Fröccsterasz: where parties start

Located in the heart of Budapest, Fröccsterasz is a must-visit for all who’d love to get a taste of ruin pubs in the Hungarian capital.

There are the posh places, there are the ruin pubs, and then there’s Fröccsterasz. A strange mixture of both, Fröccsterasz is a unique spot at the very heart of Budapest.

No matter what’s on your bucket list, Deák Ferenc tér is the start and end point of most sightseeing tours in Budapest. So, after a long day trip, why not visit Fröccsterasz? This spacious bar is just a few steps from the main metro hub of the city, offering a wide variety of drinks and food for a reasonable price.

The brief history of Fröccsterasz

A ruin pub is basically a bar that is a mix between a modern-style pub and the heritage of an old building, combining the two to preserve the building’s historic significance but also put something new into it. If you’re in for checking out the hip side of Budapest, visiting one is a must. Fröccsterasz is a unique mixture of a ruin pub and a modern bar: originally built to function as a bus terminal, this Soviet-era building is the alpha and omega of partygoers in Budapest.

Although it functioned as a bus hub for over 50 years, the building was almost demolished in the 1980s as it became increasingly less lucrative to have a terminal downtown. The only thing saving it from demolition was historic preservation: thanks to it, the massive structure was completely renovated in 2001. Design Terminal, one of the most prominent innovation agencies of the region has used the revamped building as its headquarters, all the way until 2016. This is when Fröccsterasz was founded. And why do locals and tourists love this place? The reason is twofold. 

Terasz (Terrace)

Okay, let’s start with a quick etymological round-up: fröccs means spritzer (wine mixed with carbonated water), and terasz stands for, well, terrace; hence the name “Fröccsterasz”. The ruin pub’s greatest appeal is its huge terrace: hundreds of colorful chairs and tables are available from April until October (or whenever the weather is nice enough to sit outside). While you can’t book a table in advance, you can also grab a drink at the bar and take it with you: Erzsébet tér has many green spots and benches, and locals love sharing a drink at the heart of the city. 

Télikert (Winter garden)

It might feel like Fröccsterasz is open all year, but there comes a time when sipping your drinks on the terrace is no longer a viable option. When temperature drops, “Télikert” (or winter garden) offers the same hospitality and retro vibes as the terrace itself. Less a ruin pub and more a restaurant, Téli kert welcomes all who love nice food but also fancy good music. Another positive thing about Téli kert is that, contrary to the terrace, you can book a table in advance. 

Events

Due its location, Fröccsterasz is a frequent venue for parties where some of the coolest DJs (both from here and from abroad) play. Apart from parties open to the public, it also serves as a venue for private events.

Prices

You might think that a great location comes with a premium, but Fröccsterasz’s prices are fairly reasonable. A glass of beer costs around 3€, most spirits are between 4€-12€, and most dishes are around 10€. Nearby Gozsdu udvar with its famous eateries and bars operate with similar or higher prices, so a night out at Fröccsterasz is a real bargain. 

Built up a craving for wine?

Now we understand that all these mentions of fröccs may have caused you to long for some wine. Luckily, we’ve put together a great list of wine-tasting venues where you can have all the fermented grape juice you want! Check out our article on wine-tasting experiences here.

Getting there

Finding Fröccsterasz isn’t a very complicated task: located right next to Deák Ferenc tér, which also happens to be the major public transportation hub of the capital, it’s literally the only building you can bump into in the area. Apart from three metro lines, more than a dozen bus lines and two tram lines have a stop here. 

Q & A

What is Fröccsterasz?

Fröccsterasz is a ruin pub located in the heart of Budapest.

Where is Fröccsterasz?

Fröccsterasz is located in Erzsébet tér, right at very heart of Budapest.

Is Fröccsterasz a restaurant?

While it primarily serves as a bar, they offer a wide range of street food and snacks.

When is Fröccsterasz open?

Open 365 days a year, Fröccsterasz has an open terrace for the warmer months, and a closed winter garden if you visit when it’s colder.