During winter in Hungary’s capital, going out on the town for dinner and a good time can turn into a challenging test of endurance while braving the chilly sidewalks between eateries and bars. Delight in a complete night out within the walls of one hotspot at any of these appealing places for enjoying excellent food with a partying mood.
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A38
Step aboard Budapest’s most popular pleasure boat for a nighttime journey with dual destinations of good gastronomy and a world-class concert or DJ session, all without ever leaving the dock. The ship’s top deck is a nautically themed restaurant with panoramic riverfront views, serving savory dishes like wild boar cutlet with potato stew or grilled goat cheese; meanwhile, deep in the hull a huge music hall hosts international luminaries and esteemed Magyar artists.
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Akvárium Klub
The most central nightspot in downtown Pest is a cavernous underground (and underwater) party venue that attracts huge crowds to dance the night away to the beats of diverse musicians from near and far, all enhanced by a nice eatery. Beneath a skylight that supports a shallow lake, the Aqua Bistro here offers delicious pastas, salads, and pub food like fish and chips or hamburgers to feast on while DJ sets and live bands blast tunes from the adjacent theater area.
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kolor
At the entrance to Budapest’s buzzing Gozsdu Udvar complex, this spacious nightlife nexus is always a solid choice for satisfying food and fun. For rather reasonable prices, guests can devour high-quality dinners like the Panko-coated fried chicken breast or the gnocchi with wild mushrooms and basil, along with irresistable desserts like cheesecake with lime, mint, and mango. Downstairs in the cellar club, frequent dance-music festivities light up weekend nights.
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La Bodeguita Del Medio
No matter what the weather is like outside, the atmosphere is always sizzling with Caribbean spirit at this classy nightspot inspired by the dance clubs of Old Havana. As live Latin music adds spice to the colorful ambience, diners dig in to thick grilled steaks, fresh seafood, and Cuban specialties like ropa vieja (shredded beef in tomato sauce) and Cayo Largo-style shrimp. Meanwhile, professional dancers encourage visitors to get up and move with the island rhythm.
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Ötkert
Long lines form in front of this trendy after-hours destination for mingling and dancing, but arrive earlier in the evening to try the tempting assortment of Hungarian and international delicacies served in the restaurant. Main courses include intriguing Magyar treats like traditional paprika-and-potato stew with roasted sausage and sour cream, offered alongside exotic dishes such as the salmon steak glazed with sesame-ginger sauce with wasabi-flavored rice noodles.
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Spíler Shanghai
Amid a sexy setting reminscent of a scene from a classic kung-fu movie, this Gozsdu Udvar hotspot is esteemed for its signature cocktails and late-night action downstairs in the Secret Bar, while up above an enticing menu offers snacks and full meals from East and West. Bite into one of the succulent burgers (including salmon and pork varieties), or enjoy tastes of the Orient with spring rolls, tempura squid, sweet-and-sour pork ribs, or different types of pad Thai.
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Symbol Budapest
With several separate restaurants all operating in a single historic building – alongside a gigantic glass-roofed lounge and an even-bigger basement music venue – this Buda nightlife palace provides an unparalleled variety for one-stop evenings out. Feast on traditional Hungarian and Jewish meals amid the charming 220-year-old Cellar, munch on quesadillas or burgers in the Puskás Pancho Sport Pub, or indulge in brick-oven-baked pizzas in the Italian Fusion Restaurant.
Address: 1036 Budapest, Bécsi út 56.
