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The W XYZ Bar
I often enjoy trying out bars that focus primarily on drinks rather than an extensive food menu. A few days ago, I did just that and discovered a very special bar right in the heart of Munich: the (please pronounce it with an English accent) "W XYZ" Bar on Bayerstrasse. The bar is part of the Aloft Hotel, and you're practically "in" the bar as soon as you enter the hotel. To the right is the reception, hotel entrance, and so on; to the left is the W XYZ Bar with its comfortable seating area, expansive bar, stage, pool table, and a quiet courtyard garden for sitting (until 11 pm) – that was my destination that evening.
As soon as I approached the bar, I was warmly greeted by the bartenders behind it and asked what I'd like to drink. Clearly, I was there for a tasting, so I decided on two very special drinks from the menu. To be able to ask all my questions, I took a seat right at the elaborately designed bar, complete with creative lighting. To get an overview, I studied the drinks menu and the small bar menu, which also included dishes and snacks. The cocktail menu features a total of 16 different cocktails – all original creations. But that's not all. Not only were every single one of these cocktails developed and created by the experienced bar owners themselves, but the W XYZ Bar's overall impressive range of drinks is also a clear hallmark. "There's nothing we can't mix and conjure up for our guests," they told me when I inquired. You can simply tell the bar what you like or what flavor you would like in your glass, and they will mix it for you.
Some of the numerous seating options
I decided to let myself be surprised, or rather, besides a Fever Tree Mediterranean Water on ice to quench my thirst, I simply asked for one or two drinks to taste, which – of course! – were supposed to be absolutely amazing. And they were. The menu included a variety of seasonal cocktails, signature cocktails (also non-alcoholic), classics and long drinks, as well as beer (Hacker Pschorr and Paulaner), wine, and soft drinks. I first had a "Lemon Cheesecake" with Licor 43, lemon, vodka, quark, lemon, and vanilla, followed by an "Apple Mint Julep" with Bullet Borubon, sugar, apple juice, and mint. All the seasonal and signature cocktails had one thing in common: they all cost a fair €9.50, including both of my creations. I absolutely loved the Lemon Cheesecake drink. While visually quite simple, it packs a real punch in terms of taste – especially for those with a sweet tooth. An intense lemon-vanilla aroma that actually translates into a very lemon cheesecake-like flavor. Fantastic. The Apple Mint Julep clearly won the visual prize, but it packs a punch – at least initially, before the ice cubes melt and you take your first sip. (So don't order it for a job interview, but definitely try it otherwise. ;-)). Slightly fruity with apple pieces and a creative ice cream presentation, it's a clear winner on the menu.
The „Lemon Cheesecake“ for €9.50
After that, I was a little tipsy, so I only had those two drinks. Just ask around on the menu, or simply ask what you like. There's competent and knowledgeable staff behind the bar. The spirits are made in-house, as are the individual syrups, some of which are used in the cocktail creations. Next time, for example, I'm going to try the "Wild Inge," which shines with Tanqueray Gin, ginger, (homemade!) celery shrub, and elderflower tonic water. Standard fare isn't on offer here – instead, you'll find creative and varied concoctions that change roughly every three months – always with the understanding that you can get pretty much anything you like mixed at the W XYZ Bar. Long drinks, by the way, from the Lillet Berry to the Skinny Bitch to the classic Gin and Tonic, all cost €8.50. Can't complain about that, right? Culinary offerings include a "Bavarian Burger with Chips" (for €9.50), panini, chips, popcorn, ice cream and brownies – as mentioned: the focus is on drinks and that's a good thing.
The „Apple Mint Julep“ for €9.50
Okay…enough about eating and, more importantly, drinking. Now for the facts. Every Thursday from 7:00 PM, the W XYZ Bar offers cool music with a DJ and relaxed drinks for after-work drinks. The highlight, however, is definitely on Fridays: live music! You can see who's coming online, and it's often some pretty cool newcomers or well-known personalities like Max Giesinger and others. At peak times, the bar can easily hold 250 people – then it's absolutely packed. For a more relaxed, seated atmosphere, the limit is around 90 people. It's open daily from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM. Of course, football is shown live, you can play billiards on-site, and naturally, you can sing along, dance, and groove along when the music and atmosphere at the W XYZ Bar are really rocking. The music is very diverse, ranging from pop, rock, jazz, and R&B to more. You can park either along the street or in the parking garage with 45 spaces located below the hotel (entrance via Goethestraße). Alternatively, the subway station is just about two meters from the bar. (Central Station, subway lines 1, 2, 4, 5 | all S-Bahn lines | various tram lines and buses). The clientele is young and diverse. Locals mingle with hotel guests and vice versa. Everyone is welcome.
I'm enjoying my meal. Cheers!
And if you're still wondering what the somewhat unusual bar name means... A bar should also be a place to wind down the evening, or rather, to ensure that the day ends well. That's why the end of the alphabet was used as a symbol for the end of the day – by the way, this is the case in all Aloft hotels worldwide. So, the next time you see W XYZ Bar: Go in and enjoy some cocktails. And if you're a musician yourself – listen up: Every first Wednesday of the month is Open Stage Night! You come along, perform, and wow the crowd... or not. If you don't, just drink away the disappointment at the bar. 😉
I'll be back: Yes! Definitely for creative and unusual drinks. The central location is also ideal.
Place visited: W XYZ Bar at the Aloft Hotel
Address: Bayerstraße 37, 80335 Munich
Website
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