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Cole & Porter – I first noticed Cole & Porter when I was having lunch the other day. Dean and David I was out getting my salad when I saw the postcard-sized flyer at the checkout, and intrigued, I took it. Then, the other evening, when my companion and I were spontaneously looking for a simple bar to relax and chat in, I remembered it and went there. Cole & Porter is located in the Hofstatt on Sendlinger Straße. From the outside, it's not immediately obvious that this small restaurant with its strong bar atmosphere offers an incredibly quiet and cozy seating area in the building's courtyard. My companion and I sat down there and immediately forgot we were in the heart of the city. We were there on a Thursday evening, which might explain why many tables were empty, but the bar and the numerous tables in the courtyard quickly filled up as the evening progressed. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, we could see that more and more people were settling in to relax after work.
When my companion and I arrived, all the tables, both inside and out, were still free, and the friendly waiter behind the bar, which dominates the long, narrow entrance area, completely left it up to us to choose where we wanted to sit. Cole & Porter is made up of an incredible amount of glass, and the bar front is also glass, giving guests an unobstructed view of the passage.
We sat down at a simple table for four with equally basic chairs and purple wool blankets draped over the backs. After a few minutes, the drinks and food menus were brought to our table. It quickly became apparent that Cole & Porter is more of a bar, as they offer numerous drinks, aperitifs, and long drinks, but "only" a weekly menu and a standard menu of dishes. Overall, though, it was a good mix and included some appealing-sounding dishes. So, for drinks, we opted for a small still water and an Aperol Spritz. These were served promptly. The Aperol cost €6 and tasted fine. While our drinks were being served, we ordered our chosen dishes. My companion chose the Minestrone Toscana with basil pesto and pecorino (for €5.70, or €4.80 at lunchtime). After some deliberation, I opted for the "Roma" sandwich with basil spread, tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil, along with a small side salad for €5.70. Alternatively, the grilled sandwich was also available with Serrano ham or sweet chili chicken – both also for €5.70. The dishes took quite a while to arrive, but were then served simultaneously by a friendly woman. My sandwich was very good, though a bit too crispy. Nothing extraordinary, but tasty, and at €5.70, reasonably priced for such a central location. My companion's soup was rather bland and not particularly flavorful – but the portion size was adequate. In my opinion, you can definitely order the sandwich as a quick bite.
There are also two different whole-wheat piadinas with a side salad for €5.70 each, or the Cole & Porter Plate as bar food for €8.50, featuring Serrano ham, a selection of fine cheeses, spreads, and fresh homemade bread. On Saturdays until 2 pm, they also offer the Cole & Porter Omelette with two toppings of your choice for €5.70. As you can see, €5.70 goes a long way here. 😉 The weekly menu changes regularly. Here you'll always find the prices of the individual dishes for lunch – usually between 70 cents and €2 cheaper than in the evening. (You can see the current menu from our visit in the photo as an example). Lunch specials for €8.40 or €7.90 are also offered on a rotating basis, and you can spend your break in the quiet courtyard. There's also a weekly aperitif, which you can also find on the weekly menu.
Overall, I think Cole&Porter is a really cool place for after-work beers or drinks, nice conversations, and a good chat. As mentioned, it's located inside a shopping arcade, and its elongated shape, glass facade, built-in elements, and dim lighting gave it the feel of a small bar in New York or another major city. We sat outside during our visit, but I would definitely sit inside again for a snack. If you're planning to go with colleagues, friends, or others, I recommend making a reservation—as I said, it was getting quite crowded.
It's perhaps a bit "basic" for a proper meal, as the focus is clearly on the extensive menu and wide selection of drinks. If you want to sit comfortably, chat, and enjoy one drink after another, this is the place for you. It's cozy, even a bit lounge-like in the evenings, and definitely worth a visit. It's best to see for yourself. I found it quite nice and ideal as a bar. Card payments are accepted. It's open continuously from 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM, Monday to Saturday. I recommend taking public transport, both for parking and to use the alcohol discount card. 🙂
I'll be back: Yes. If I want to experience a small town and sit centrally, yet very quietly. Not so much for a wide variety of food. Great as a bar!
Place visited: Cole & Porter
Address: Sendlinger Straße 10, 80331 Munich
Website: unavailable
Pictures:
Bruno
Dean & David allows their competitors to display advertising? They're incredibly stupid!