KWEER Bar

About

KWEER sits on Spitalgasse in the Niederdorf, in the rooms that have held the Barfuesser since the mid-1950s. It calls itself one of the oldest queer bars in Europe, and the pioneer of the Swiss gay movement who wrote up that history is credited on the bar's own site. The current operation opened in October 2022 and marks both anniversaries together.

By day the front runs as a coffee bar with ViCAFE, serving locally roasted coffee, pastries and cake. Later it turns into a bar: cocktails with and without alcohol, Swiss craft beer, regional wine and small plates.

The programme is why people come back. There are karaoke nights, several of them hosted by drag performers, plus drag bingo, a pub quiz, live music with sing-along, and a cultural talk series. The crowd is queer people with their friends and families, students and neighbours, and the house runs itself as a safer space.

Groups of four or more can reserve by email. Smaller groups are usually found a place at the bar.