Discover Frankfurt’s Most Up-And-Coming Neighbourhood
There’s a lot more to the lively and diverse central neighbourhood of Bahnhofsviertel than first meets the eye. Once thought of as little more than a seedy red light district, it’s now one of the most up-and-coming parts of the city. More eclectic than Sachsenhausen or Nordend and more dynamic than Westend or Bornheim, Bahnhofsviertel is the perfect place to grab an artisan coffee or an after-work stein. Here’s the latest word on what to do in Frankfurt’s coolest district.
First things first
Bahnhofsviertel is at the forefront of Frankfurt’s cafe culture. Start the day with a real zinger of a coffee at Klein und Main on Moselstrasse. This ever-welcoming, modish cafe pulls in everyone from artists to businessmen, who all crowd round the communal table to read the papers and swap U‑Bahn stories. Alongside a killer craft coffee, watch out for the cookies – they’re scandalously addictive.
If lunch away from your desk sounds like a bright idea, then Maxie Eisen on Münchener Straße is the place to head. As well as its laid-back atmosphere and an impressive lunch special, this stylish Jewish-American deli joint serves pastrami so good that it makes New York delis seem positively second-rate.
At the end of the day
Nothing hits the spot quite like a full plate after a long day at work. In Bahnhofsviertel you’re never far away from some of Frankfurt’s top-drawer eateries. If you’re looking to fill your belly without too much fuss, try Montana Pizzeria on Weserstraße. With its long tables, colourful decor and super-cool Pac-Man oven, it’s the kind of place where chatting to strangers comes as naturally as spilling pizza toppings down your shirt. You can’t miss the place; it has the now iconic ‘FREE PARKING, FREE COFFEE, FREEDOM’ neon sign displayed proudly outside.
Cavernous and convivial, Eat Doori is an ultra-modern Indian restaurant on Kaiserstraße, complete with an industrial vibe and friendly staff. Designed to accommodate large parties, it’s the perfect place for you and your colleagues to unwind after a hard day at the office. You place your order by marking your selections above the table with a clothes peg.
If your dinner plans are somewhat more professional or you’re taking a client out to talk shop, the refined atmosphere at ABER (Gutleutstraße 17) is likely to strike a better balance. This stylish little gem is quiet, sophisticated and serves top-notch German cuisine. If you’re looking to impress, book ahead at Club Michel – the closest thing in Bahnhofsviertel to a private dining club – for impeccable service and an ever-changing menu.
One for the road
It’s fair to say that the watering holes in this part of town are as many as they are varied. Moseleck (Moselstraße 21) is the oldest drinking house in the neighbourhood and undoubtedly the best place to savour an authentic German brew. The uber-hip Plank (Elbestrasse 15) has an altogether more contemporary vibe – try the almost legendary gin and tonic.
If you’re looking to dance the night away, don’t miss Pik Dame and its rotating roster of events that includes cabaret, magic and live music. If a traditional tavern is more your thing, head to Terminus Klause for blonde ales and card games.