The Quest for the Holy Grain - Best Brew Pubs
Hungary

 

 

 

 

MADHOUSE Bistro & Craft Beer Bar
Budapest, Anker köz 1-3
1061 Hungary
+36 70 621 0741

MADHOUSE Bistro & Craft Beer Bar is a brewpub in Budapest, Hungary.
They brew their own beer under the Mad Scientist brand, and they sereve guest beers too.
Their Double IPA was not impressive.
The two guest beers, both by Brew Your Mind, were better.
MADHOUSE has a food menu too, but we did not eat there.
Here is what MADHOUSE themselves says in their mission statement:

“MADHOUSE BISTRO and MADHOUSE BAR are a manifestation of everything that makes Mad Scientist what it is. Whether you enter through the BAR doors or choose the BISTRO side entrance, there is certainly no shortage of creativity, risk-taking and of course, power.
We await you with our unique partitioned space, with the bistro on one side and the bar on the other.”

 

 

 

 

 

Hedon Brewing Company
Balatonvilágos, Petofi
Sándor utca 40.
8171 Hungary

Hedon Brewing Company is a brewpub located one block from the busy Cathedral in downtown Budapest. Hedon's philosophy is borrowed from an 18th century English philosopher:
“All action should be directed toward achieving the greatest total amount of happiness, for ourselves and for everyone else” And this is what Hedon tries to build their experience around.
And around this, Hedon tries to build their experience.
The pub is large and modern with several couches and several tables with stools around the perimeter.
Hedon advertises their self- service beer wall.
A thirsty Questor pays up front and receives a card that can be used in the readers at each tap. Thus one can pour as much or as little as desired.
If one is a first-timer, the hostess has a spiel explaining about how everything works.
Their beers have names such as Vertigo - a hoppy lager, Helmut - a Bavarian wheat, and Johnny Firpo, a blonde ale.
They have about 15 of their own beers as well as about 15 guests.
Their modest menu has a few flat breads and salads.
Hedon's cooler has about 6 of their bottled beers and a complete collection of Stone products.

 

 

 

Gerbeaud Pub
1051 Budapest Vörösmarty tér 7-8.
Postacím: 1364 Budapest Pf. 211.
Tel: +36-1/429-9000

The Gerbeaud Pub was on my list and all mapped out. We searched and searched and couldn't find it. Turns out it was at my back when I started looking. It takes up a city block so it was easy to miss. We wandered around inside. There are several large dining rooms, and a typical brewpub in the basement. Since it was a warm day, the inside was closed. They have no air conditioning so everyone must sit outside in their very large patio. We were ignored by the staff for a long time 'til I stuck out a foot the waiter had to step over. Since I had already had their light lager at another venue, I asked for a dunkle. Since tourists always get the light lager, he wouldn't bring it. (Kathy saw him arguing with the barmaid) Finally I asked another server and eventually got my dunkel (Kathy saw the barmaid say I told you so to the first guy.) Paying was just as difficult.
Gerbeaud is a restaurant, confectionary, and pub... but they no longer brew beer there.