Budapest Blonde

(216) 328-8780

6901 Rockside Rd
Independence, OH 44131 41.3945 -81.6419

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Neighborhood: Independence

What People Are Saying About Budapest Blonde

The Editor

Contributor

Citysearch

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.

1 Star Rating: Poor

05/23/08

Horrible customer service

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
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/03/08

Great martini tasting party on Wednesday

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
2 Star Rating: Below Average

08/20/07

A place with potential

by hargitai

I had some some spare time recently , so I wandered into the Budapest Blonde. After my eyes got used to the subdued lighting, the Gay 1890's decor enveloped me. Hmmm, I thought to myself, this is kind of unusual for a wine bar. I am more used to the airy, well lighted by natural sunshine look. Soon enough I engaged the bartender in conversation about wine, one of my favorite topics, and found him extremely qualified, possibly overqualified for the job. We did have a spirited conversation about various wines, and I enjoyed my experience due to the good wine I drank and was introduced to and by the wine enthusiast behind the bar. He salvaged the whole experience. As I was leaving, I thought to myself: If the owners could only hire a good marketing person who could convince them that today's sophisticated wine drinkers are repelled by the gaudy ambience the place presents. Nevertheless, the place has potential.

  • Pros: Good selection of wines
  • Cons: Poor ambience

The Details on Budapest Blonde

Save Money:

The Blonde hosts twice-a-month wine tastings, with five samples or more and complimentary appetizers ($25-$30 per person). Call for schedule.

When to Go:

The Tuesday After-Work Party features complimentary appetizers, 4pm-7pm. Thursdays feature live piano music, 7pm-10pm.

Category:

Wine Stores

Smoking Permitted:

No

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