5Ibolya Espresso
Opened in 1968, Ibolya Espresso is deeply anchored in Budapest's collective memory as currently the third generation of twentysomethings patronize this unpretentious drinking joint located right in the city center. The interior is a throwback to the Communist era (1947-1989), featuring socialist modern design pieces – a local, cheaper variant of mid-century modern. Think hemispherical light fixtures made from orange plexiglass and alluringly curvilinear chairs topped with red faux leather upholstery.
Despite the downtown location, most patrons are local college students who might be here for various reasons: skipping class, taking a study break from the university library across the street, first date (lovebirds usually occupy the secluded tables upstairs), a soccer game projected on the big screen. Or to wolf down an outsized toasted ham and cheese sandwich blanketed in ketchup before calling it a night. Please take note of Ibolya's timeless typography above the entry door.
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