#29 | Cubo Negro, Mainz, Germany
Last Visit: January 2024
Cubo Negro is somewhat hidden in the historic district of Mainz in a traffic-calmed area on Karmeliterplatz. Especially in summer, with its large outdoor terrace shaded by trees, it's a great place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you still want to dive into that hustle and bustle before or after your visit, the city center is just a 2-minute walk away.
The location was opened in 1998 and has been equally known as a bar and restaurant ever since, selling its own homemade ice cream in summer. However, it was not until the last change of ownership in August 2019 that the focus shifted to the bar and Cubo Negro became a place to go for classic drinks throughout the region.
The time during Corona, which began only shortly afterward, was used very successfully to think things over. Subsequently, the range of spirits was greatly expanded and their quality level raised. The bar and menu were revised. In the final step, Cubo Negro was remodeled for two weeks and given a new interior design. The bar area is now one of the most aesthetic in Mainz and the region.
Cubo Negro translates as “black cube”, so the interior design is modern and elegant in black, enhanced with a few color and light accents, but still has a classically simple look. This is complemented by cubic shapes that run discreetly through the three areas of the location. The sound concept and the occasional live music in summer however are a little too loud for my taste in a classic bar setting.
The bar itself is the heart of Cubo Negro and is centrally located within the venue. Directly behind it is the cozy lounge area with a view of the bar, as well as numerous tables for couples or larger groups. The drink’s menu is very extensive and quite formally divided, offering hot drinks, soft drinks, various draft and bottled beers, local wines, apéritifs, long drinks, signature drinks, a wide selection of classic cocktails and a variety of different spirits for neat enjoyment.
High-quality locally sourced teas and honey play the leading role in some signature drinks at Cubo Negro. Fruity and spicy teas in combination with honey, acidity and the right spirit even form their own sour category here. The selection may vary depending on the availability of individual teas, so it's best to ask the bartender. If you can't find what you're looking for on the extensive bar menu, you can also get the good advice at the bar.
The restaurant is located to the right of the bar and is a little more separate, which results in a more pleasant, very restrained background noise. The menu has an Italian-Mediterranean touch, with some international cuisine. The various burger creations, for example, are a main focus, but there are also various bowls and meat dishes. So everyone is sure to find something here. I often can't decide between the pasta dishes and burgers, but when I'm starving, I always go for the well-prepared burgers.
The extended seating area in a somewhat quieter, more casual atmosphere is located to the left of the bar and is also a little more separate. Primarily used as an ice cream parlor in summer, there is the option of a second bar here in the colder months. It is possible to order drinks and food in all three areas, which is great and not always the case in such big venues.
Coffee de Maestros
| Havana Club Selección de Maestros
| Coffee Liqueur
| Amaretto
| Sugar
| Nut Bitters
The drink starts with a pleasant molasses note with the corresponding sweetness, with notes of rum and walnut chocolate and a hint of salty almond. The spiciness remains in the background and is rounded off by a subtle coffee note, a touch of chocolate and some tart walnut shell. The drink is extremely smooth and round, I could also imagine it straight up in a frosted Nick & Nora glass instead of on (high-quality) ice. I find the freshness of the orange zest a little annoying here and would leave it out, but otherwise the Coffee de Maestros is absolutely recommendable.
1840 Bee
| Cognac
| Fruit Tea
| Lemon Juice
| Honey
| Angostura Bitters
Lots of fruit at the beginning with a noticeable sweetness of honey and vanilla, as well as subtle citric acidity. The cognac is barely perceptible, if at all. The drink itself is unfortunately very watered down, as it is not macerated in the classic way but just in time, a little bit of hot water with tea is brewed and then tossed into the shaker. A summer drink for people who don't want to taste alcohol or, to put it bluntly, a “cool Capri Sun with a shot”. When asked if the drink tasted good and my feedback came back, the drink was mixed a second time, of course without charging for it. This time it was more flavorful and more compact because it got less watered down. Much more harmonious, the cognac is clearly noticeable, rounded off by the bitters with a little spice and a great fruity acidity that accompanies everything; definitely a nice summer variation. In general, I would use tea infusions that have been produced by maceration and can be used directly and without having to add the water. It was strange anyway, since it is handled with maceration in other drinks here too.
Kingston Negroni
| Smith & Cross Rum
| Martini Riserva Speciale Rubino Vermouth
| Campari
Not on the menu, but when asked what the bartender's personal preference is, he recommended the Kingston Negroni. The drink has a full-bodied sweetness, paired with crisp, spicy and fruity notes. The ester notes from the rum are softer than expected and accompany the drink throughout without dominating it. The whole thing is rounded off by the essential oils of an orange zest — which gives the whole thing a little freshness — as well as a pleasantly subtle spiciness. A great, for me still quite easy-to-drink Negroni variation that is pleasantly complex and yet round. Definitely worth a try for all Negroni fans who also like rum.
Monsieur Ros
| Bourbon
| Select Aperitivo
| Red Vermouth
| Vanilla
| Chocolate Bitters
Monsieur Ros, as you would expect, is also available as Madame Ros and is in that case much fruitier, fresher and more summery, while Monsieur Ros falls into the slightly sweeter category. Bourbon and vanilla form the basis and make it very pleasing. Soft spice with a light but noticeable herbal note form the transition and are rounded off with a little chocolate and fresh orange. All in all, a little too sweet for me (which makes the drink a little monotonous) as I generally prefer a little less sugar/sweetness in my cocktails, but this is due to my personal preference. People who mainly like it a little sweeter will get their money's worth here.
With its earlier opening hours in summer, Cubo Negro is the perfect place to start the day with an apéritif in the early afternoon. Thanks to the all-round carefree package on offer, from good food to local wines and signature drinks, guests are likely to stay until late in the evening with the pleasant atmosphere.