Café Bulgakov was opened by favour of György Méhes’s son, the businessman Elek Nagy, managed by Ferenc Kovács gastro-lover and the now retired János Dénes Orbán literateur and tavern-keeper. The establishment was sanctified on 12th June, 2002 by the lord of Hungarian poetry, Transylvania-lover György Faludy. Today, Café Bulgakov has become one of the most popular cafés in Transylvania.
The café was started during the period when Gheorghe Funar was the mayor of Cluj/Kolozsvár. Chosing the name Café Bulgakov, the founders wanted to emphasize the permanency of universal values.
The front part of the building from Virág (Flower) street (in older times Búza, Wheat street) was built by the Szabó family between 1840 and 1843. It was extended at the end of the 19th century and in the 1960s was extended again. In golden ages it functioned as a brothel, and the madam was Mrs Stróba. After the Great War it got the name Virág (Flower) street and the ancient activity was practiced until the end of the 1940s.
Café Bulgakov, the literary café has hosted during the years different events like Bretter György Literary Circle (ex Gaál Gábor Literary Circle), or Mirakolix Board Game Club, and it has been the venue for many book launch events. It also helped in founding the Literator Club of Cluj and Széfeddin Sefket Filmclub and it is the place of The League of Hungarian Writers of Transylvania. The Cathouse was open in 2010 in the vicinity of Café Bulgakov. It hosts folk dance evenings, guitar evenings, smaller concerts and in the large basement different parties.
Although the café is varnished each year and it is one of the most popular places of Cluj/Kolozsvár, we are still loyal to our customers and our prices are suitable for students as well. The original, front part of the café was renewed in 2014. The main goal is to bring over middle-aged customers too, to offer them a place where they can meet and gladly come back, like the young generation.
The kitchen of Café Bulgakov offers traditional Transylvanian food, but you can find some specialities as well.
Quality services at reasonable prices, the feeling of home and refinement – this is the secret of Café Bulgakov.
The Place
Cathouse
Ground floor, non-smoking area – The Literary Pantheon
The Bar
Winter garden
The attic – Jazz, soul & guitar
