New York Cafe in Budapest - hype or history?

We are visiting Budapest early next year and intend to have a coffee at the New York Cafe. The cafe looks beautiful and hype is part of being a tourist, whether it be Budapest, Paris or Machu Picchu. Just enjoy it

From the website, they only accept reservations for dinner after 6pm.

I guess it’s like going to the Vatican ONLY if you can do it without out others there taking pictures.

I have walked by and seen no one at the door and I have walked by and seen a very long line to get in.

About 10 years ago I went with my two college sons. They got bored with me sitting and people watching so they got up and returned with a chess board. We were there 3 more hours. Can’t remember which son won, but seeing them there playing chess just fit the ambiance. A good memory.

If you want decent coffee and maybe, if they aren’t too busy, a conversation with a local then the Lions Locker. Nothing architecturally special about it, but very “real”. The guy in the black shirt and the young lady behind the bar are two of the family that own it: https://www.lockerbudapest.com/gallery. Say good morning, ask how their day is and sit back and enjoy the conversation (if they aren’t real busy).

For more traditional turn of the century coffee houses (but these are mostly tourist attractions these days … generally for good reason. They are lovely.

DISTRICT V
Central Grand Café (4.8), https://maps.app.goo.gl/czFuAfay1dq5Vvin7, Established in 1887.
Café Gerbeaud (4.2), https://maps.app.goo.gl/tdtPPBbUCBWeQLvq5, Established 1885.

DISTRICT VI
Művész Coffee House ** (4.4), https://maps.app.goo.gl/qnr7RjzPDkERYUbP9, Gracing Andrássy út since 1884.
**Zsolnay Kávéház (4.7), https://maps.app.goo.gl/xAd8YKyy1tWRg9ac9, Located in the Radisson Blu Béke Hotel, among the oldest hotels in Budapest. Part modern and part Art Nouveau. Coffee, sweets, meals and drinks. The mosaic at the front door, added in 1947, is György Szondi, the heroic knight captain who fought the Ottomans in the 16th century.

Maybe more to your liking might be: Auguszt Cukrászda Belváros, https://maps.app.goo.gl/XpgWKo2chT66nyfc9, don’t forget to check out the courtyard shops.

And not open yet, but somehting to watch for: https://dailynewshungary.com/150-year-old-budapest-cafe-reopens/

Thanks for the suggestions.

I went to the New York Cafe when visiting Budapest last year. There was a small lineup to get in and the place was packed. I would say it is definitely worth visiting once because it's such a beautiful space, despite being full of tourists. I found Cafe Gerbaud to be more to my liking however.

There’s no wrong answer here as far as visiting.

But to be honest, I don’t think it’s the sort of place you go to sit and answer emails. It’s the sort of place you go to sit and be amazed at the sheer decadence and beauty. I’m glad I went. And yes, while there are people taking photos (I mean, it’s hard to go and NOT take pictures), it is not a “land of only influencers”. But I tend to agree with GregW that Cafe Gerbaud is a smaller bite of beauty and history. I have also only been once there, but will go back (probably in October) to sit inside the next time. Both are meant for enjoying the ambiance (and food).

I am also mostly a solo traveler so I understand that sometimes people want to use their time while at a table alone - but I think both of those are made for being in the moment. If you just want a place with good coffee, WiFi, and where locals come to have coffee and work, try a Madal. Not historical or fancy - but very local with very good coffee.

Edit: the answer to your title question - its is both hype AND history.

But to be honest, I don’t think it’s the sort of place you go to sit and answer emails.

I'm not the type of person to just be on the phone when enjoying a new café or restaurant. I think my post may have been interpreted the wrong way. I agree the whole point of visiting is to enjoy the ambience, but I do take these moments of pause when traveling to check-in via text with family or to respond to some emails given time zone.
And photos, I'm sure I will be taking a few. But I am not an influencer, and I've been to places where most tables around me where with people posing and filming and taking pictures and barely touching their food.

I guess I'll plan to walk by and make a decision based on size of the line. Lots of other great options here to try as well.

Thanks all!

I guess I'll plan to walk by and make a decision based on size of the
line.

Not sure i would do that on your schedule (wrong way). And this is a place that works best if you are drawn to it for inexplicable reasons.

I like the walk by and make a decision at the time plan. Café Gerbeaud is also nice and a good backup. It was fairly quiet when I was there.