Kabar is a place for one and all & reminds me of establishments of my youth before it became de rigueur in America to make bars non-family friendly. Kabar could be best described as a cafe-bar.
The menu reflects a somewhat Mediterranean flair. Among the offerings: (Spanish) tortilla, panini, & tiramisu. I also spied soup on the menu as well as pasta.
The bar is well-stocked with product the we'd refer to as 'call' or 'top shelf' back home. Some favorites that caught my eye were: 12 yr Caol Ila, (3 types of) Absinthe, Hendricks and Sapphire gin. For those not interested in spirits, Kabar stocks a small but good selection of beer. There's the house brew: Kabier; Züri brew: Turbinenbräu & Basler brewers, Brau Bude, also make an appearance.
We visited during the late afternoon. Kabar was just about half full with families, couples and solos. Strains of a reggae tune were heard over the speakers, but it was not imposing & we could comfortably chat.
Kabar, located on the grounds of an old barracks where the annual Basler Tattoo is held, boasts an ample outside seating area surrounded by a wide expanse of lawn & paved surfaces.
Visitors to Basel would do well to both visit the barracks & stop in for a nosh and a libation at Kabar.
Transport: Tram 8 from the central station. read more