Štefánka
Est. 1897, named after princess Stephania in 1904, today this Bratislava legend returns in a beautiful monarchist spirit not only as a café but as a restaurant as well.
Historically, the building was built in 1897 by the architect and builder Alexander Feigler Jr. as a semi-detached house on the corner of Pallisadenweg and Kohlmarkt in an eclectic style. Mezey’s cafe was originally in the left part. The owner of the house was Rosa Fleischmanová, who later rented the house to Béla Hackenberger, so the Hackenberger family managed the cafe since 1904. Come and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the interior and the design of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy.
In the interwar period, the best gypsy primas played in the Štefánia cafe. It opened already at six in the morning (breakfast in Štefánka was well-known) and the closing time was often postponed until the next dawn. In 1935, Mr. Vojtech Hackenberger, the last of the dynasty, renovated and modernized the premises. Only coffee made from freshly roasted beans, minutes, desserts, local sparkling wine and genuine French champagne were served. The telephone was set up, the radio was being played, cigars were being smoked, and there were two pool tables in the back of the cafe.
Even in the 1930s and 1940s, Štefánka was one of the most prestigious cafés in Bratislava. It was a favorite meeting place of the Bratislava intelligentsia, writers, poets, journalists, bohemians, artists and Flemish people. The atmosphere of Štefánka could only be enjoyed by the people of Bratislava in a reduced form until the early 1980s.
These days, Bratislava Štefánka has finally received its complete reconstruction and brings to Bratislava a breath of the good old days from the first half of the 20th century. The reconstruction of the premises brought not only a return to the original interior with elements of art nouveau, but also the modernization of technologies and a new quality of services at a high level.
With its newly renovated interior, today it refers to the style and nobility of the times of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, when it was experiencing its golden times. It also follows up on this exceptional period of Bratislava’s history with its menu concept, which offers cuisine from the Bratislava region complemented by world specialties.
The reconstruction of the premises brought not only a return to the original interior with elements of art nouveau, but also the modernization of technologies and a new quality of services at a high level. It thus meets the modern gastronomic super-standard, which will please every lover of good food. Come see for yourself. Štefánka invites you for breakfast, lunch or dinner in a beautiful space in the heart of Bratislava.
