Coffee Interview

Café Interview occupies a unique place in the landscape of cafés and bars in Luxembourg City centre. Located at 21 Rue Aldringen, a stone’s throw from the Hamilius district, this establishment has been a true local institution for over four decades. Its intriguing name comes from the walls entirely covered with vintage covers of “Interview” magazine, a deliberate decorative choice that gives the place a unique and instantly recognizable character.

The interior irresistibly evokes the 80s. The antique woodwork, the patinated wood panels, the mosaic floor, and the vintage posters create a timeless atmosphere, almost suspended between decades. Many regulars describe the feeling of stepping into an Edward Hopper painting, where time seems to have stood still. The large bay windows open as soon as the weather warms up, allowing the terrace to spill out onto the street and bring life to the neighborhood.

When it comes to drinks, Café Interview prioritizes quality. The coffee served is Illy, prepared by a skilled barista, and many customers consider it simply the best cappuccino in Luxembourg City. The beer menu features local brews, notably Diekirch Grand Cru, as well as a wide selection of bottled beers. Whisky enthusiasts are not forgotten, as the selection is particularly well-curated for an establishment of this size. The café also offers wines, aperitifs, and spirits, making it a versatile spot, equally pleasant for a morning coffee, after-work drinks, or an evening with friends.

Regarding dining , it’s important to know that Café Interview doesn’t serve food on-site. However, the establishment is located above Rice Box, an Iranian (Persian) restaurant known for its reasonably priced buffet. Customers can bring their meals down from the restaurant upstairs and enjoy them at the café, a convenient arrangement for those who want to combine a good drink with an affordable meal. This setup makes the café particularly suitable for students, local professionals, and tourists looking for a central location.

The service is one of the café’s most frequently cited strengths. The owner, of Greek origin, embodies “filoxenia,” the art of Mediterranean hospitality: warm, attentive, and always ready to chat or offer advice on beer selection. The staff is friendly and professional, even when the place is full. The café attracts an intergenerational clientele, from regulars in their fifties to young students, as well as expats and tourists, creating a rare and authentic social mix. It is precisely this diversity that gives such a café its charm in the heart of a capital city.

Among its other activities and services, Café Interview offers chess sets, broadcasts major sporting events, occasionally hosts themed evenings, and is dog-friendly, which will delight pet owners. The place is also very popular for pre-parties, especially on weekends when the atmosphere heats up and conversations continue late into the night.

Despite its many advantages, Café Interview has some aspects worth noting for future visitors. The first concerns the prices, which some customers consider high: a coffee around €4.20, a local beer between €6 and €11 depending on the size, a bottle of water for €4, and a half-liter for €8. These prices, consistent with the standard of a downtown Luxembourg City café , may nevertheless surprise visitors unfamiliar with the capital’s general price levels. It’s therefore advisable to consult the menu before sitting down.

Furthermore, the overall condition of the establishment may disappoint those who prefer ultra-modern venues. The furniture is old, sometimes worn, and some customers mention a somewhat dated feel or a lack of natural light inside during the winter. The restrooms are frequently criticized for their less-than-perfect cleanliness, a detail that can detract from the experience. Moreover, the interior space remains relatively small: large groups will often have to converse outside, especially on weekends when the venue is full.

Noise level is another factor to consider. Between lively conversations, sometimes loud music, and street noise in the summer, the café can be noisy during peak hours, making it less suitable for those seeking absolute peace and quiet to read or work. The musical programming has also changed over the years: fans of 2010s rockabilly might miss that particular vibe.

Finally, for visitors planning to have a meal there, please note that Café Interview is not a restaurant in the traditional sense and does not offer takeaway or traditional table service. It operates as a café-bar where people come primarily to have a drink, a coffee, or enjoy the atmosphere, perhaps supplementing their visit with a takeaway meal from the restaurant upstairs.

In short, Café Interview remains a must-visit for anyone looking to discover an authentic café in the heart of Luxembourg City. Its vintage atmosphere, renowned coffee, selection of local beers, and warm welcome make it a truly unique place. Visitors willing to pay a little more for an authentic experience and attentive service will find what they’re looking for, while those who prefer modern and quiet spaces will likely want to look elsewhere.

Practical information:

• Address: 21 Rue Aldringen, 1118 Ville-Haute, Luxembourg
• Telephone: +352 26 20 09 12
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 am, Sunday from 2:00 pm to 12:00 am
• Access: entrance accessible to people with reduced mobility
• Reservations: possible
• On-site consumption only (no takeaway food offered by the cafe itself)