Colonial Café, Tirana

I stumbled into Colonial Café in Tirana’s nightlife district looking for nothing more than a bar with a warm atmosphere and friendly people. What I found was a whole lot more.

When I sat at the bar and ordered a beer, the bartender gave me a funny look. “Do you really want to order a beer in Eastern Europe’s best cocktail bar,” he asked me? I’m glad I didn’t.

The bartender/owner picked my brain about what kind of cocktail I might like, asking about flavor, strength and even going so far as public perception. After all, I didn’t want to be seen drinking something too pink and frizzy in masculine Albania. I settled on a Hemingway, which was tasty and refreshing, but a little sweet for my taste, and would taste better on an island than the slightly rugged streets of Tirana.

Meanwhile, the bartender was busy scooping out pineapples and filling them with frozen drinks. Every few minutes he would make a cocktail that would billow smoke, which rolled across the bar.

For my second round, the bartender knew better than I did what I should order, and made me a Manhattan. He made it with rye and his secret ingredient, Carpano Antica vermouth. It was the best cocktail I have ever had, without reservation.

Next he served me one of their signature frozen cocktails, on the house. It was undoubtedly one of the prettiest drinks I have seen, topped with a split loquat and flower petals.

The atmosphere was relaxed, even though it was the only bar on the street that was full. Many tables smoked hookahs. The bartenders and servers found time for each customer. I would return to Tirana for another Manhattan from Colonial Café.

Colonial Café

Rruga Pjetër Bogdani

Tiranë 1000, Albania

355 69 580 8447