Cafés in Bratislava
The café culture in Bratislava has blossomed over the past few years with more and more activity spilling out onto the streets and courtyards, and as the spring approaches, more outside seating will become available. Listed below are a few of our favourite cafés in the nation's capital.
Be aware that most cafés serve several different varieties of coffee (káva). To help you decide, keep these phrases in mind: strong Turkish coffee (Turecka káva) with the grounds at the bottom is what you sometimes get when you don't specify, but more often you'll get an espresso (presso). Delicious Viennese (Viedenská káva) is coffee with whipped cream. Other choices include coffee with milk (káva s mliekom), Algerian (Alžírska káva) with egg liqueur, and cappuccino.
Kaffee Mayer
This ritzy Viennese cafe on Hlavné námestie (main square) serves up great coffee and scrumptious desserts in grand old Habsburg style and posh environment.
Tough to find a seat after the opera. Prices make you feel just like you're in Vienna.
Hlavné námestie 4. Tel: 5441 1741. Open daily 10:00-1:00.
Café Muzeum
Still the largest and best internet-café in the centre of Bratislava, Café Muzeum at the rear of Slovenské Narodné Muzeum (Slovak National Museum) is a great alternative to many of the noisy cafťs in town. In a beautiful high-ceilinged hall, patrons can chat over a coffee to occasional live piano music. Famous locals from Richard Müller to Mikuláš Dzurinda can sometimes be seen taking a coffee and smoke break. The internet room is downstairs to the right.
Muzejná ulica. Tel: 5934 9111. Open Mon-Fri 9:00-22:00, Sat 10:00-22:00.
Café u Maximiliána
This cosy café is also on Hlavné námestie (main square) in the old town. Wooden tables and wall panelling, great coffee and reasonable prices makes this a local favourite.
Zelená 5. Tel: 5443 5474. Open daily 9:00-22:00.
Laguna Café
A friendly staff and a good selection of wine, beer and spirits to go along with the coffee. The upstairs serves as a refuge for those seeking a quiet moment with a book or a companion. Slovak newspapers are available.
Laurinská 7 (on the corner of Uršulínska). Tel: 5443 5682. Open daily 10:00-24:00.
Gremium Café
Just a few steps from the opera house. The relaxed, bohemian atmosphere mixes well with paintings, jewellery and other art objects on display. Occasional live piano music in the evenings.
Gorkého 11. Tel: 5413 1026. Open daily 8:30-24:00.
U Anjelov
U Anjelov is divided into two separate cafes: one is a cubby hole at the bend in Laurinská street and the second is the larger, more modern joint next door. Angels of all sizes and persuasions cover the walls and ceilings and the wait-staff works the crowds well. Apart from coffee and tea, a selection of Italian sparkling wines are available as well as numerous special drinks.
No food is served but tasteful music ranging from jazz and funk to Latin American can be enjoyed.
Laurinská 19. Tel: 5443 2724 Open Mon-Sat 9:00-24:00, Sun 13:00-24:00.
