Service Inside Szimpla Great when Compared to Service Outside

While we regularly take shots at Budapest nightlife heavyweight and tourist trap Szimpla Kert, not least because of its occasionally bad customer service from the likes of the Scowling Eyebrow Lady, seen here in an admittedly grainy and unfocused shot, we can at least say the service inside is better than what you're likely to find once you leave if you're unfamiliar with Budapest. Via an anonymous tip, we've received some additional information on the story about the American tourists who over the weekend were robbed at local clip joint Mercy Club & Lounge. Apparently upon leaving Szimpla in the early hours, the tourists grabbed a cab outside Szimpla and while chatting with the cabbie, asked him if he knew of any good places still open, to which the driver replied that yes, he indeed knew of a "good" place.

Part of the phenomenon known as "hyena" taxis, the driver took the pair to the clip joint, where they were then relieved of Ft 250,000 despite, according to reports, declining the services of ladies present. The taxi company was not specified, but is unlikely to belong to any of the legitimate Budapest companies. The whole incident serves as a reminder to be wary of establishments recommended by complete strangers, or in this case, cab drivers who will receive a "finder's fee" for taking the unsuspecting mark to the location. Unfortunately this is not a rare occurrence in Budapest, as the US embassy keeps a list of such establishments on its website.

Incidentally, in this case, however, police launched a raid on the club the following night, pictures of which you can see here.