Café Bassanese

We went to this place in the heart of Erlangen to relax, escape the summer heat and have an ice cream and maybe some coffee. After all, a walk through Erlangen is boring as &€@&, compared to the rich history and many sights in Nuremberg or Bamberg. But after the ill choice to spend an afternoon here, why not try some local ice cream?

Upon approaching one of the waiters with the intent of getting seated he immediately turned around and briskly left. Ok, so we seated ourselves. When nobody came to take our order I tried to gesture another young waiter (who was desperately trying to grow a beard) to take our order. Unfortunately he was too distracted ogling the scantily clad young women in their summer dresses passing by to notice me waving my hand from 6 feet away. Who can blame him... hormones... So: the service has much room to improve.

Eventually an older gentleman took our order and the ice cream was delicious! There are also breakfast and warm lunch choices on the menu, and the pictures look yummy. My ice cream plate looked as pictured in the menu. The waffle was a bit bland, but ok. Prices are okay for what you get, no complaints there.

The tables were very close to each other, so don't discuss anything you don't want others to hear. I now know the story of the woman's life that was next to us, as reported to her BFF, including job, boyfriend and other juicy info I wish I had not overheard. But it would have been awkward to comment, right? Maybe she thought I wouldn't understand German, lol.

Finally a warning: be prepared to walk here, parking is at least half a mile away, and parking spots nearby are scarce. It's apparently part of the city's master plan to drive (pun intended) motorists and their associated business put of town. Many boarded up businesses are Testaments to that. So enjoy a stroll through the city while there are still businesses left. Or better yet, take your business to Nuremberg or Bamberg, both of which are charming and well worth a visit.