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Monroe Street is a long road with many attractions along its path. One of these, however, can be easily overlooked. Budapest Restaurant is a small Hungarian restaurant with a sign advertising itself that is barely lit.
Located at 3314 Monroe St. next to several other run-down, dark and dreary buildings, Budapest's overall appearance isn't exactly appealing from the outside, but the story changes inside.
Inside, the family diner colors show through. Customers seat themselves in this diner, which holds 50 to 60 people. Within minutes of settling in, a friendly waiter brings the traditional glass of water and bread in a basket.
From the reaction of the waitress, it seems most customers are regulars who don't need to look at the menu. The menu consists of a mere 10 dinner options. Among these entrees include veal and stuffed peppers. Its one and only house specialty consists of a bowl or cup of chicken noodle soup which is it said to be quite good.
The price range here is reasonable. Each dinner consists of a heaping plate of whatever is ordered along with a choice of noodles or potatoes and a starter salad. A single dinner can cost anywhere from $6 to $12. A couple can easily eat for $15 and leave feeling stuffed.
Everyone working at Budapest is friendly and prompt. The atmosphere is that of a cozy little family diner with a laid-back feeling. The dress code is completely open; anything from torn jean to dress pants is acceptable.
Louis and Barbara Szodi founded their restaurant in 1958. The two were relatively wealthy individuals from overseas who owned a vineyard, said close relative Jeff Szodi. Unfortunately, they lost everything when the Russians occupied them during the Revolution. Eventually, they escaped and came to the United States.
"It was just luck of the draw they came to Toledo," Jeff Szodi said. "They just pointed to a spot on the map and went there."
The restaurant idea must have stemmed from Barbara Szodi.
"She would have to cook 1,500 meals a day," Jeff Szodi said. "They had to work odd jobs before they opened the restaurant."
The Critic's Conclusion: Budapest is a small, but quaint family-owned and run restaurant. It has great service, huge portions and a small menu set it aside from other Toledo restaurants. It's definitely something different, but very nice and clean. Students up for trying something new can give this little eatery a try.
3 out of 5 stars
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