Café Bar Rosenkranz

Today, I happily discovered this jewel within a gem-​of-​a-​neighborhood that I frequent often on foot. The intersection of St. Johanns-​Ring and Mittlerestrasse is extremely charming, and, certainly, my favorite one in Basel. The combination of Jugendstil architecture, semi-​sparse greenery, intermittent passersby, and, now, comfy-​yet-​funky outside seating of Rosenkranz all draw me in.
Café Bar R. has only been open since October, but the place has been operating as a Café/​Bar for decades. I’m sorry to say that I never visited the old space, Feli’s Café, before the owner decided to sell and sail off into retirement. For those of us who, indeed, missed the era of Feli’s, have no fear for Rosenkranz has keep much of the original décor. The interior is, as one might imagine, a bit dated, in a cosy and welcoming way, and one feels right at home, or, at least, I did when walking in today for the first time.
The owner takes his espresso quite seriously and has the utmost confidence that what he produces is stellar. I would tend to agree. The espresso is balanced, has a lovely crema and makes one crave a second helping after the first is gone too quickly. Rosenkranz uses a top-​notch La Marzocco and showcases Rast beans, roasted in Luzern.
Check Rosenkranz’s FB page for menu information and read a lovely write-​up auf Deutsch about both the café and the new owner’s origins.
I look forward to seeing how Rosenkranz develops into a neighborhood staple!