Bar entertainment in Switzerland
-
A
nt/Areal
A meeting point for young Baslers in the former goods yard of the German railways. In summer, outdoor projectors play light shows, while customers tuck into food and drinks inside Erlkönig. From the Areal sign at the intersection of Mattenstrasse and Erlenstrasse, head 300m straight ahead. Either catch tram No 1 or 14 to Musicaltheater or the bus No 33 to Mattenstrasse.
reviewed
-
B
Alhambar
The back of the Alhambar cinema hosts this popular venue for drinks, food and live music. Hung over on a Sunday? Come and cure it with brunch. The decor of feathers hanging from ceiling, zebra-print lampshades, and velvet couches is either creatively innovative or high-camp irony depending on interpretation.
reviewed
-
C
Atlantis
Leather-topped stools are strung behind the long, curving and – on DJ weekend nights – packed bar. Themes change constantly and range from funk to ’90s. Maybe this is why it attracts a mostly 30-something crowd. They have a summer rooftop terrace and do lunch Monday to Friday.
reviewed
-
D
Pinte Besson
The city's oldest tavern has been serving up local wines to Lausannois punters since 1780. The place oozes the atmosphere of another age and makes no concessions to modern modishness. Squeeze in for a round of fondue and wine or just drop by for a couple of evening ales.
reviewed
-
E
X-tra Limmathaus
X-tra Limmathaus is a bar/lounge/restaurant/club complex that attracts a relaxed 20-something crowd with everything from nu-metal bands to UK garage tunes, via salsa, 80s and dance-floor jazz. You can let all your alter egos out to play on the dance floor here.
reviewed
-
F
Bar Tabac
Like a spruced corner tavern of old, this is the kind of thing Hemingway probably had in mind when he spoke of a ‘clean, well lighted place’. Squeaky timber floors lend warmth and punters engage in animated chat at tables around the L-shaped bar.
reviewed
-
G
Bar Rouge
This plush red bar, with panoramic views from the 31st floor of the ugly glass Messeturm (trade fair tower), is the city’s most memorable. Hipsters, and a few suits early on weekday evenings, come to appreciate the regular DJs and films.
reviewed
-
H
Qu'Importe
Never Mind makes no bones about its mission in life: 'qu'importe le facon pourvu qu'on ait livresse' ('Never mind the bottle as long as it gets you drunk…'), so said French Romantic poet and bar muse Alfred de Musset.
reviewed
-
I
Barfussbar
The Frauenbad public bath opens its doors to some refreshing nocturnal bar action. Up to 150 men are allowed into the Barfussbar. You leave shoes at the entrance – drink while you dip your feet in the water!
reviewed
-
J
Liquid
With its striped wallpaper and moulded plastic chairs in the form of boiled eggs broken in half, this is a kitsch kinda setting, with mostly lounge-oriented music nights. A groovy way to get ready for the latter half of the night.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
Hirscheneck
A relaxed, grungy, almost knockabout place with an urban vibe (try to spot someone without piercings), this corner bar has tables on the footpath and regular gigs and DJs – it would be right at home in Berlin.
reviewed
-
L
Louis
Wine-lovers flock to this place to quaff fine tipples from around Europe. Attached is a Mediterranean-style bistro for light meals and a swanky restaurant upstairs. Outside is an extensive deck terrace on Voie du Chariot.
reviewed
-
M
La Lanchetta
Sitting on the lake opposite the Hotel Cassarate Lago, this hip, dimly lit bar is perfect for pre-dinner drinks. Furniture and dress sense is black, although there is a little tongue-shaped snug that glows white.
reviewed
-
N
Zum Roten Engel
This student-filled venue, spilling onto an irresistible, tiny cobblestone square, is great for a latte and snacks by day and a glass of wine or three in the evening. It’s a temperate way to start the night.
reviewed
-
O
Olé Olé
An industrial tapas bar with giant street-facing windows and a bar lit by naked bulbs ensures a stop with a difference near the train station. The Italian place next door is a fine choice for dinner.
reviewed
-
P
Paparazzi
A dimly lit, classy lounge bar where, to start the evening, you can taste a variety of Italian wines or, if you arrive later, take a stronger drink and throw yourself into a comfy couch till late.
reviewed
-
Q
Paillote
With wooden tables inches from the water, this place is packed full in summer. By 11pm the grassy lawns, quay and walls within a 20m radius of the kiosk overflow with merry punters.
reviewed
-
R
Rimini Bar
The Männerbad public bath opens its doors to some refreshing nocturnal bar action. Women come in the evenings to the Rimini Bar, open in good weather only.
reviewed
-
S
SIP
Soul Influenced Product is ‘not a nightclub’, according to the propaganda of this design-led space, an 1860s factory that blasts out a wholly mainstream sound.
reviewed
-
T
Boulevard du Vin
Wine sluggers will enjoy this excellent wine shop which doubles as a wine bar with its weekly dégustation sessions. Food platters add a gastronomic dimension.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
U
Le V.O. et L'Ar'Lov Jazz Café
This venue, with red and pink low lighting, pulls in punters from all over town for tipples and occasional live music. It makes a good late night alternative to clubbing.
reviewed
-
V
Giraf Bar
This tiny, smoke-filled bar fills up on a Friday and Saturday night. The giraffe-skin motif is repeated inside on lampshades and the music can reach back to the 1980s.
reviewed
-
W
Arthur’s
If Arthur was real, he’d be called 007 and drink vodka martinis shaken not stirred at this drop-dead gorgeous lakeside terrace where aperitif lovers linger.
reviewed
-
X
Cargo-Bar
A nice halfway house between cool and alternative, located in a tucked-away spot on the river. There are lots of art installations, live gigs, video shows and DJs.
reviewed
-
Y
Per Bacco
A slightly more sophisticated and well-dressed clientele props up the horseshoe bar at Per Bacco, which serves antipasti and Italian wines by the glass.
reviewed
