Hungary - Eastern Europe - page 348

pleasure in the basement party-arena during nights. Open Monday through Wednes-
day noon to midnight, Thursday noon to 3am, Friday noon to 4am, and Saturday
6pm to 4am. VI. Hajós u. 31. & 1/312-1727. www.picassopoint.hu. Metro: Nyugati pu. (Blue line).
Pótkulcs A bohemian bar, Pótkulcs (Spare Key) draws an artsy-looking crowd of trav-
elers and locals alike. Beyond the rusty metal entrance, this large pub is filled with rick-
ety chairs, couches, and tables—a great place to socialize. The friendly yet crazy-looking
chef prepares tasty and ample meals. Presenting the local artists-to-be, the pub features
an eclectic mix of temporary art exhibitions and unique concerts. Open daily 5pm to
2:30am. VI. Csengery u. 65/b. & 1/269-1050. www.potkulcs.hu. Metro: Nyugati pu. (Blue line).
Sark Located on a corner—hence the name—Sark has three levels filled with utter
coolness. On the gallery, powerful black-and-white prints of characteristic faces gaze
at you from the walls, the bustling bar surroundings on the main floor are usually
crammed, while the blank basement dance floor hosts occasional concerts and dance
crazes. Open Monday through Wednesday noon to 3am, Thursday through Saturday
noon to 5pm, and Sunday 5pm to 2am. VII. Klauzál tér 14. & 1/328-0752. www.sark.hu. Tram:
4 or 6 to Wesselényi u.
Szilvuplé Lounge/cafe/restaurant/bar compacted into one, Szilvuplé's attractiveness
lies in its steady, calm, welcoming atmosphere. The secession-style indoor design, col-
orful cocktail bar, attentive staff, moderate prices, and talented DJs create the buzz each
night. Open Thursday through Saturday 6pm to 4am, and Sunday through Wednes-
day 6pm to 2am. VI. Ó u. 33. & 1/302-2499. www.szilvuple.hu. Metro: Opera (Yellow line).
Szimpla A wholly unpretentious bohemian bar packed with ramshackle antique
furniture, a favorite of the local arty and adventure-seeking traveler crowd. The dimly
lit, couch-packed underground cellar is a relaxing, pleasant place to unwind. Open
daily noon to 2am. VII. Kertész u. 48. & 1/342-1034. Metro: Oktogon (Yellow line) or tram 4 or 6
to Király u.
Szóda The red-dominant retro-futuristic design with snug leather couches is cou-
pled with fitting rows of empty soda bottles. The underground bar and dance floor is
shelter for the whacky all-night dance-rats. Open Monday through Friday 9am to day-
break, and Saturday and Sunday 2pm to daybreak. VII. Wesselényi u. 18. & 1/461-0007.
www.szoda.com. Tram: 4 or 6 to Wesselényi u.
Vittula A hidden small and new-wave-intimate cellar bar for travelers, expatriates,
and locals alike who squeeze in to listen to retro-funky vibes or live music by local
youth talents. Consistently busy and almost always unbearably smoky. Open daily
6pm until dawn. VII. Kertész u. 4. No phone. Metro: Blaha Lujza tér (Red line).
HUNGARIAN DANCE HOUSES
Although Hungarian folk music is no longer a key characteristic of rural life (except,
perhaps, in Transylvania, now part of Romania), recent years have seen the growth of
an urban-centered folk revival movement known as the táncház (dance house). An
interactive evening of folk music and folk dancing, in a neighborhood community
center, might just rank as one of the best and most authentic cultural experiences you
can have in Budapest. We've listed a few of the best-known dance houses below. The
format usually consists of about an hour of dance-step instruction followed by several
hours of dancing accompanied by a live band, which might include some of Hungary's
best folk musicians, in an authentic, casual atmosphere. You can come just to watch
and listen if you're nervous about dancing.