The Best of »Falstaff Bar Guide 2026«
Magnolia and violet blossoms, spruce tips, elderflower and even asparagus: the seasonal flavours of nature and plants from local farms form the basis for the fantastic cocktails in this wondrously beautiful Neukölln bar. The weekly changing menu always has pleasant surprises in store.
Housed in a historic old town house in the centre of town, the small bar is not only an oasis of calm with nostalgic charm, but also a place of good taste. Volker Seibert offers his guests a first-class selection of champagnes, highballs, classic cocktails and his own fantastic creations.
The bar is located in the legendary Radisson Blu Carlton hotel right in the centre of Bratislava. This elegant bar impresses not only with its unique design, but also with its creative menu and cocktails with an unusual presentation. The cocktail menu includes five categories, so there is something for everyone, whether you are looking for something simple and elegant or a unique table service. The very talented and friendly staff are happy to make recommendations and customise something for you. As a result, the Mirror Bar is highly recognised and appreciated not only in Slovakia, but also on the international bar scene.
The Bar am Wasser in Zurich has been one of the best in the city since it opened. Host Dirk Hany offers an innovative concept with cocktail menus that are served in different courses, similar to a fine dining restaurant. Of course you can also drop by for an aperitif or digestif.
The Kronenhalle bar is a Zurich institution: cocktails that have set the standard for decades are mixed under paintings by Miró and Klee. The iconic lights were designed by Diego Giacometti especially for this location. Here, art, history and bar culture come together quite naturally.
The Old Crow Bar is a place of pilgrimage for spirits lovers - over 1600 bottles fill the shelves, from rare whisk(e)y to forgotten liqueurs. The bartenders mix classics with precision and their own creations with finesse. Tucked away in the alleyways of the old town, the small bar is a treasure trove of liquid jewels.
Stephan Hinz is a gastronomic great in Cologne, with his chic and cosy bar a place for good drinks and good conversation. Most of the ingredients for the innovative and creatively mixed drinks are home-made: always a little exotic, sustainable and of the best quality. To go with it, the finest bar food.
In a prime location on the banks of the Main, this trendy bar occupies just a few square metres in Frankfurt's narrowest building. The well thought-out selection of drinks is much wider. Sven Riebel and his friendly team offer guests first-class cocktails in a cosy atmosphere, with a personal touch on request.
Bar culture from one of the best - Charles Schumann has created a place on the first floor of his flagship store that would be equally at home in New York or Tokyo. Stately, elegant, mysterious and with just a few seats at eye level with the professional bar team. Iconic drinks are created here in legendary surroundings.
Charles Schumann's bar is an icon far beyond Munich, just like him. There is a lot of understatement here, but also a lively vibe between exceptional roast beef with roast potatoes, elaborate drinks, celebrated classics and friends of the house. In summer, the garden is the most beautiful bar in the city.
The bar at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel invites you to spend relaxing hours by the Rhine. Under the direction of Chef de Bar Thomas Huhn sophisticated cocktails, classic drinks, and afternoon tea are created here. Delicious snacks from the renowned hotel kitchen are also served, sometimes accompanied by live piano music.
There are many details that give away the quality even before the first sip. Fine wood, jazzy music and a cocktail menu that lists punch bowls as a matter of course. Heinz Kaiser and his team know all about "liquid intake" in both large and small doses. They're also great with rum, as in the "Kaiserin".
The IGNIV Bar in the restaurant of the same name shows just how exciting the craft of cocktails can be. The menu features cutting-edge creations alongside perfectly executed classics. As befits an IGNIV, there are also drinks to share. The spectacular Champagne selection is also highly recommended.
Exclusive, stylish and world-famous as the birthplace of the Gin Basil Smash. Every detail is perfect here, where Jörg Meyer cultivates a stylish bar culture and loves twists on the finely composed drinks. Very special: the powerful mojito as "Queens Park Swizzle" and "Tarte Tatin" with rum, apple juice and egg white. Well done, lion!
"Hiraka Moina Tai" is the name of one of the innovative cocktails, made with cardamom, vanilla, apricot, coconut, citrus and rum, which brings a little Sri Lanka feeling to the cathedral city. If you want to delve deeper into the subject, book a tasting session or one of the interesting workshops in the friendly bar.
With the addition of the bar (for Champagne and rare whisk(e)ys), the exceptional pub is entering its second decade. Minimalism is the trump card. Metaxa, oregano and a few drops of Sarmakinas olive oil are used to create a fascinating drink. It is an example of how anything is possible apart from compromising on quality.
Under high ceilings and among avant-garde art, the Canvas Bar at The Dolder Grand hotel serves both classics and original creations such as the "Dolder Negroni". High-calibre snacks complement the extensive menu. Live piano music accompanies you during the day, while a DJ provides the right atmosphere in the evening.
Of course you can just order a glass of beer, wine or Champagne. But that would be boring, because the team here is always on the lookout for new "classic & twist" drinks and likes to incorporate wacky syrups. Cool masterclasses and regular guest appearances by cocktail bar friends make things exciting.
Culinary creativity meets mixology: the bar translates Kevin Fehling's three-star cuisine into cocktails. Classics are rethought, such as "Tom Kha Gai Milkpunch" (rum, Malibu and lemongrass), "Okinawa Shiso" (Lillet, yuzu liqueur and habanero) or the "Piquant Bastard" (white pepper, Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco).