Café Altschwabing - Schellingstrasse 56, 80799 Munich, Germany
Cafe Altschwabing is probably the most venerable cafe in the university area. It's been at Schellingstrasse 56 since 1887. Bombed during the war, it fortunately did not lose its elaborate Stuckdecke (ceiling mouldings), which is the most impressive aspect of its decor. Previous patrons have included Thomas Mann, Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, and even Lenin. I like to come here for brunch on weekends. The so-called Paul Klee breakfast is a cheese plate with cereal and egg that would feed two easily. I've not yet ordered dinner items, which tend to be Turkish, but some tasty-looking dishes passed my table this evening. ...
The patrons here are a mixed crowd: some student types, some young professionals, some probable professors, and younger and older women alone. It's hopping now, on a Saturday evening around 9 -- every table is occupied. It's usually very busy at brunch as well.
This is a real cafe. That is, you can sit with a coffee or beer for an hour and a half and read the newspaper or a book and not be pressured to order another item.
Café Altschwabing
Schellingstrasse 56, Schwabing
Their homepage is here: Café Altschwabing; oddly, it doesn't seem to be working right now.
You should definitely try the meals there sometime. Some of the best southern Mediterranean food in Munich.
Posted by: "astroboy" at 6:44 pm on 7.Apr.2004I lived in Munich in the 80s and returned several times for extended periods through 1994. Cafe Altschwabing had always been my favorite cafe in the city. After 10 years I finally returned to Munich in late November of 2004. My first afternoon in Munich I returned to Cafe Altschwabing. It seems the ownership has changed hands, although I never asked, but the charm has not changed. The staff was made up of some of the sweetest people you can imagine. I went there several times during my stay and they made me feel like an old friend. I strongly suggest you order dinner there. The dishes were delicious and very affordable. I loved the Rotbarschfilet.
Posted by: "Mark from NYC" at 1:16 pm on 19.Jan.2005We come to Munich every year (the last 10 yrs. +)for the Christmas Market, and we always stop by the Cafe' Altschwabing for a late afternoon ape'riif and some light snacks. After hearing from Mark of NYC how good the dinner menu is, we shall try it out this time. We always love the atmosphere there and the service is excellent.
Posted by: "Verna" at 7:27 pm on 15.Nov.2005The lunch menu offers great variety and plentiful portions at remarkably good prices. I doubt one would save money on a much less satisfying and less nourishing meal at McDonald's or Burger King.
Posted by: "Ron" at 9:46 am on 5.Mar.2006My wife went to Alt Schwabing on Friday night on our way to see a film. We'd seen the restaurant a few times and it intrigued us. The service took a bit to get going, but was very good. Our only mistake was not warning our server that we were on a schedule. Once our food came out we slammed it down in about 5 minutes and raced off to the movie. My wife had a salad that was a full dinner and I had venison on a skewer with steamed veggies, etc. All was fantastic and even better, quite well priced. Our server was very worried when we ate and ran, but we assured him that we'll be back. In fact, we almost went back on Sat. night, but ended up going elsewhere with friends.
Posted by: "Wunnspeed" at 5:06 pm on 28.Mar.2006I visited Munich for a week in November to attend dance classes and explore the city. I randomly wandered the streets around Schwabing and stopped in on a day that was a little cold and rainy. It was so cozy to settle in at a table, have a cup of coffee, do some reading, and eat a delicious lunch. The atmosphere was very welcoming and so pleasant, yet felt mysterious with its rich history. I spent most of the afternoon there, and I hope to go back to Munich soon so that I can go to Cafe Alt Schwabing again.
Posted by: "Bethany from LA" at 8:09 pm on 20.Feb.2007
