In recent years, men's barbershops have been enjoying a well-deserved revival in Budapest. Once a fading tradition, these temples of male grooming are thriving once more, thanks to a wave of modern, sophisticated salons. Among them is Cheeky. on Margit körút, a place that goes beyond just a simple wash and cut. At its heart are András Bálint and Bence Pöltl, the visionary owners who have long pondered how to channel the social energy and creative spark of their salon into something new. Rather than opening yet another barbershop, they saw an opportunity to bring their diverse, dynamic clientele together in a different way.
Enter Ákos Lukácsi, a talented chef with an impressive résumé, having honed his craft at acclaimed spots like MÁK, 21, and SHO Tihany. With his expertise, the idea of a deli took shape – transforming a space once dedicated to hair into a haven for food lovers.
American-inspired
After three lively rounds of debate, the team finally sat down for a serious chat, and from that, a shared vision took shape: an American-style deli. András and his sister Adrienn, having explored several such spots in the US, found themselves longing for that same vibrant food culture back home. At the same time, Ákos, after years in haute cuisine, was eager to shift gears – still committed to high quality but drawn to something more accessible and uncomplicated than his previous fine-dining ventures.
Cheeky's Deli has found its home almost directly opposite the salon on Margit körút. While it may not be in the most obvious location – perched between Mechwart liget and the Buda bridgehead of Margaret Bridge, a stretch where foot traffic is sparse – this place is well worth the detour. Once you discover it, you'll be glad you did!
Dine-in and takeaway
The selection at Cheeky's Deli is built around two key elements: a takeaway deli section featuring Hungarian artisanal products, and a menu of hot food, primarily grilled sandwiches, available for dine-in or takeaway. While the fridges and shelves are still taking shape, many of the products already stocked have a special connection to the deli's community. The smoked and aged beef comes from FARM, the bread is sourced from the neighbouring MÁKI bakery, while Muslinca supplies select dairy products and soft drinks. Additional dairy products arrive from Csíz Cheese Workshop, and the deli's carbonated water is provided by Buda Szóda, the 2nd district's very own brand.
Beyond these staples, the shelves boast artisanal homemade pasta, pét-nats, and nearly everything used in the sandwiches is available for purchase. The only exception? The homemade accompaniments – like Ákos's pickled jalapeños – which, for now, are exclusive to the sandwiches. But given the enthusiastic feedback from customers, there's a good chance these might soon be available to take home as well!
The hot food selection is based on a simple comfort food, grilled sandwiches. Of the six sandwiches, two are indispensable staples of American delis, slightly modified. Pastrami is originally pickled beef brisket, served as a sandwich with mustard and pickles, while the Reuben Sandwich can also contain pastrami or salted beef brisket with sauerkraut and a Thousand Island-style dressing.
At Cheeky's, Ákos has modified this by putting beef tongue in the sandwich instead of brisket. Tongue (like offal in general) is considered divisive, especially because good quality is hard to find. Those who like it don't need to be told twice, but according to Ákos, he usually manages to convince even the sceptics – no one has ever returned a sandwich claiming disappointment.
The menu also features two chicken sandwiches: a fried katsu and one with Parma ham, pesto, and tomato, plus a salmon option and a meatball option. Besides grilled sandwiches, you can get plain mac and cheese and a breaded, ball-shaped version, hot dogs, as well as garden green salad and potato salad.
Cheeky's Deli also offers a monthly special, currently a chopped cheese sandwich: vegetables and finely chopped Angus ground beef with lots of cheese, stuffed into a hot dog bun. It's somewhat reminiscent of a Philly Cheesesteak. According to the plan, the monthly special will always be created by a guest chef based on their own ideas, taking into account that when it comes to ingredients, there's no compromise at Cheeky's.
It's a smart and highly rewarding approach – after all, what makes a sandwich unforgettable? The answer lies in quality ingredients, creativity, and expertise. Every bite reflects Ákos's experience in top kitchens, and the results speak for themselves. Take the Reuben, for example, the meat is undoubtedly the star, and the tongue, an artisanal product, brings a depth of flavour that sets it apart. Then there's the katsu sandwich, where the breaded meat is perfectly tender and juicy, encased in a crispy coating, and elevated by homemade pickled cucumber and sriracha aioli. The combination perfectly blends modern Asian flair with a timeless tangy kick.
Diners can choose between sourdough or a classic white loaf, but for those who prefer something lighter, the team has also selected a simple, store-bought option that complements the sandwiches perfectly in both texture and mild flavour. The menu may be compact, but we'd gladly savour every single dish. And if, by some miracle, you don't find something that tempts you (which we highly doubt), just ask – the team will happily whip up something special from the fresh ingredients at the counter.
Sandwiches and drinks: from HUF 4,200 per person
CONTACT
Cheeky′s Deli
(Cover photo: We Love Budapest)
