Budapest Blonde
Independence, OH 44131
Phone: (216) 328-8780
- Hours:
- Tue-Thu 4pm-11pm, Fri 4pm-1am, Sat 5pm-1am
Editorial Review for Budapest Blonde – by John Hyduk
In Short
Owner Ilona Simon (the "blonde") transformed this sliver of a shopping mall into a stylishly European, comfortable wine bar. Gilt-framed mirrors dominate the decor, with a crystal clock keeping bar time over the smoke-free conversation. The drink list features drinks like a 10-ounce lemoncello-laced martini and unusual wines, including Hungarian Egri Bikaver. Try the goose liver and Muenster appetizer.
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Insider Tips
When to GoThe Tuesday After-Work Party features complimentary appetizers, 4pm-7pm. Thursdays feature live piano music, 7pm-10pm.
Save MoneyThe Blonde hosts twice-a-month wine tastings, with five samples or more and complimentary appetizers ($25-$30 per person). Call for schedule.
User Reviews for Budapest Blonde
05/23/2008 Posted by allie66
I have to agree with the previous reviewer. When we initially entered Budapest Blond, we had a great feeling about the place. That was quite short lived. The owner and her husband were inattentive, unsociable and quite curt. They spent their time in the corner chatting with a few select customers while our glasses sat empty. We gave them the benefit of the doubt and agreed to try it out on another night. Once again, the bartender was cold, and unfriendly... we had to ask him if we could have a cocktail! The owner, was the worst, she is rude and could use an intense course on customer service. While it is a place with much potential, , we will not return, and have passed our concern onto others who have considered going there.
Pros: decor, size
Cons: customer service, food is mediocore at best, martini's are less than average
03/03/2008 Posted by lowfuss
We went to Budapest Blonde a few Wednesdays ago to a martini tasting celebrating the leap year. The martinis were quite creative and tasted better and better as the night went on. The martinis were plentiful and appetizers were ample, it was well worth the $25 admission apiece. We were treated great by the 'blonde' Ilona, and her 'beau' Lennard. It seemed everyone there knew them on a personal level. While we didn't know them (or of their wine bar until recently) - they were funny and engaging with us and really made us feel right at home. We're not going to wait another four years, we'll be going back again soon.
Pros: excellent service, classy place
Cons: we didn't know about it until recently
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