You can sip coffee somewhere just for the sake of it – its perfectly fine – coffee is a blessing in itself.
It’s even better though paired up with some inspiring atmosphere, live music, socializing or some action. Let’s explore some of the most unique cafes in Essen!
Café Livres
A fancy french styled oasis for bookworms! This places soul is of course literature – here you can freely read not only books but also latest newspapers and magazines (in the spirit of trust – they may also be borrowed and exchanged). Food and drinks made of high quality ingredients and cosy classy ambience make this place a must-to-visit. With free WLAN and long opening hours (from 9 am till 9pm) it also makes a great place to work.
This charming cafe aspires to be social and cultural meet point – sometimes events like poetry slam or live concerts takes place here (check out their instagram to stay up to speed).
Unperfekthaus
https://www.uph.de/en/restaurant
This is definetly not your regular cafe! It can be described as a little cultural center of Essen. On 7 floors filled with various rooms – some to use freely, some to book beforehand – there is a lot going on here. If its for work or co-work, your personal projects or just to chill and listen to the beating heart of Essen – this place will not dissapoint you.
What we love about Unperfekthaus is its utter friendliness – it just doesn’t feel commercial. With its unique concept of flatrate you pay once for entry and already for 7€ you can enjoy as much coffee/tea/soft drinks as you wish! Also nobody will nag you for overstaying – the exception is of course closing hour!
Steg 3
https://www.facebook.com/Steg3.CafeBar/?locale=de_DE
It is one of those places to visit by beautiful weather – this little cosy cafe/bar located directly on the shore of Baldeneysee is a perfect option for you if you yearn for a company of lake, seagulls and boats. You can also expect delicious hearty meals and friendly relaxed atmosphere. Ocasionally there is live music!
bistro in der remise
https://www.hugenpoet.de/en/restaurants/bistro-in-the-coach-house
Bistro in der remise offers a more high-end experience. It has elegant ambience with castle hotel at lake and beautiful greenery – straight from Pride and Prejudice. It’s a perfect place for a romantic luxurious date. If you are ready to spend money that is.
For other cool date ideas in Essen check out the: 9 fun ideas for a first date in Essen (summer edition)
Eiscafé Giorgio
https://eiscafegiorgio.metro.bar/?lang=de
Still looking for the taste of italian vacation you had couple of years ago? In this little cafe, where family of Italians hand make their yummy ice creations, you will definietly refresh your memories. Of course there are also waffles, pancakes and best italian coffee in offer.
CoCoLÁ Asian Food Restaurant & Cafe
https://co-co-la.de/en/pages/index
For those looking for some rest from “belegten Brötchen” for lunch, why not just try something from other part of the globe? This vietnamese restaurtant is one of the best in town! With its broad offer of lightweight snacks and soups full of fresh veggies, its a nice alternative to typical german cousine. Light (not-deepfried) sprigrolls and Vietnamese style coffee are worth a try.
Cafe Mundgerecht
https://www.instagram.com/cafe_mundgerecht
They like to call themselves “open living room” – and it is indeed a place that gives cosy, bohemian style space for friendly encounters. Events like sketching together, live-concerts, music quizes or even social initiatives take place frequently to bring local communities together. Animal lovers will be glad to hear there are only vegan and vegetarian snacks in menu.
Café Central
Here in the very center of the city we have Cafe Central – complimentary to theater and philharmonic hall. Cultural dialogue is the main reason you want to be there – public talks and lectures are organized here frequently. Some of them you can join free of charge (reservation is needed though).
Even though food and drinks are not a focus here, roumors say its tasty and good quality.
Schedule of all the events at Grillo-Theater inclusive those taking place at Cafe Central you can find here.
Bauernhof am Mechtenberg
Far away from the noises of the city you can also have a coffee at a farmhouse – who would have thought! Especially good place for family trip (not only though) as you can greet farm animals in a small pet zoo and there’s a lot of space to run and play for kids. You may also shop for local produce like marmelades, eggs, honey or fresh vegetables. Homemade cakes are also a highlight here.
Cafe Click
Cafe Click offers french charm, exhibitions of local artists and a glassed terrace area that can be used whole year. Its basically a winter garden with delicious coffee. Very cosy. Very mindful. Very demure.
Cookie jar
Healthy alternative to classical cafe – many gluten free, lactose free, low sugar and vegan desserts and snacks are up for grabs. Much thought is put into ingredients here: white sugar is replaced by other natural products like maple syrup or dates and wheat – with spelt. Healthy AND tasty sweets? Count me in!
Gelbe Cafete in Campus Essen
https://www.stw-edu.de/gastronomie/standorte/cafeterien/gelbe-cafete-campus-essen#_
Who doesn’t like a good variety of affordable and tasty sandwiches? And the menu includes also bowls, fresh fruit, drinks and savoury snacks! After a renovation this place attracts with its modern industrial vibe. Also whether its for learning or work – you are welcome to stay longer. There are lots of sitting areas equipped with power outlets.
Roll-N-Dine
Are you a fan of board games? In this bistro you can choose out of hundreds various titles! For only 5€/pp and upon reservation you can stay and play all afternoon/evening. All the used brainpower can be refueled with home-made meals (menu changes weekly!) as well as warm and cold drinks.
At Roll-N-Dine you can also take part in special game events, which you can check out on their website.