Hotsy Totsy
In Budapest's vibrant 7th district, there's a cocktail bar that feels like a journey back to the roaring 1920s. This intimate speakeasy, with its dim lighting, exposed brick walls, and velvet seating, transports you straight to the heart of Prohibition-era New York. The ambiance is cozy yet elegantly sophisticated, with jazz melodies enhancing the vintage charm. Known for its creative cocktails, the bar features an array of premium spirits and homemade ingredients. Each drink is a masterpiece, especially the in-house gin and the intriguing Missing Nyan Cat, a smoky Mezcal delight. The menu used to be whimsically presented as a deck of cards, adding a playful touch to the experience. A more recent update has drinks names after famous building in New York (where the original "Hotsty Totsy" bar was located) and a stylish architectural design style.
The Vibe
Authentic 1920s speakeasy with jazz and a cozy, elegant setting.
Stand-out Drinks
Try the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
Staff, Service and Hospitality
Exceptional service from knowledgeable and friendly bartenders.
Value for Money
The unique atmosphere and quality drinks justify the expense.
Food Options
Focuses on cocktails; nearby eateries available.
Non-alcoholic Options
Primarily focused on alcohol, with limited emphasis on non-alcoholic drinks.
Other Key or Stand-out Features
No reservations needed; occasional themed events with live music.
After being seated in this tiny below-street-level hideaway, the first question from our waiter was "Do you want to tell me the kind of things you like, or would you like a menu?" As a person who loves to browse a menu, It was an obvious choice, but I think this might be the perfect way to start off a new table. Their menu was a list of famous new york buildings, each with a list of ingredients, and some non-flavour "vibe" words such as classy, innovative, or "garden of time"...! Between 4 of us, we ordered drinks that came in tumblers, a margarita glass, and a vintage tea cup. The teacup (The Waldorf Astoria Hotel) was listed as Cognac, Orange, Butter, Egg, and it was one of the creamiest and most moreish dessert-style cocktails i've ever had. Apparently orange peels were cooked down in butter for 4 hours to be turned into a syrup, and then shaken with cognac and egg to form a cappucino-style foamy texture that was completely novel to me.