Schumann’s Bar am Hofgarten

Schumann's is the most famous bar in Munich and one of the best-known cocktail bars in Germany. Its founder, Charles Schumann, worked as a bartender at Harry's New York Bar in Munich in the 1970s before opening his own place, Schumann's American Bar, on Maximilianstraße in 1982. In 2003 the bar moved to larger premises on Odeonsplatz, beside the Hofgarten, where it was joined by the smaller Camparino. Schumann also wrote American Bar, a standard reference book for bartenders that has been translated into eleven languages, after publishing his first Barbuch in 1984, and the story of the original bar is told in the book Schumann's Maximilianstraße 36, published in 2003 when the bar moved.

The style is classic and understated. The menu focuses on well-made classic cocktails rather than elaborate novelties, and two of Schumann's own creations, the Swimmingpool and the French 68, are among his best-known drinks. If you are unsure what to order, describe the flavours you like and let the bartender suggest something.

Schumann's is several places in one. The Tagesbar serves coffee and light food during the day, the Camparino is the smaller Italian-style aperitivo bar, and Schumann's also runs a separate bar called Les Fleurs du Mal. In the evening the main bar is a meeting point for a mixed crowd of locals, business people, artists and visitors. The Falstaff bar guide recommends a Sunday afternoon aperitif in the Hofgarten as a particularly good way to experience it.

Opening times differ between the parts of the bar, and published hours vary between sources, so check before you go, especially at weekends. The city's listing gives weekday opening from the morning until 2:00. Smart-casual clothing is a safe choice in the evening. Prices reflect the bar's reputation and location.

The bar suits couples, cocktail enthusiasts and anyone who wants to see one of Germany's landmark bars. Odeonsplatz station, on the U3, U4, U5 and U6, is right outside, and the Residenz, the Theatinerkirche, the Feldherrnhalle and Café Luitpold are all within a few minutes' walk, which makes Schumann's an easy end to an evening in the old town.