The success of Hungary in the late 19th Century and the influence of the Hapsburg empire, led to the development of the Coffee House, the quintessentially Central European hot bed of gossip, both cultural and political.
Penurious writers received credit and the clientele, including journalists, lawyers and revolutionaries spent hours perusing the free newspapers, sustained by “kave”, very strong, black, and sweetened to taste, coffee. Cappucinos and white coffee are to be found these days, but a successful order is still a little hit and miss.
Probably the most important was the Central Coffeehouse, since 1887 a very lively place, and in the centre of the area where cultural institutes, newspaper editorial offices, printing companies were present and where the coffeehouse life was the most important.1913 saw the rebuilding and it managed also to survive the hard period until WW2, when hundreds of coffeehouses had to close their doors.
During this period the place was first an "espresso", then a red pepper selling shop and then a university canteen.
Then it became a student club - the famous Eotvos Klub - where concerts and theatrical performances were hosted. From 1993 it was a gaming room called Wizzards and after a total reconstruction the place arrived back to the point where it started: in 2000 it opened again as The Central Coffeehouse, an exact replica of its original glory.
With its perfect location, it is always busy with a mix of tourists, businessmen, locals, and local celebrities coming in for a pastry or meal. While mellowing in this coffeehouse's calm green interior with lavishly attractive ceilings, and brass hanging lamps with glass shades, you can browse the free copies of various newspapers over a coffee and a fresh croissant
The established area for Coffee Houses now centres on Liszt Ferenc Ter, but others in Pest include;
Astoria Kavehaz
Early 20th Century coffeehouse cum bar in the Astoria Hotel.
Café Picard
Elegant small French café near Parliament serving coffee, croissants and lunches.
Falk Miksa utca 10
Central Coffee House
The Central Coffeehouse, is an exact replica of its original glory, with its perfect location, it is always busy with a mix of tourists, businessmen, locals, and local celebrities coming in for a pastry or meal. While mellowing in this coffeehouse's calm green interior with lavishly attractive ceilings, and brass hanging lamps with glass shades, you can browse the free copies of various newspapers over a coffee and a fresh croissant
Eckerman
Near to the Opera, popular with young artists and writers.
Andrassy ut 24
Frohlich
Excellent kosher patisserie, 5 minutes from the Dohany utca synagogue.
Dob utca 22
Kiraly
Very cosy café upstairs, with outstanding cakes and ice-cream.
Kiraly utca 19
Lukacs
One of the original coffee houses now tastefully restored to its former grandeur.
Andrassy ut 70
Muvesz
Now known for the faded air of its décor, chandeliers and gilt, old ladies in fur hats.
Andrassy ut 29
Szalai
One of the few remaining, old style cake shops.
Balassi Balint utca 4
Zsolnay
Elegant café on the first floor of the Beke Radisson hotel, popular with intellectuals.
Terez Korut 43
Agi Retes
Best “retes” – strudel - baked in town, near Moszkva ter. On the Buda side of Budapest
Retek utca 19
Angelica
Quiet, smokey atmosphere in former convent, with livlier outside terrace.
Batthyany ter 7
Ruszwurm
Very small, baroque coffee house near Matyas church.
Szentharomsag ter 7
