Upon entering Farger Café, this little chill-out powerhouse tucked in a corner of Szabadság tér, I’m greeted by Frappé. No, not a foamy ice coffee, but Farger’s little fury boss; Frappé, the dog.
I’m going to level with you; they won me over in a mo. Who wouldn’t warm instantly to a Budapest café that lets our little friends in, too? Actually, the whole place has a relaxed vibe about it; the airy and cozy design rather reminded me a friend’s living room and terrace than a formal coffeehouse. And it’s not only the interior that’s friendly. John Gerencsér, spearheading Farger, first wanted to open up a US style coffee take-away. “But people just sat down and wanted to stay, so we’ve let them”, he smiled. So the now six-year old Farger soon became a mixture of a breakfast hotspot, a lunch lounge and a get-together hub for a drink (or two) after work.
Well, after all, it seems all kinds of folk wanted to stay once inside.
And no wonder. Boasting probably the widest breakfast selection in town, Farger has it all: from heavy morning kick-off bites like ham and eggs and hot paninis to more waistline friendly options, the likes of corn flakes, muesli, healthy baguettes and bagels. Oh, and apparently, they’re a bundáskenyér (Magyar French toast) factory. Have your breakfast with shakes, smoothies and fruit juices or choose from the impressive selection of tea and coffee. Farger coffees, to be precise: Italian roasted with full, round tastes. (Take it home once addicted – sooner than you’d imagine.) I opted for a glass of lemonade which is not always the safest choice, but Farger’s definitely passed. It was the kind served with just about enough ice cubes and the tricolor of lemon, lime and grapefruit.
If you’re not the breakfast type, you can try their weekly special lunch menu from noon, or choose from their wraps and burgers. If your working hours are over, wash your yummy lunch down with a Farger cocktail or a glass of Hungarian wine.
What would a true Budapest spot be without a pinch of wine-wonder? While Farger has a not-so-wide but reasonable selection of wines with all the Magyar essentials, they’ve come up with some sunny season fun, Fröccspont. They’ll be mixing a hundred different kinds of fröccs (wine spritzer), the official Hungarian summer drink, outside. And it’s not gonna be done with second-rate vinos. For a little sneaky peek: Feind Winery will be responsible for rosé fröccs.
Anyway, sit in or sit out, around or back, Farger’s a pet-friendly, family-friendly, internet addict-friendly (WIFI available) spot filled with warm welcomes, tasty bites and aromatic sips perfect to relax, chat or just watch the world go by.
Farger Café
1054 Budapest, Zoltán utca 18.
(at the corner of Szabadság tér)
Tel.: +36.20.237.7825
Open: Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-10 p.m.,
Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
www.farger.hu