Just can’t control that urge to burst into song? Then gargle with vodka and get yourself over to one of these great karaoke bars in Budapest.
Karaoke bars in Budapest #1
Amigo Bar – Definitely one of the city’s Hidden Gems, this tiny (upstairs) rockabilly bar has walls covered with early rock and roll memorabilia. But down the stairs are two nice-sized rooms, one with pool tables and one with a separate bar for the karaoke crowd. A house DJ offers a large selection of songs to all incipient Elvises or Jerry Lee Lewises, but only on Thursday nights.
Since it’s not that well known except among Budapest’s cognoscenti, singers will generally be able to perform without long waits between songs. For a fun adventure, come visit this bar less traveled at Hársfa utca 1, just off Rákóczi út, near Blaha Lujza tér.
Karaoke bars in Budapest #2
Blue Bird Café – this cellar karaoke bar is near the middle of Gozsdu Udvar, accessible from Király utca or Dob utca. Upstairs is a quite small restaurant, but the real action is in the high-tech karaoke pub down the spiral staircase. Four padded booths comprise the waiting area and the “stage” is just the space in front of the booths, but the song selection is as varied as anyone could want.
Songs are selected by patrons on table-top i-pads and sent to the DJ, who calls singers in the order of their registrations. The sound system is loud, sometimes overpowering, but the place was filled with locals and expats and tourists alike every time we visited; it was always rocking and a great time was had by everyone. Plus, as an added bonus, it is the only place in Budapest, as far as is known, that serves that great Lithuanian beer, Svyturys.
Karaoke bars in Budapest #3
Morrison’s 2 – the little cousin of the recently closed Grande Dame of Budapest karaoke bars, this underground English-style pub was a nighttime hot spot and venerable attraction to the over-30 crowd since 1993. This rather youth-oriented place can be found on Szent István körút 11., next to the Vígszínház, and karaoke is offered from Monday to Saturday from 19:00.
For those people who are looking for a cosy place, Morrison’s 2’s interior may be somewhat daunting. For people who love funky and extremely busy bars, a huge variety of fairly-priced drinks, good times and a vibrant karaoke atmosphere, this is the place.
Karaoke bars in Budapest #4
Old Ram’s – A short walk from the Kodály Körönd metro station, this underground pub is reminiscent of a WWII bomb shelter, with a curved ceiling and rough-hewn walls. The Song-Bird Karaoke Team often bases here to offer any and all would-be Tom Joneses a great atmosphere in which to display their talents.
Darts, pinball and foosball (cso-cso) are available between songs, but most customers come to showcase their vocal talents and other songsters are always appreciative of the efforts. Check a local map to find it at Székely Bertalan utca 11.
Karaoke bars in Budapest #5
Ypsilon – Much more of a local hangout, Ypsilon is located a bit farther out of central downtown Budapest, at Stefánia Street 1, in Budapest’s 14th District.
This karaoke pub has a classy restaurant atmosphere upstairs and a saucy nightlife downstairs, where karaoke is king (or queen, as the case may be). A great place for dinner and then a chance to showcase all that singing talent you’ve been hiding for so many years.
