Ubu Roi is one of the best cafés in SB. Located in the nauwieser viertel, it is far enough away from the French and other out-of-town tourists, while still centrally located and locals-frequented.
I usually go there for their excellent milchkaffee, which is made with espresso and served in a glass bowl. Although other strictly coffee cafés might serve gourmet coffee, this place has a wonderful balance of good coffee, good atmosphere, and even good food. Since the new owner took over last year, the kitchen has been spruced up, and they now serve really nice sandwiches, flammkuchen, and other small snacks throughout the day; they also have a great Sunday frühstück menu which I often enjoy.
What sets this place apart, however, is that it is more of a hang-out café. You can go there to read, play chess, do after-school homework many people go with laptops now as they now offer free wifi. I was disappointed when they put two of their power outlets out of commission, however there are still at least two tables where you can get juice if your battery is low.
I gave it four stars, however, since they recently introduced a sticker allowing smoking after 3pm. While I like that they are compromising with the smoker crowd, who often smoked in the cafe whether it was allowed or now, this means I am pretty much barred from the cafe in the evenings (the smoke makes me sick). It'd be great if they'd make a more just schedule. read more