It lies quietly and hidden in the otherwise busy valley and waits for its customers who love to drink: the Simsalabim Bar. In a side street right next to the Isartor, from one step to the other it seems as if someone has suddenly switched off the deafening noise of the city with the push of a button. So you can start the evening much more relaxed. But maybe a little too relaxed, because on a Thursday evening the customers are waiting for themselves. “The valley is empty during the week” the bartender says, but that turns out to be a gross misjudgment, because every single place is filled in the course of the evening.
The Simsalabim only opened in summer 2021. At that time, it used the upswing of the corona easing and opened the gates for the thirsty Sprizz lovers, of whom there are not too few in Munich. The summer, which will probably go down in the alcoholic history books as the glorious “sprizz summer”, also helped to shape the menu of the Simsalabim: from the classic Aperol with all its mix variations, to the sour limoncello sprizz, to the added grapefruit Pampello-Sprizz has something for every Sprizz fanatic. The fixed price for this is 7.40 euros, which is in the middle of the price range.
The sparkling drinks are of course best enjoyed in the sunshine and so the Simsalabim – like many other bars – has opened a cozy pub garden. In the street, which is quieter as mentioned, you are not annoyed by exhaust fumes and noise, but can sip drinks in a quiet city idyll. In the colder autumn and winter months, however, customers increasingly move indoors. There are cozy little tables here that seem made for gathering in small groups and taking ritual shots.
What it may be?
(Photo: Catherina Hess)
This can definitely be set up in Simsalabim, because the shot selection has it all. Of course there are classics such as Tequila, Frangelico or Sambuka, but what makes the menu really interesting are the more unusual shots such as the “Huschtabombo”, a cough drop dissolved in vodka that makes the evening trip to brush your teeth superfluous. Those who like to experiment can really let off steam and solve puzzles in the process, because neither the menu nor the bartender give precise information about the individual ingredients before drinking (except perhaps in the case of allergies). The short shots don’t have such low prices with an average of four euros per piece.
If it can be something long, you will be happy here too. The sour gin Basil Smash lets the facial muscles contract in a positive way and provides welcome Italo vibes with a basil note. If the gin is ordered in the whole bottle but not completely empty, there are even schnapps lockers in which opened bottles can be stored for the next visit. For the hungry, the Simsalabim has Swabian souls to offer, a sourdough pastry baked with cheese that delays the hangover the next morning or, in the best case, even prevents it.
There is also a large selection of long drinks.
(Photo: Catherina Hess)
The Simsalabim is an inconspicuous bar, but a top location. With delicious drinks and a cozy atmosphere, the bar is the ideal starting point to start the evening. By the second unusual shot at the latest, everyone involved knows that it has to be a good evening.
Simsalabim, address: Marienstraße 18, 80331 Munich, phone: 01514/7577527, opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 5pm to 3am