
Lámpás, tucked away in a basement on Dob Street, can easily grow on you if you like zigzagging cellar chambers, bohemian vibes, and good beer, and the place holds live music concerts almost every day, as well. We can listen to nearly anything from rockabilly to jazz here, and the bar often welcomes emerging bands to throw a gig and build their reputation, as well.
Music: various
Entry fee: none
Food: sandwiches
Program
