Emke Chicago Budapest, Hungary

The Emke Chicago restaurant has undergone several transformations over the years. It was first the 'Emke', a well-established restaurant with an alternative, arty Hungarian clientele. Then in the early 1990's, it became 'Chicago', one of the first American-style restaurants but when these became two a penny, it reverted to serving the old style Magyar meals with just a hint of Americana. The centre-piece of the spacious room is the main bar. Tables in private booths encircle the bar and the service is swift and friendly. Beer comes from an on-site brewery. The food has reverted to heavy Hungarian meat and potato, meat and rice or - for the adventurous - meat and noodle dishes. A few American-style burgers, chilli and Tex Mex-style dishes remain.