If you have ever been short-changed, chewed-out by, or deemed beneath the attention of the bar staff at Ellátó and always seem to end a night out at Sark Presszó then a nearby alternative like Bar Ladino is very attractive indeed. Bar Ladino is named after a dying language spoken by exiled Spanish Jews, but there is no reason it shouldn't prove popular with Budapesters of all creeds and colors.

The place has a familiar feel to it, which might be because the tables and chairs are actually from Sark, just around the corner. Or maybe it is because Ladino's two owners, Marci Székely and Péter Kovacs, are no strangers to the Budapest bar scene. The childhood friends - who are waiting for their own furniture - together own the seasonal musical venue Konzikert, and the hipster hangout Kuplung. Székely (left) has his hands full since when Ladino first opened earlier this spring, he was also launching his own new gig, Take 5. Though, Bar Ladino is designed for a "more mature" crowd than their other places, said Székely.

Mature or not, why Bar Ladino isn't packed every night is beyond us. It is in the heart of the red-hot District VII; it has a, stylish, shabby chic décor and a bar staff that manages to be cool without dishing out the attitude so many nearby pubs are notorious for. If you want to make a Skype call during the day on the free wifi, they will turn down the music, and on one visit the server actually apologized to us when he brought the bill, as if asking for money at the end of the meal was some sort of breach of manners.

So far, Bar Ladino hasn't drown in its own hype: the venue is popular, but not overflowing, and the music is atmospheric rather than overpowering. A busy program of concerts is posted on the wall, and there is also a promising looking cellar area that is yet to open. In other words, like Sark, it's a great place to drop in for a pint of Dreher (Ft 450, €1.60) or glass of Chardonnay (Ft 250 or €1 per deciliter) before or after dinner. The kitchen is solid, if unimaginative, and offerings are scratched across blackboards flanking either side of the bar. Given the proximity to the Klauzál tér market, we were happy to hear they offer fresh, seasonal treats as well, including an asparagus promotion running until May 18.

With all of these perks, we should bring up an important point, the food isn't the most adventurous in the city. We tried the penne carbonara and found it serviceable. The cream of broccoli soup was fine, the daily special of creamed chicken on rice filled a hole without incident and the sztrapacska above for Ft 950 (just under €4) was good but unprovocative. Rounding out the menu with various standard chicken dishes and quesadillas, the kitchen could certainly do with adding a few more colors to its palate, but at those prices, who are we to complain.

For budget-minded diners, Ladino offers a daily menu of soup and alternating main course for a mere Ft 890. And unlike most fixed menus, Ladino's is not just a lunch special, it can be ordered throughout the evening, making it one of the best dinner deals in town.

It may have some rough edges, but Bar Ladino has a pleasant, lived-in feel, as well as the killer combination of decent atmosphere and friendly service, which sets it apart as a most welcome new addition to the local food and drink scene.