Beer is delicious by itself, but more people are deciding to pair this alcoholic beverage with foods, just like wine. While a meaty dish served with a classy craft beer sounds great, a new beer bar that opened at District VII’s Klauzál Square came up with a more unusual idea: pairing beer with cake. In addition to offering Hungary’s best draft and bottled craft beers, Cake & Beer also sells some imported specialties, like Denmark’s outrageously tasty suds by Mikkeller. Furthermore, as we mentioned above, these beers are paired with delicious homemade cakes, making this place truly unique.
Cake & Beer was born from a love of beer and the confectionery business. A chocolate- and hops-based product and beer-flavored ice cream were a given, as well as friendly relations with Budapest-based breweries and brewers. By now, this fortunate acquaintance has matured into an independent enterprise.
The design of the combined beer bar and cake shop, with a maximum capacity of 20 customers, doesn’t follow the trendy Scandinavian fashion, yet the interior is simple and clear. In addition to the beer taps and refrigerator, the counter also hides a nice coffee machine, which they use to brew drinks from Black Sheep Coffee blends. This we could pair with salty snacks, such as chilli and lemongrass scones (because plain cheesy ones would be boring). They want to offer something special with everything they sell here, which is commendable.
In the small space of Cake & Beer, there’s also a display case with various beer-related items, including various beer openers and other knickknacks. We’re not talking about everyday beer openers, either, but ones that engulf and then shoot out the cap, or function as a pair of sunglasses, as well – all kinds of sweet nonsense that make great gifts for that one beer-loving friend we all have.
Their selection is well thought out – and while it doesn’t have products from every brewery, they do work with the best ones. We can order craft delicacies such as the Left-handed Peeping Tom (800 HUF), the Hopster (800 HUF), the exceptionally delicious Grey Joy (900 HUF), and HopTop’s beers, including the Midnight Express (800 HUF). Some bottles from Hara Punk and Rothbeer also help fill up the fridge.
We were thrilled to discover that several items of Mikkeller are available on tap or in bottled versions (from 1,500 HUF). Moreover, this is the first place where we can also taste the Copenhagen-based brand’s special gins, some of which are weaker and some stronger, but all excitingly spicy. It’s also important to mention that they always have some sparkling wine for guests who don’t like beer and just came to accompany their suds-loving friends. We appreciate this attitude.As for the cakes, there are classic traditional sweets (before the holidays, for example, they had classic Christmas beigli), but most of the selection consists of dessert cups, mousses, and cheesecakes – all made with fresh ingredients and imaginative recipes, strictly in tune with the beers. Thus, Cake & Beer joined the ranks of the district’s best beer bars, including Csakajósör!
and HOPS – and with such a novel business plan, this is definitely a great date destination.
Cake & Beer
Address:
Budapest 1072, Klauzál Square 9
Opening hours:
Wednesday, 2pm-9pm; Thursday-Saturday, 2pm-11pm
Facebook
