Saturday, half past nine in the evening on Reichenbachstrasse: The floor-to-ceiling windows of the Di Bar provide a view of the interior. The small bar looks well filled and the atmosphere seems good. There will still be a spot inside, and with a bit of luck one of the few tables will be free. The alternative: a stool at the bar or simply standing room between the other guests. Because in the Di Bar you can’t be afraid of closeness.
“With 20 to 25 people it’s a bit cramped without a terrace,” says owner Francesco Di Rosa. In summer, another 20 people can enjoy a coffee or drink at five tables in front of the bar. The Di Bar’s motto – “Love must be shared” – says it all, as a visitor you inevitably come into conversation with others.
“Buona sera,” bartender and owner Di Rosa greets his new guests. He stands behind the bar every evening, mixing cocktails, pouring wine or joking with his customers, who are often sitting or standing directly in front of him.
The extensive drinks menu has a lot that sounds like vacation, summer and sweet idleness. Red and white wine, of course (from 3.60 euros). Spritz in various versions (Aperol, Limoncello or Campari for 7.80 euros each) or espresso martini (9.50 euros). Soft drinks (3.20 to 4.90 euros), non-alcoholic cocktails (from 4.50 euros) or beer (Augustiner Hell in 0.33 liter bottles for 4.20 euros) are also on offer, but in significantly fewer hands to be seen than the other drinks.
There are also little things to eat, such as toast and piadine with various toppings for 5.80 euros each, and antipasti with Parma ham and Parmesan for 12.50 euros.
The clientele is a diverse mix, with two young men in shirts sitting on bar stools at one of the tables for two, leaving after a drink. Two middle-aged women are sitting at the bar deep in conversation, each with a glass of white wine in front of them. But larger groups also find their place here. There is a lot of Italian mixed into the German conversations, and English can also be heard sometimes.
It’s cozy in the Di Bar near the Viktualienmarkt.
(Photo: Stephan Rumpf)
The walls are full of black and white photographs and colorfully written slates.
(Photo: Stephan Rumpf)
Owner Francesco di Rosa mixes an espresso martini.
(Photo: Stephan Rumpf)
Italian flair can be felt everywhere here, thanks to the owner himself, as well as the relaxed atmosphere and the inventory. The drinks and snacks are written on several slate boards hanging on the wall. Black and white photographs or posters of Italian celebrities hang throughout the bar, even in the toilet. Electronic music plays in the background – at just the right volume to make conversations possible.
As the evening progresses, the lights in the bar dim and the music gets a little louder. If you haven’t moved on by then, you’ll probably spend a few more hours here on Reichenbachstrasse – among old and new friends.
Di BarReichenbachstraße 2, 80469 Munich, telephone: 089/264776, opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday 3 p.m. to 1 a.m., Friday until 2 a.m., Saturday 1 p.m. to 2 a.m.