New York Café Opens Its Gates At Night in Budapest

A New Chapter for a Legendary Café

The iconic New York Café, often hailed as the world’s most beautiful coffee house, is set to embark on a new chapter in its 130-year history. Starting March 1, 2025, the renowned establishment on Erzsébet Boulevard will introduce night-time opening hours from Thursday to Sunday, allowing patrons to enjoy its enchanting atmosphere well into the early hours.

The Trial Period: Discovering Night-Time Potential

This decision comes after a successful trial period during the café’s 130th-anniversary celebrations. The management found that guests were eager to occupy tables even after midnight, prompting the move to regularize late-night service.

Crafting the Perfect Night-Time Experience

Csaba Szabó, General Manager of New York Café and partner at Eventrend Group, noted that the night-time visits were particularly popular on weekends, often complementing other evening activities in the city. The late-night crowd showed a preference for drinks accompanied by light snacks, with some interest in desserts as well.

A Curated Night-Time Menu and Atmosphere

To cater to these nocturnal preferences, the café is preparing a specialized night menu focusing on beverages and cold dishes. The ambiance will be enhanced with:

• Lounge and chill-out music
• Transition to more upbeat tunes
• Live bar pianist entertainment with popular hits

Visual and Experiential Enhancements

The café is also introducing new visual elements to complement the night-time experience:

• Special decorative lighting
• A life-sized figure of El Asmodáj (the façade demon) for photo opportunities
• Designated selfie spots throughout the venue

A Legendary Wish Fulfilled

This move to night-time hours whimsically fulfills a legendary wish made by writer Ferenc Molnár at the café’s opening. As the story goes, Molnár threw the café’s keys into the Danube, hoping it would never close.

By the Numbers: A Culinary Destination

The New York Café:

• Serves 2,500 to 3,000 guests daily
• Welcomes over 1 million visitors annually
• Continues to innovate while maintaining historic charm

The Future of Budapest’s Nightlife

As Budapest’s nightlife evolves, the New York Café’s new hours promise to add a touch of elegance and history to the city’s after-dark offerings, inviting both locals and tourists to partake in its timeless allure at any hour.

Image source: New York Café