Marilyn Night Club has reached an incredible milestone: its 33rd anniversary. Remaining under the same ownership for more than three decades in Hungary’s entertainment industry is a truly remarkable achievement. But what is the secret behind the club’s continuous renewal and enduring success?
The answer is simple: heart and passion. For the past 33 years, owner Kati Csomós has poured both into Marilyn every single day.
The club first opened its doors in May 1993 under the name Blue Angel. What had once been a humble bean soup restaurant on Baross Street was completely transformed under Kati’s vision into one of Budapest’s most distinctive nightlife destinations.
The story began with just a handful of exotic dancers. Today, more than thirty performers take turns on stage, captivating guests night after night.
In the early years, Kati traveled extensively, visiting strip clubs across Europe to study the industry’s best practices and raise the standard in Hungary. The idea for table dancing, for example, came from a trip to London.
“At that time, Budapest only had traditional nightclubs where the dancers performed on stage and then mingled with the guests. I introduced the idea of table dancing, had these heavy custom-made tables built, and literally brought the performances right to the guests. It was an enormous success.”
Another key to Blue Angel’s success during the 1990s was Kati’s philosophy that guests should always receive exactly what they paid for. While many nightlife venues at the time relied on questionable business practices, Blue Angel earned its reputation through honesty and fairness. This approach stood out in the hospitality industry, and word quickly spread. On weekends, long lines of eager guests often stretched down the street, waiting for a chance to get inside.
In 1999, Blue Angel underwent a complete renovation and was reborn as the Marylin Table Dance Bar. The club expanded into two levels, with private rooms added downstairs for exclusive performances. It was during this transformation that Marilyn adopted its signature Parisian-inspired décor, featuring rich burgundy tones and an elegant boudoir atmosphere. The increased capacity and new private entertainment options proved to be a tremendous success.
The upper floor also introduced one of Marilyn’s most iconic attractions—a spectacular glass shower stage that remains one of the club’s most popular features to this day. After all, who wouldn’t enjoy sharing a shower with beautiful dancers on a hot summer night?
The next major milestone came in 2013, when Marilyn embraced a luxurious Las Vegas inspired design. The venue was transformed into an elegant, glamorous space with carefully crafted interiors and a sophisticated atmosphere. By then, Marilyn had become well known among international visitors, attracting celebrities from around the world. Although Kati refuses to reveal any names, she explains why:
“It would be incredible publicity if I published the guest list, but I simply can’t. Discretion is extremely important to us. Many Hollywood stars have visited Marilyn over the years, and several told us they came because friends specifically recommended that they shouldn’t leave Budapest without visiting us.”
Around the same time, Marilyn introduced a variety of special packages and organized bachelor party experiences. Today, groups from across Europe regularly choose Marilyn as a highlight of their Budapest visit, and the club’s reputation extends far beyond Hungary’s borders.
A few years ago, another successful idea was added to the calendar: themed Thursday nights. Each week offers a different concept, bringing fresh energy and excitement to the city’s unofficial start of the weekend.
Marilyn Night Club is a place that never stops reinventing itself. For more than three decades, guests have remained at the heart of everything the club does, while its commitment to quality has never wavered. It’s the perfect place to step away from everyday life for a few hours. The staff are warm, attentive, and professional, while drink prices remain surprisingly reasonable. Even today, spirits are still served in the same generous 5-centilitre measures as they were on opening day. The dancers are stunning, the performances are polished and entertaining, and guests leave with unforgettable memories.
And the next chapter is already in the making. Kati – the heart and soul of Marilyn – never runs out of new ideas.
Happy Birthday, Marilyn!
May you continue to shine as one of Budapest’s true nightlife gems for many years to come.
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