
Café Hauptwache
A century-old landmark in Frankfurt's heart, offering traditional German fare and a lively terrace for people-watching.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Café Hauptwache

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A century-old landmark in Frankfurt's heart, offering traditional German fare and a lively terrace for people-watching.
"Great location with good food, but service can be a hit or miss."
Sunny Days Recommended
Enjoy the terrace on sunny days, but be prepared for potential cooler weather as it's an outdoor space.
Consider Reservations
Book ahead during peak times to ensure prompt service and avoid potentially long waits.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
German
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+49 69 21998627
Address
An der Hauptwache 15, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Website
cafe-hauptwache.de/?lang=enHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Landmark Ambiance
Dine in a charming 1730 baroque guardhouse, a historic landmark that survived WWII, offering a unique atmosphere.

Authentic German Cuisine
Savor traditional German dishes like schnitzel and sausages, alongside local specialties such as green sauce.

Lively Outdoor Terrace
Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of Frankfurt from the spacious outdoor seating, perfect for people-watching.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Sunny Days Recommended
Enjoy the terrace on sunny days, but be prepared for potential cooler weather as it's an outdoor space.
Consider Reservations
Book ahead during peak times to ensure prompt service and avoid potentially long waits.
Check Kitchen Status
Inquire if the kitchen is fully operational to guarantee a better dining experience.
Dietary Inquiries
If vegan or vegetarian, ask detailed questions about menu options to prevent misunderstandings.
Tips
from all over the internet
Sunny Days Recommended
Enjoy the terrace on sunny days, but be prepared for potential cooler weather as it's an outdoor space.
Consider Reservations
Book ahead during peak times to ensure prompt service and avoid potentially long waits.
Check Kitchen Status
Inquire if the kitchen is fully operational to guarantee a better dining experience.
Dietary Inquiries
If vegan or vegetarian, ask detailed questions about menu options to prevent misunderstandings.
Portion Sizes
For larger appetites, consider requesting larger portions as sizes can be relatively small.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Café Hauptwache offers a historic setting with a bustling terrace, serving authentic German cuisine and coffee. While many praise the food and atmosphere, some reviews highlight issues with slow or rude service, and occasional kitchen limitations impacting the menu.
"Cafe Hauptwache delivers an exceptional dining experience, blending exquisite flavors with a welcoming atmosphere. Located in a vibrant area, the restaurant’s chic decor and cozy lighting create the perfect ambiance for a memorable meal.
The menu is thoughtfully curated, offering a variety of options to satisfy diverse tastes. I indulged in the breakfast menu where I chose fried eggs, which was cooked to perfection, showcasing the chef’s attention to detail. The freshness of the ingredients was evident, and each bite was bursting with flavor.
Service at Cafe Hauptwache is impeccable. The staff are attentive and knowledgeable, providing excellent recommendations and ensuring a seamless experience. Despite the restaurant being busy, our orders were served promptly, and the staff checked in just the right amount to ensure everything was to our liking.
Pricing is reasonable for the quality and presentation of the dishes, making it a great value for special occasions or a treat-yourself evening. Overall, [Restaurant Name] combines culinary excellence with outstanding service. It’s a place I’ll eagerly return to and recommend to anyone looking for an unforgettable meal."
Adrian Nisa
"Great Restaurant with a Lovely Atmosphere and Excellent Service
We had a wonderful time at this restaurant during the day! The ambience is very inviting, stylish, and cozy. We were particularly impressed by the large selection on the menu, offering something for every taste.
The atmosphere was pleasant and relaxed, making it the perfect place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. A special highlight is the winter garden, which is not only beautifully designed but also heated in winter – perfect for smokers who still want to feel comfortable.
The service was attentive, friendly, and professional. We felt completely at ease and will definitely be coming back!
Highly recommended!"
Dolce Vita Korcula
"I stopped for a beer in the outdoor terrasse. Good cold beer, excellent location, nice old building in a neighborhood in full expansion with construction and renovation going on everywhere. The menu looks well balanced with local cuisine offerings. I will definitively come back when time allows to try the local fares."
Minh Tran
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Café Hauptwache serves robust German dishes, including schnitzel, sausages, and local specialties like green sauce. They also offer breakfast, coffee, and cakes.
Yes, Café Hauptwache has a popular terrace that's great for people-watching, especially on sunny days. Blankets are provided for cooler weather.
It is recommended to make reservations during peak times to avoid potentially long waits for service.
While they offer traditional German dishes, it's advised to inquire thoroughly about specific vegan or vegetarian menu options to avoid misunderstandings.
The atmosphere is described as lively and charming, especially from its historic building and outdoor terrace. Some find it cozy, while others note it can be busy.
Some guests have reported instances of slow, inattentive, or even rude service, which can detract from the dining experience.
Some reviews suggest that the restaurant can be extremely overpriced for the quality and experience provided.
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In Frankfurt, the best coffee isn’t necessarily served by bearded hipsters. There are two traditional coffee roasters, Wissmüller’s Stern Kaffee (39 Leipziger Str) in Bockenheim and Wacker’s (9 Kornmarkt and other locations) in the city centre between Hauptwache and St Paul’s Church. The latter is a small family business dating back to 1914 when Luise Wacker first opened her grocery shop just around the corner from where it is today.
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Inmitten des historischen Wahrzeichens der Frankfurter Hauptwache befindet sich das Café Hauptwache, wo man in gemütlicher Atmosphäre die Vielfalt der deutschen Küche genießen kann. Ob zum Frühstück, mit einer Tasse Kaffee und einem leckeren Stück Kuchen, oder am Abend mit einem erfrischenden Bier oder einem guten Glas Wein - hier ist für jeden Geschmack etwas dabei. Die Terrasse bietet zudem die ideale Gelegenheit, das Treiben auf dem Platz zu beobachten und das einzigartige Flair Frankfurts zu erleben.
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Welcome to Café Hauptwache in Frankfurt, where your taste buds will waltz with joy!. This charming café nestles itself right in the heart of the city, serving a delightful blend of aromas that will seduce even the grumpiest of caffeine enthusiasts. As you sip on their silky-smooth cappuccino, surrounded by locals savoring their pastries, you might just catch a glimpse of the Wache fairy that sprinkles extra chocolate on your croissant when you're not looking.
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The prettiest place has to be Cafe Hauptwache at the bottom of Frankfurt’s main shopping street. It is a 1730 baroque guardhouse that thankfully escaped WWII’s destruction and has been a restaurant since 1904. Wrap up in one of the cosy blankets provided and watch the world go by.
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Set right within the heart of the city is Cafe Hauptwache, a grand cafe of epic proportion. Popular among locals and visitors alike. With it’s location in the heart of the shopping district, it’s the perfect spot to take some time out.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit