The csárda was a traditional name for a tavern located outside the settlement, on its outskirts, in the plains, mainly in the Great Hungarian Plain and along the roads leading to important market towns in Hungary.

The term “csárda” is still used today, particularly as part of the name of standalone catering establishments. The word “csárda” has been documented since 1755. Originally, they were located in places where the pandurs (a type of Hungarian military police), police, and local administration had difficulty monitoring them. Many romantic stories, particularly involving outlaws (bandits), are associated with csárdák.

They generally had a carriage shed, wagon stands, and a place for horses to rest. They could be either privately owned or rented. The owners were referred to as “csárdások.”