Becketts
Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Ut 72 , Budapest, District V, Hungary
Overall: 3.5
Food: 4.0
Drink: 3.0
Atmosphere: 3.5
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We walked through the door of Beckett’s just ahead of the crowd. Already busy, it was about to get a lot busier and we went in search of one of the last tables, ordered a drink, considered the menu, and watched the place fill.br>
Tonight was the last night of qualifying matches for the World Cup and Ireland had to beat France if they were to go forward. The match was being shown in this Irish bar and was the main reason for such a large crowd on a Wednesday night.
This was my first time in Beckett’s for a few years and looking around nothing had changed. Beckett’s is nominally an Irish bar. But it’s not a theme pub with shamrock and shillelaghs everywhere. Instead it’s a bright, modern premises that is Irish through ownership and attitude not twee marketing. It is in fact very much like a modern bar in Ireland.
The room (which was filling rapidly by now) is divided into two separate areas. The oval bar is in the centre and on each side of it an archway connects the rooms. The main body of the room has some high tables, the majority of the bar, and lots of standing room. The front bar has a number of lower tables and feels a bit like a restaurant, though you can order from anywhere in the bar. The toilets are upstairs and are very clean.
Our food arrived a little before the match with an apology that it took longer than usual because everyone had arrived and placed orders at once. The menu in Beckett’s is interesting and good quality. Including the usual burgers, there are also more unusual items such as Turkey & Gorgonzola. It’s a definite step above most bar food.
The beer selection in comparison is a little disappointing. There are a range of international brands (Guinness included) but only one local brand on tap. If you already know what you want this is not a problem of course, but it’s nice to try local brews, especially when good beers from both Hungary and nearby Czech Republic are easily obtained elsewhere in the city.
The atmosphere during our visit was exciting, upbeat and friendly, but World Cup matches don’t take place every night and on most weeknights Beckett’s is much quieter. This makes it a good place for a bite to eat, a quiet drink, or a chat with the staff. The staff are friendly and make it seem like a real local.
Weekends are different and it is then that Beckett’s can seem to be a community centre for expats in Budapest. On any weekend you are guaranteed to meet a mix of nationalities. And you may just as easily find people living in Budapest for years, or a football team visiting for the weekend. Whichever it is the place is always friendly, lively and the place to be if you are looking for a party.
Like Irish bars in most cities the prices in Beckett’s are above average for the city. But that still means they’re very reasonable compared to Ireland. A service charge is not included and you are expected to leave a tip.
Ireland lost the match, but the atmosphere was good and when we left, an hour after full time, Beckett’s was still full and the conversation followed us out.
Beckett’s is recommended for anyone visiting Budapest. Just don’t go on a weekend or during a World Cup match if you’re looking for a quiet pint.
November 2005
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This is possibly the expat centre of Budapest. It's generally busy and, while not huge, is bright and airy. They show all the sports as expected. The food is very good, though the choice of drinks is a bit small. the staff are friendly and it's a nice friendly social place. Even better is that it's an Irish pub that does not play all the paddywhackery rubbish. In short it's a nice friendly pub that is made by its staff and customers not any gimmicks.
Duffman, Oct 25, 2005 |
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Nice Pub, great atmosphere.A place to be. - Alex, Netherlands
Irish Pubs Directory, Jun 7, 2005 |
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The best Irish pub in Budapest. You can watch football matches on TVs and projectors - when a British team is playing, it's really busy and has an authentic atmosphere.
Anonymous, Nov 14, 2004 |
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Nice pub that's well worth a visit, especialy on weekends when it gets very lively.
Anonymous, Apr 15, 2004 |
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If you want a party in budapest then this is the place to visit. Big place but packed with a great party atmosphere
Anonymous, Mar 4, 2004 |
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This is a large and in a way characterless pub. It gets really packed on weekends - mainly with expats- and there's a good party atmosphere. During the week it's much quieter. The staff are friendly and it's not bad as a place to sit and have quiet pint if you're on your own. The food is really good and worth coming for.
boc, Feb 3, 2004 |
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