Hungarian beers might not yet be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about European brews, but that only makes discovering them more rewarding. Tucked between Austria and Romania, Hungary has developed a diverse and often underrated beer scene—from classic mass-market lagers to experimental craft creations. Whether you’re strolling through a local festival or exploring a Budapest bar, chances are you’ll come across more than a few surprises in your glass.
This guide walks you through the big players, the rising craft stars, and everything in between. If you’re curious about what Hungarians drink and why their beers are worth your attention, read on.
Big names that dominate the taps
When it comes to everyday beers in Hungary, three names stand above the rest: Dreher, Arany Ászok, and Soproni. These are the go-to options at festivals, bars, concerts, and even grocery stores. Among them, Dreher is the most reliable choice—almost a default order when you don’t want to think too hard. Smooth, balanced, and easy to find, it’s brewed in Budapest by one of the oldest breweries in the country.
If you see Dreher Tank Beer (“Dreher TANKSÖR”) on tap, go for it. This unpasteurized lager is delivered fresh in chilled tanks straight from the brewery—richer in flavor, smoother in texture, and a clear step above the standard bottled version. A local favorite you won’t regret trying.
Arany Ászok, also part of the Dreher family, has a slightly sweeter and lighter profile, while Soproni, brewed in western Hungary by Heineken Hungária, is another staple that locals turn to without hesitation. All three are classic lagers, best enjoyed cold on a summer night with street food or at a music festival.
In the second tier of big-brand options, you’ll often see Borsodi and Kőbányai. Borsodi hails from northeast Hungary and offers a slightly stronger bite, while Kőbányai—technically also from Dreher—is the most budget-friendly lager on the market. These beers might not win any taste competitions, but they’re cheap, available almost everywhere, and part of the everyday Hungarian beer experience.
Imported brands, brewed locally
Alongside the local labels, Hungary also produces a handful of well-known international beers under license. You’ll find Staropramen and Pilsner Urquell (originally Czech) and even Heineken (Dutch) being brewed and bottled right here in Hungary. So while they might look international, the taste is often slightly adjusted to suit the local market—and they’re just as integrated into Hungarian nightlife as the domestic brands.
It’s common to see these imported names on tap at larger venues or sold in bulk at supermarkets, especially when events are sponsored by global beverage giants.
Hungary’s growing craft beer scene
While the mass-market names still dominate in volume, Hungary’s craft beer scene has been growing steadily over the past decade. What started with a few independent brewers has now become a vibrant, experimental ecosystem of small-batch beers that cover every style—from hazy IPAs to dark, complex stouts.
One of the best-known names outside Budapest is Szent András Sörfőzde, based in Békésszentandrás. Their beers combine traditional brewing methods with creative twists—like fruit-infused ales and spice-driven seasonal specials. They’re widely respected and have become a symbol of rural craft beer excellence.
In the capital, Budapest, you’ll find a dense network of innovative breweries. Monyo Brewing Co., Mad Scientist, and Horizont are perhaps the most recognizable names, known for their wild flavor combinations, colorful labels, and bold limited editions. Monyo’s sours, Mad Scientist’s pastry stouts, and Horizont’s award-winning pale ales are all worth seeking out.
Other names like HopTop, First Craft Beer, Ugar Brewery, Reketye, Csupor, and Fehér Nyúl contribute to a craft culture that’s modern, daring, and surprisingly accessible. Many of these brewers have their own taprooms, pop-up bars, and festival appearances throughout the year.
Where to drink Hungarian beers
Budapest is by far the best place to sample the full spectrum of Hungarian beers. Iconic craft bars like Élesztőház, KEG, and Jónás Craft Beer House rotate local brews weekly, offering everything from light summer lagers to high-ABV imperial stouts. Many pubs feature dedicated taps for Mad Scientist, Monyo, or other small-batch players.
Outside the capital, cities like Pécs, Szeged, and Debrecen are developing their own scenes, with local breweries and craft-focused bars emerging steadily. Festivals such as Főzdefeszt and the Győri Beer Festival showcase the diversity of Hungary’s brewing talent and make for the perfect intro to Hungarian beers.
What styles to expect
Hungarian breweries love to experiment, but the base is still built on familiar styles. Most mass-market beers are pale lagers or pilsners—crisp, clean, and easy to drink. Craft brewers, on the other hand, embrace variety. You’ll find citrus-forward IPAs, dark roasted porters, wheat beers with herbs or fruit, and even sour ales with regional ingredients.
Winter brings in heavier styles like spiced bocks and barrel-aged stouts, while summer sees a rise in refreshing wheat beers and low-ABV session IPAs. Honey, paprika, elderflower, and even lavender sometimes find their way into brews—showing off Hungary’s creative side.
What to pair with Hungarian beers
One of the best things about Hungarian beers is how well they pair with local food. A classic Dreher or Soproni goes perfectly with lángos (deep-fried dough with sour cream and cheese), while stronger lagers can cut through the richness of gulyás or pörkölt.
Craft beers offer even more pairing possibilities. Try a fruity sour with túrós csusza (sweet curd noodle), or a dark porter with lecsó (pepper stew). The bold spices of Hungarian cuisine match beautifully with the range of styles local breweries are now producing.
Just one more beer thougt
Hungarian beers may not have the international fame of Belgian trappists or Bavarian wheat beers, but they hold their own with pride. Whether you’re sipping on a cold Dreher at a summer festival or diving into a passionfruit IPA from a taproom in Budapest, you’ll discover a beer culture that’s lively, evolving, and deeply rooted in tradition.
