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The Congress Bar at Theresienhöhe
Kongress Bar Munich – the 1950s-style cocktail bar || One of my most frequent requests from you: "Bianca, do you have a good tip for a cool bar? Ideally with live music!" Apparently not so easy to find in Munich, but from now on your question is answered, and I have the perfect answer ready: "The Kongress Bar – the 1950s-style cocktail bar." Besides creative cocktails, delicious classics, unusual K-Bar tapas, and tarte flambée, the Kongress Bar Munich also offers regularly changing live music performances, jam sessions, and after-work parties.
Get to know the Congress Bar Munich
The Congress Bar Munich is directly adjacent to the one I recently presented. Inn at Bavariapark K-Bar, which opened in May 2010 and has been run by Sabine and Philip Sedgwick since September 2011, is located above the Theresienwiese in the former teahouse of the Congress Hall, built in 1952. Its decor is inspired by the style of the 1950s. As for drinks, the timeless K-Bar is known both as a classic cocktail bar with a special charm and old-school bar culture, and as the perfect spot for live music, entertaining jam sessions, DJ sets, and relaxed get-togethers.
Cheers with the „Chambord Sour“ (front) and the „Negroni Arrabbiato“
The Congress Bar, designed for approximately 75 thirsty guests, is divided into various areas, the centerpiece of which is undoubtedly the 1950s-style bar with seating for 13: red upholstery with matching leather stools, a gold-colored counter, numerous retro design elements, and bar shelves stocked with a wide variety of bottles and glasses. Upon entering the Congress Bar, you can choose either a more convivial spot at the bar itself or a quieter option on the recessed mezzanine with five tables. Around the bar, you'll find seating at small tables for two or three, as well as various high tables.
Live music events take place on this gallery.
The Congress Bar is the ideal location to sample classic cocktails, signature drinks, and ever-changing new creations, to spend relaxing hours in a quiet bar atmosphere and on the sunny terrace, but also to celebrate, dance, eat, and drink to live music. A true all-rounder! If you've ever wanted to watch the cocktail-making process, the best thing to do is take a seat at the bar – the trained bar team always welcomes you warmly and friendly. The terrace also offers a magnificent view of the adjacent Augustiner beer garden and the German Transport Museum.
Drinks, food and cocktail menu of the Congress Bar
Let's take a look at the menu together. Right on the first page, you'll see that the bar menu is much more than just a "suggestion and guide," and you're welcome to contact the K-Bar team with your individual requests. They're also always happy to try out new drinks and recommend them to guests – so you'll never get bored with your drink. The menu is divided into the categories "Aperitif Liqueurs" and "Aperitif Cocktails," "Classic Old-School Cocktails," "Long Drinks," "Champagne Cocktails," "Digestif Cocktails," "Herbal Liqueurs and Fruit Brandies," "Proseccos," "Wines," and "Soft Drinks and Beers." A wide selection of spirits (gin, whiskey, rum, etc.) is also available.
Definitely try: the K-Bar tapas in various styles
The bar's food and snack menu is deliberately kept simple. It is divided into: „"K-Bar" tapas (Pickled Queen olives in olive oil and lemon zest; homemade pretzel chips – topped with Parmigiano Reggiano and chili; a variety of different, high-quality specialties from the house of „Maître Philippe & Filles“ (Sardines, tuna, mussels, mackerel) as well as different types of tarte flambée (Organic classic tarte flambée, tarte flambée "Greek style" and two types of vegan tarte flambée. If a particular snack on the menu catches your eye, you can always ask which cocktail/drink would go well with it and receive a harmonious combination of "K-Bar tapas" and drink.).
My stay at the Congress Bar Munich
My companion and I enjoyed a wonderful evening at the Congress Bar. The friendly bar team (Roberto, Felix, and Gregor) took excellent care of their guests and welcomed them warmly and openly. For several hours, we were treated to a variety of cocktail creations while listening to upbeat music and sampling our way through the bar menu. We also went out to the terrace at sunset for a tarte flambée with accompanying drinks.
Happy, with the "Grasshopper" in hand. Definitely try it!
First there was a „Chambord Sour“ with Chambord, rum, lemon, sugar, lime & egg white; followed by a „Negroni Arrabbiato“ – A classic Negroni with a good kick – accompanied by a can of the highest quality sardines („Sardines à l'huile d'Olives – sardines in olive oil“). To be honest, my sardine consumption was rather limited before discovering this bar, so after the tasting I was all the more impressed by how delicate, tender, and unique the K-Bar tapas from the can taste. Definitely try them!
