Elysée Bistro & Kávéház — Restaurant in Budapest

CAFE STORIES FROM THE KOSSUTH SQUARE The stories of Kossuth Square cates and the history of the 20th century are closely linked. We present 13 short stories from this era. Story 7: Lunch with a Side of Auction The first owners of Elysée and Monico cates, both operating in the same building, were the famous restaurateur trio of the era the Gönczi brothers. In spite of their excellent business acumen, they got in a lot of trouble on multiple occasions. "At the end of April, 1932. a glass vendor sued Monico for an outstanding debt of 600 pengo and announced an auction. Gönczi wanted to pay on Monday morning, but it was too late and the glass vendor did not accept the money; at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, the bailiff appeared at the cafe. The bailiff was trailed by the customary pack of hyenas. When the auctioneers dropped in on the place, the guests were having a pleasant luncheon. (...) A piano was sold for 1500 pengo, the marble tables were purchased for 10 pengo, 5-6 pengos were given for the comfortable arm cha-irs. While the auction was going on in the courtyard, the guests were casually finishing their luncheon coffees. The auction lasted until six in the afternoon. They sold the entire furnishing for 8,500 pengo, only the auction of the dishes, paintings and other ornamental objects remained for Tuesday, when the auction was to continue. (...) János Gönczi overcame the problem by borrowing chairs and tables and the luncheon continued on those." (Budapesti Hirlap, April 26, 1932, p. 7.) He did not have to go far for loaner furniture: His brother István, "the lessee of the Parliament cellar, replaced the furniture sold and carted off with tables and chairs brought from Parliament cellar, also replacing the sold essential equipment. This way, the cate operation continues to function." (Pesti Napló, April 26, 1932, p. 9) The third brother took the blow hardest. It was in less than three weeks that half the city is horrified of learning the news: "László G., 38 year old cafe restaurateur, one of the owners of the Elysée cafe, jumped into the Danube from Erzsébet bridge on Sunday morning. The river police rescued him and dropped him on shore. The cafe owner suffered a financial crisis, an eviction proceeding has been filed against him, an auction has been held at his business, and he had tried to escape through death because of his anguish over these matters." With his mental state compromised, László Gönczi attempted suicide again in August, fortunately, once again...

I spent three weeks in Budapest, and Elysée was by far the most disappointing experience of that entire time.

I must've visited dozens of cafés in the city, and hundreds if counting up to date, worldwide - never have I encountered a staff member as rude as here. The employee that showed me to my table was unwelcoming, prejudiced, and made no attempts to hide his dissatisfaction that I was only ordering coffee. He audibly sighed, and hmmed and hawed over the smallest of requests.

The coffees I was recieved were overpriced and to be honest, not good. Elysée is clearly aimed at tourists, with the menu printed in English, priced in Euros, and a mandatory service charge. These factors don't particularly matter to me - as a visitor, I knew we were paying for the convenience and proximity to Parliment. The attitudes and behaviour of the staff are, however, unforgivable in the service industry. Travelling in Hungary, I have met so many kind and welcoming people - I daresay the waiter at Elysée was easily the most rude and prejudiced person of my trip. To management - please consider a serious review of your staff. The restaurant is gorgeous and well-placed, why let the employees sour that?

PS - the barman behind the...

I would like to start by stating that we are very patient and easy going guests with two kids eating everything without a fuss. At 9:12 I asked them whether the place is open. They said booohaaa and they sort of are and we may sit down. Afterwards I heard the waiter complain to a guest coming after us that they had to open... wanted to order an egg sunny side up for my daughter (1.5 years old) and a soft boiled egg for my son (8 years old). I was told to order what is on the menu as that’s exactly what they can prepare. The menu was full with different egg dishes... I mean an egg for kids... Is that so much to ask for? Anything we have asked or ordere was replied to in a pejorative and impolite tone. We were treated as if the personnel was doing us a favor. They were also impatient and snobbish with other guests - some of them also left and I truly regret we did not... I could go on forever, but I think you get what I mean. This is an overpriced and poorly run place full of employees resembling the remains of socialism: give small men power and that attitude is exactly what you experience here... Don’t waste your time...