My first reaction when I saw the Hard Rock Café right on the corner of Vorosmarty Ter was…wow they have this in Budapest? I knew about the ones in Bucharest, Paris and London but not about this one. And we decided to go in. This location has just open several days ago in Budapest, so at the entrance there were two Americans greeting people. Then a girl asked us what we wanted to do, because they also have a shop. We wanted to eat. And I badly needed a coffee. So we went to the café where another girl took us to the table , meantime asking us where we are from and generally doing some chit chat. All in English, of course. And that meant I fell in love. Instantly!

After we were set and given the menus, it didn’t take long for the server to come; a cute guy speaking English with a perfect American accent. Loved it! We ordered the drinks (coffee for me and beers for the guys) and after a while we also decided what to eat.

The guys got burgers and I got a chicken salad. I really don’t have anything negative to say about anything. My salad was a bit spicy and loved it. I also loved the combination of sweet oranges, cranberries and walnuts with the chicken and cheese.

We practically grinned the entire time we set there. Except for when the bill came. I admit it was a bit expensive but I m not sure when I’ll be back for more…because I will be back! The music was amazing as well…of course, rock.

Too bad the wi-fi wasn’t working yet because the location has been opened really soon but I actually checked into Foursquare via roaming data connection (which ended up costing me a whooping €1.8 for 300 kb of data).

When we finished the meal, the next stop was the souvenir shop from where we picked up some pins and had a lot of trouble not using my card to get something else, as well.

Access via public transport: get off at Deak F. Ter if you take the metro (all lines stop here) and take the Elisabeth square exit. Then make a left and another left to get on Vaci utca. Walk ahead and you’ll spot the place in a second.

Must try: the legendary burger which is made with grilled meet right on the spot. The chicken is cook in Cajun style and your taste buds will love it.

Prices: the grilled chicken with honey citrus dressing was 2500 ft, the honey mustard burger was 3100 ft and the legendary burger was 2900 ft. The long coffee was 430 ft and the draft beer 500 ft.

If you speak only English and feel a bit uneasy in Budapest, then in this place you’ll be happy every single minute. And the employers are great at talking to you and answering your questions. But be prepared to answer some yourself (where are you from? Have you heard of Hard Rock Café before? )

Our rating

(c) photos Cristina P.