After a short break, we continued and there was a „"Golden Gate Sling"“, mixed from rum, Cointreau, lemon, orange bitters & grenadine – also good and nicely fruity and fresh, as well as ideal for warm days. The fourth drink, which we shared to try, was one of my favorites of the evening: the „Grasshopper“ With green mint crème and cocoa crème & cream – not exactly bikini body friendly, but with a taste similar to a liquid After Eight, simply delicious. 😉 The fifth drink was a surprise from bartender Roberto and a creation that isn't currently on the menu, but probably will be soon: a „"Salvio Sauer“With rum, lemon, sugar, Galliano vanilla, egg white and sage – a real eye-catcher, don't you think? We also tried another tin from „Maître Philippe & Filles“ – this time spicy pickled mussels („Mejillones Picantes – spicy mussels with garlic and chili pepper“), which I liked even better.
An "Espresso Martini" is simply a must when you're at the Congress Bar.
My companion loved the taste of the following two drinks („Bordelaises“ with Lillet, Seven Up, Angostura bitters, Peychaud's bitters, lime & mint and the „"Sloe Gin Sour"“ (with sloe gin, lemon & sugar) – both classics on the menu. The [product/service] was also creative. „"Americano Bavarese"“ With red vermouth, Campari, and Augustiner beer foam – just the right drink if you want to experience the classic "Americano" in its Bavarian version. Before my second, personal favorite was served, head bartender Gregor mixed us another one. „"Dark & Stormy"“ with Goslings Black Seal Rum, Angostura bitters, homemade ginger beer, lime & soda. Very delicious, but for me personally not as much of a highlight as my second favorite, the „"Espresso Martini"“ with vodka, espresso, sugar and cream.
So if you only want to enjoy one or two drinks, I highly recommend ordering the "Grasshopper" and the "Espresso Martini". The "Negroni Arrabbiato" was also great!
For sunset on the terrace of the Congress Bar, we opted for a freshly baked tarte flambée as a main course, following the K-Bar tapas as a starter. Of course, the perfect finishing touch in a glass was essential, and we once again trusted the K-Bar crew's expertise. So, to accompany the tarte flambée with bacon bits, onions, and grated cheese, we enjoyed a... „"K-Bar Spritz"“ with homemade ginger beer, soda & prosecco and a „EAZY“ with Hendrick's Gin, rhubarb, bitter lemon, lime & sugar – the latter would definitely be another recommendation from me!
On the sunny terrace, or in the bar: oven-fresh (organic) tarte flambée – also available vegan!
All in all, it was simply a wonderful evening. The kind where you not only lose track of time but definitely leave happier than when you arrived. The team is incredibly welcoming, the bar is just so cool, and the live events are a real "must" for anyone who loves that special bar atmosphere and enjoys drinks and bar food while listening to live performances by a variety of artists. With Kongress Bar, I've definitely found my new favorite bar in Munich.
Key facts about the Congress Bar
The Kongress Bar is open daily from 5 pm; it's closed on Sundays and Mondays. Parking is easy along Theresienstraße, but it's recommended to take a taxi or public transport (Schwanthalerhöhe stop) – that way you can enjoy the Kongress Bar's delicious drinks at your leisure. To stay up-to-date, check out the Kongress Bar's Instagram channel. There you'll find information about private events, available drinks, regular updates on live music and other events, and much more. The Kongress Bar website also features the complete drinks, cocktail, and food menus. Below you'll find a slideshow of photos I took during my visit – featuring all the cocktails mentioned. (Alcohol consumption is restricted to those 18 and over!)
+++ This article was created in cooperation with the Kongress Bar Munich. Thank you! +++
Congress Bar Munich at the Theresienwiese
Address: Theresienhöhe 15 | 80339 Munich
Reservations via via email
Opening hours:
Tuesday – Thursday from 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM;
Friday & Saturday from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM;
Closed on Sundays and Mondays
Details: Cool 1950s-style bar with a variety of drinks and cocktails, K-bar tapas.
(Sardines and tarte flambée) as well as various live events and music performances;
Terrace available
Cocktail and menu of the Congress Bar
Pictures:
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- Live music events take place on this gallery.
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- The Congress Bar at Theresienhöhe
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- Cheers with the
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- Happy, with the "Grasshopper" in hand. Definitely try it!
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- Definitely try: the K-Bar tapas in various styles
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- On the sunny terrace, or in the bar: oven-fresh (organic) tarte flambée – also available vegan!
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- An "Espresso Martini" is simply a must when you're at the Congress Bar.
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