Season after season, this elegant bar comes up with fabulous drink creations, with a new-wave look, and a 21st-century twist. Expect to see cotton candy clouds at the edge of your glass. Expect a surprisingly salty flavour to take over an exotic and fruity cocktail. They run amplitudes that are a joy to connect with!
WLB tip: Egyptian Blue, Sunglow cocktails
What's more, you can take a seat at the bar on the fourth floor, right in the secret meeting room, designed in an oriental, Egyptian style. Naturally, they're also a fan of gin and tonic, so they've got 6 of their own creations, with room for classic favourites: they're happy to fix a Negroni or an Espresso Martini. But go for the house signature drinks, which add to the mysterious atmosphere of the Mystery Hotel Budapest. Let's sit back, enjoy your drinks, and think about the enigmatic stories that have been told within the walls of The Great Hall. (x)
WLP tip: Twisted Fate and Cauldron signature cocktails
Custom brews and infused drinks are a basic offering, but each of their crystal-tuned drinks comes with an extra. We don't want to spoil all the punchlines, but we need almost all our senses to fully immerse ourselves in LEO's magical crystal collection.
WLB tip: Rely on your sense of touch, any memories you have of the rocks, and your mood! It will hit you anyway!
4/10
Boutiq’Bar
If it
weren't for the Boutiq' Bar on Paulay Ede Street, Zoli Nagy's
passion, and the butler system he introduced, we wouldn't be writing this
selection. They are the alpha and omega. Besides being a cradle for
bartenders and a professional workshop, they do infinitely respectable
hospitality. They focus on those who arrive alone and just fancy a drink at
Boutiq', perhaps toast with someone or to peek into the life of a
bar with a long history. The bar and workshop, which has been around since
2008, was named one of the world's 50 best bars in 2012 and is a landmark
for practically every expert in the local cocktail culture.
You can be sure they're making even the most basic cocktail to top quality, and in the process, they're coming up with groundbreaking ideas that will then spread across the city. That's it! Boutiq has an intimate atmosphere, and reservations are recommended as the sell-out nights start on Thursday. Without them the bar life of Budapest really wouldn't be where it is.
WLB tip: Stay tuned, Boutiq’ is a legend. And, if we've already tasted the classics and current favourite creations, head to PPC (Pink Pony Club) on Friday and Saturday.
Csaba Virágh, sommelier and member of the jury of the Hungarian Sommelier Championship, is happy to guide you through the world of noble wines: they have a tasting bar, a selection of 6 lots. They will be pouring a minimum of 20 champagnes. Of course, ÉTOILE has its own playground: they also mix champagne-based cocktails, paying attention to all the important characteristics of this fragile drink. The Párisi Courtyard is a gift in itself, and the champagne bar adds to its elegance. (x)
WLB tip: Poppy Bon Bon, Pas-Sage cocktails
They make their classics in the style of living legend cocktail magician Charles Schumann, as precisely as possible. KAA's own drinks, on the other hand, are sometimes outrageous and feature some show elements. If you'd prefer to chat over a drink created especially for you, you should pick the 'three wishes': they'll personalise the cocktail and let your own story and tastes decide which way it goes.
WLB tip: Hemingway Daiquiri, En Fumo
7/10
Black Swan LAB
We
first entered Swan in 2017, and since then we've only sat at the bar,
missing out on waiting and eating at the table. The most striking feature of
the Klauzál Street Art Deco bar is the ceiling-to-ceiling ‘liquor
library' itself, complete with a movable ladder. There is something old-fashioned
and elegant about it. Whether you're in London or New York, this format
would be a hit in any metropolis. They follow the trends and, in keeping with
current spirit fashions, they always stock the most exciting of a range of
drinks, but they wouldn't let go of the basic favourites.
You'd think they'd have more tourists due to the location, but they have had an international clientele since their opening, with many seeking this kind of Art Deco modern hedonistic milieu. Myterious lights, exemplary service, professional drinks, what more could you ask for?
WLB tip: Valkyrie punch, Lychee Tomato
8/10
Hotsy Totsy Budapest
In
2017, Hotsy Totsy appeared on Síp Street in Budapest, taking its name
from a literally snappy urban legend. In New York in the 1920s, a hot-blooded
dancer named Totsy was a public favourite, but once an inappropriate guest
spanked her on the bottom and Totsy rewarded the intrusive gesture with a big
slap on the face. This fire inspired the bar and it stays with it all the way:
this spot is sexy, yet it doesn't lose its professional character. With
their exciting events and guest bartenders, they're always upgrading the
atmosphere and offerings. Their seasonally changing drink menu always has
something unforgettable to surprise you with.
Back in the days when not every second Budapest outlet offered a haircut and some beard trimming, you could enter the 'speakeasy' barber shop from the bar itself. And now, from Thursday to Saturday, you can be a guest at Hudson by stepping through the red curtain.
WLB tip: head to Hudson for a taste of the classics!
9/10
The Duchess
Another unforgettable venue where Budapest's past and
present meet in an exciting synergy. The rooftop bar of the Matild Palace is accessible by lift, and a fun fact is that the
city's first such structure debuted here in the last century. A meeting
place for decadent secret societies, today's The Duchess is both in keeping with the style of the hotel and stands out with its princessy
boudoir atmosphere.
You can enjoy the panoramic views above in all four seasons, practically 'hovering' over the Elizabeth Bridge, but we prefer the cocktail hour during the summer sunset at leisure and up to the stars. Aside from the fact that the cocktail menu changes seasonally and they always come up with something gently elegant or unusually cheeky, and whether they mix a drink for the sunset or your current mood, it's a treat.
WLB tip: Her Majesty, Down Under
The drinks assortment is complemented by cocktails, so feel free to experiment. Champagne is not the only appropriate choice to go with the evergreen songs of Hungarian icons Katalin Karády or Rezső Seress! Sitting back in the comfortable, velvety seating of IKON, time passes very quickly, and after a drink or two, we can easily find ourselves on the dance floor.
WLB tip: Aviation, Mudslide