The French city of Mulhouse, in the Alsace region, has plenty of quality establishments. Having put together a list of Mulhouse’s best landmarks and attractions, we now provide you with a rundown of the top bars and cafes in the city.
This wine bar and restaurant offers plenty of choice. One day you may be treated to chicken fillets in a lemon and dill sauce with polenta, and on the next, fleischnacka with vegetables and dauphinoise potatoes. Le O2 has a chic black-and-white interior as well as a terrace equipped with space heaters, both comfortable environs in which to enjoy a meal, beer, coffee, glass of wine, or cocktail.
Located in the historic center of Mulhouse, “The Tavern of the Teutonic Knights” is fully equipped for any weary adventurers in need of a rest and a stiff drink. Over 300 beers from around the world are stocked here, curated by beer expert Mathieu who will explain the mind-boggling amount of flavors available. Wine and cocktails can also be purchased, with charcuterie and a selection of other appetizers providing the fuel for whatever crusade a visitor may have to embark on next.
A cozy bistro split across a mezzanine and terrace in addition to its main room, Engel’s Coffee serves up a variety of Italian specialties suited to any time of day: you could start off with a ristretto, move on to the bruschetta or a platter of cheeses, meats, olives, bread, and jams, then finish with a helping of their acclaimed gelato. For those wanting something a tad stronger, try a Spritz, a Venetian aperitif made up of Prosecco and a dash of bitter liqueur topped off with sparkling water and a garnish of orange.
Cafe Mozart is owned by Jacques, who has been Mulhouse’s master chocolatier and pastry chef since 1934. As a result, this venue serves delectable desserts, including tarts, cakes, homemade chocolate, and pies. Pastries, toasted sandwiches, quiches, vol-au-vents, and salads are the savory options here but the best way to enjoy a glass of local Reisling is with the plat du jour, which may be an escalope milanaise, salmon coulibiac, or bouchée à la Reine.
The bar of Mulhouse’s four-star Hotel du Parc is an art deco affair inspired by the jazz clubs of the Roaring Twenties. Classy and elegant, it hosts nightly live music, whether from the resident pianist or a cavalcade of guest bands playing the best of jazz, swing, blues, pop, or rock. There’s a Happy Hour and speed dating evenings that Charlie’s Bar organizes each month.
Proudly displayed within this wine bar is the motto “Life is too short to drink bad wine.” Choose from a collection of over 300 different labels, most of which are biodynamic. Served alongside these are appetizers like Parma ham, buffalo mozzarella, calzones, charcuterie, and the Sicilian specialty of arrancini (fried rice balls stuffed with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and peas).
Vintage signs and Charlie Hebdo covers decorate the walls of this retro wine bar. Step out into the rustic terrace though and you’ll be hard pressed to think you’re in the center of an industrial city on the French-German border and not somewhere on the Mediterranean: perfect for summer evenings. Whether inside or out, take your pick from their extensive wine list and settle down with one of L’Hardivin’s generous platters of cheese, grapes, bread, melon, charcuterie, honey, and jams.
El’Montana is a bar with a difference; or, more accurately, many differences. Although it sits apart from the city center, it is worth seeking out for its video gaming facilities, art exhibitions, poker tables, and recording studio. It is an innovative venture that aims to provide a change from the typical bar scene by offering a choice of activities to its patrons who can have a drink, listen to music, challenge their friends to a game of Mario Kart, or just hang out on the leather sofas.
The Shamrock features all the trappings of the typical Irish pub: the decor, barrels upon barrels of beer and whiskey, traditional Irish music, live sports broadcasts and a genial atmosphere. But there is also a library area downstairs, in case an escape from the boisterous crowd above is needed. The establishment also holds Spanish nights – with sangria, tapas, and appetizers like Serrano ham and olives – to ensure their customers don’t grow too tired of the Guinness.
One of the most esteemed wine bars in Mulhouse, La Quille has been name-checked in the wine guide Tronches de Vins and holds 350 wines in its cellar. Wines from Alsace, elsewhere in France and across the globe can be sampled here. Pair them with burrata mozzarella or delicious boards of cheeses, pickles, olives, jambon persillé, foie gras, and bacon. The proprietors host wine tastings and jazz concerts and invite local winemakers and beer brewers to the premises on special evenings to sell and discuss their wares.
