New York Cafe: See it or Skip it?

It finally happened.

After almost two years of living in Budapest, I finally, finally went to the famous New York Cafe. I had been curious for awhile–it’s been called “the most beautiful cafe in the world”, after all. But along with tales of the New York Cafe’s beauty…also came tales of its extravagant prices. So I kept putting it off. But when Jordan of MonParagon asked if I wanted to go, I didn’t want to turn a fancy girls’ day out down! 

Our time at the New York Cafe had its ups and downs. But should you See It or Skip It? Read on to decide for yourself!
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First impressions:
I won’t lie, my jaw dropped as I walked through the door. I just took a moment standing there, trying to take in the vast, painted ceiling and the sparkling hall. A waiter greeted me and let me beyond the velvet rope (be prepared to wait in line when you come) to meet Jordan. We oohed and ahhed at our surroundings and dove into the menu.

But at a closer look, the wonder faded a little bit. NYC’s popularity means it’s crowded, from the amount of tables to the (long, looong) line of waiting customers contained behind a velvet rope. And the gilded decorations (restored in 2006, according to NYC’s website) started to look gaudy if I stared at them too closely or too long. At moments I wondered how I was drinking coffee in such a splendid setting and then at other moments I wondered why I was paying so much to drink coffee in a crowded (albeit pretty) room. And, as to be expected, it wasn’t cheap–a cappuccino costing around $7, as opposed to the $2 I’m used to paying elsewhere in the city.
The price was reflected in the presentation of our stately drinks, but I didn’t manage to taste much–I ordered a “Hungarian Coffee”, which had enough paprika to send me into a coughing fit. I’m such a wimp, haha.

The price is also reflected in the atmosphere: The soaring, gilded ceilings, the gentle classical music being played live in the background, the history. In some ways, it truly is stunning. It’s definitely fun to have the experience of feeling fancy for an hour as you sip your coffee, and to sit in a place that has been through so much. And afterwards you’re free to wander and snap a pic of your favorite angle of the NYC.

Final Takeaways
By the time Jordan and I emerged from the New York Palace Hotel (you enter the cafe through its own door, but must exit through the neighboring hotel) I had mixed feelings. I was glad to have finally seen the famous New York Cafe, but didn’t feel like it was necessary to return. If the New York Cafe specifically is special to you, then by all means, visit! But like I said, you can find far more delicious (and affordable) coffee, and beautiful, Belle-Epoque settings without a line elsewhere. Alternate route? Head to the Palace District, grab a coffee at one of the cute local cafes there, and then take in the wonder of Budapest’s secret palace library instead.
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What do you think of the New York Cafe? Would you see it or skip it? Tell me in the comments below?