Élesztőház – For the lovers of craft beer and more

 Élesztőház is a unique ruin pub in Budapest specialized in Hungarian craft beer, offering 30 types of ale on tap, and much more. Go take a sip or two!

Ever since Budapest became one of the party capitals of Europe with cheap booze and ruin pubs at every corner, a new wave of tourists put it on their travel map. As much as the wallet-friendly prices and the run-down buildings turned into surreal bars are inviting for some, Budapest has much more to offer. To let locals and foreigners see behind the most common drink options, the owners of Élesztőház decided to start a craft beer revolution in Budapest. This is how the city’s very first ruin pub specialized in craft Hungarian beer and ale came to life. Today, Élesztőház is much more than a beer house. It’s a hub for fine drinks and revolutionary gastronomy, where you can even stay the night if the strong pints make you see double.

Beer Kingdom

From the outside, Élesztőház looks just like any other ruin pub. It’s located in a building you would think twice to even go near if you didn’t know of all the treats waiting for you inside. The century-old facade looks as torn and rugged as you could expect from a glassblowing workhouse, which was also used as a parking lot for many subsequent years. 2013 marked the turn of luck for the area when Élesztőház opened its doors wanting no less than teaching the public the culinary pleasures of fine craft beer. The term ‘Élesztő’ means ‘yeast’ in English but can also be translated to ‘revival’, making a smart reference both to the restoration of the building and the beer revolution the place brought about. And the owners had it right. The fame and popularity of Élesztőház is undiminished ever since, with groups upon groups of beer lovers paying visits to this craft beer haven.

Stepping inside, the used-to-be warehouse hangar has an industrial vibe which suits the strong smell of top-class beer perfectly. The cozy open-air yard and the inside chambers offer plenty of room to taste the unique flavors of the 30 craft beers on tap. They serve local and international hand-crafted beers from well-known brands to small-batch breweries. Get ready for the most peculiar aromas and strangest spices in their pints, but rest assured that the lovers of a good old lager or pilsner will also be pleased with Élesztőház. They even have a dedicated corner for British pints: at the Cask Ale Bar, you can sip light, fruity ale. And if knocking back a cold one is not enough for you, you can try your hand at brewing workshops and sampling events at BREW!Studio.

Culinary treasures

As much as it is a hub for craft beer lovers in Budapest, Élesztőház offers so much more than beer. The nooks and corners of the building complex hide many other culinary treasures for those interested in quality drinks and dishes. Those more into wine, bistro bites and a bit more classy vibes can head to Vino Piano wine bar, while hot drink fans can start the day at Rengeteg RomCafé – and while we’re at wine, we also recommend you check out our article on wine tasting venues in Budapest if it’s up your alley. This tiny café has a huge selection of the creamiest hot chocolate, some serious slow food, and a startling amount of teddy bears as decoration.

Butcher’s Kitchen welcomes everyone with filling meaty dishes from ribs to pulled pork, sausages, and more. If you are looking for a truly unique gastro experience, check out the apartment restaurant (lakásétterem) which is furnished specifically for team cooking and private dinners. One can experience only so much, so if you need a place to rest after an eventful day at Élesztőház, we’re happy to let you know that the courtyard also houses a beer hostel, Hopstel.