I went looking for the best whiskey sour ever, and the answer was, like in those old legends about the meaning of life, right under my nose: in Boutiq’bar the proportion of whiskey and sour is always right, the egg foam has perfect thickness and consistency, and no one frowns when I ask for a smoky Irish whiskey. The best time is the early evening, when you enter from the blazing sun of Paulay Ede street, the air inside cool and fragrant with spices, cardamom, cloves and basil, the light a muted caramel orange, as if the sun outside were filtered through the body of a Negroni.
It’s the kind of place where you can come with friends but also alone and find good company. The kind of place you imagine James Bond dropping in for a Martini, shaken not stirred, or Philippe Marlowe slowly sipping a gimlet, thinking about death and forgiveness. Hemingway could have scribbled a quick short story in one of the brighter corners, if he found a friend to lend him some cash (and cash only, cards are not accepted).
Besides the much-loved classics, new mixes are dreamt up seasonally, such as the recently debuted daring but fabulous Sicilian gimlet with olive oil, or the ever more popular Budapest Barbeque, mixing gin with touches of peach, maple syrup and cranberry. You can also kick off the evening with some Hot Turkish shots, but remember: in Boutiq you should get drunk on life, not alcohol.
Find your way with 174 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
I always go for the rose and caramel teas, which I usually accompany with a few biscuits dipped into the melted sweetness.
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I have been wishing for a place like Orient café Budapest for so long — having such a calm spot close to the bustling Keleti train station just feels right!
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"Ghraoui Chocolate" in Budapest offers tastes you’ve never tasted, yet somehow remember, proof that when we invest time & care, we can save the past...
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Hello Gyula, a tiny gastro bar in Budapest. It serves bold, creative dishes with unusual ingredients, daily menus and a big heart in every detail.
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Móka in Budapest immediately drew my attention with its modesty mixed with eclectic coziness. It's the perfect place to meet locals from the neighborhood!
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Trafó House is the place to go if you're interested Budapest's contemporary art of all kinds. Its unique atmosphere keeps bringing me back.
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"Alföldi Cipő" and their outlet in Budapest do not follow the same big-name trends to be found in regular shoe fashion. They've stuck to quality...
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"Ukrán Udvar" in Budapest means 'Ukrainian courtyard' -- come eat some borsch and dumplings with sour cream exactly like at your grandmother's...
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Tiny greengrocer packed with fresh local fruits and vegetables and artisan delicacies customers swear by. Try here the best walnut-lingonberry bread around!
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Ligeti Bolt, a zero-waste pioneer in Budapest, offers grains, snacks, and more for refill. Shop eco-friendly, bring your jars, and embrace a conscious lifestyle!
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"Wekerle Estate" in Budapest is like a village within the city - inspired my medieval & rural buildings, it has created a beautiful sense of local spirit.
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Artificial "Lake Naplás" in Budapest is an unexpected delight where few downtowners or tourists ever venture. It's perfect for interesting nature treks...
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174 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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