Curfew fits perfectly in hip Vesterbro, giving the Copenhagen neighborhood a speakeasy whose atmosphere is as good as its cocktails.
Situated in trendy Vesterbro, owner Humberto Marques has turned Curfew into one of Copenhagen’s top cocktail bars. The Portuguese bartender’s stints at Scottish icons like Gleneagles Hotel have given him a reputation for creativity, especially when it comes to his approach to whisky cocktails. An opulent speakeasy in concept, Curfew channels Prohibition era charm with its minimalist, yet elegant style and period specific music.
Curfew has a smart casual dress code, which adds to the mood and seats between 90 and 100 guests. Inside, guests will find glass cabinets filled with collections of vintage silver, rare books, and crystal bar gear as well as iron barstools from American designer Arthur Umanoff to go along with wood tables and
A mix of seasonal, signature, and classic cocktails give visitors a plethora of options to choose from, such as the rum-based Josephine Baker or gin-centric Bitter Buzz. Walk-ins are welcome, but the bar tends to be fully booky on Fridays and Saturdays and a rather complicated reservation process.
Owner Humberto Marques tell us:
Please describe Curfew as if you’re explaining the experience of walking through the doors and ordering your first drink.
Walking into Curfew, you’re swept into the clandestine charm of the 1920s and 1930s. As the library door secretively opens, an ambiance of dim lights and soulful jazz envelops you, each step echoing with the whispers of a hidden past. Amidst the timeless décor, you find yourself ordering a meticulously crafted cocktail, shaken on historical hand-cranked machines. Each sip, a delightful blend of tradition and modern sophistication, is an homage to the essence of the prohibition-era speakeasies, allowing you to momentarily escape to an era of secret indulgence and glamorous intrigue.
How would you describe Curfew in a three-word text to a friend that you’re trying to convince to join you?
“Time-traveling cocktail haven.”
Other than Curfew, what else is happening in the neighborhood that you’re in?
We are situated in the heart of the Vesterbro area, which boasts a vibrant nightlife, especially on the weekends. There are also numerous restaurants and hotels surrounding us, contributing to the lively atmosphere.
Aside from Happy Hour, when is the best time to get to the bar?
While we like to say that happy hour is all the time, we don’t strictly adhere to the conventional concept of it. We open at 18:00 during the week and at 17:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Since we are fully booked on Fridays and Saturdays, walk-in guests have a better chance of getting seats if they arrive right when we open, before the reservations begin.
Describe the average drinkers that you serve?
Our clientele consists of ladies and gentlemen from their 30s to 60s.
Please tell us more about your drinks menu.
Our menu is not short. It is composed of rotating, seasonal cocktails, followed by another chapter called Artistry that features our signature cocktails, which are available to guests all year and divided by some different spirits. Then, we have a small choice of non alcoholic cocktails. Lastly, we have a separate classic menu if guests want to go for it .
What’s your signature drink–or your favorite drink currently on the menu–and why should I order it?
Introducing “The Bitter Buzz,” an exquisite cocktail that marries tradition with a breathtaking twist. This concoction is a contemporary take on the classic Bee’s Knees cocktail, inviting your palate on an extraordinary journey of intriguing flavors.
The hero of this elixir is the arbutus honey, or “bitter honey”—a rare nectar harvested from the mystical landscapes of southern Portugal, Sardinia/Corsica, and Greece. It’s a medicinal marvel, robust with homogentisic acid, standing tall as one of the globe’s most potent antioxidants. The honey whispers the richness of bitter caramel and coffee, yet it narrates a tale so unique and profound—invoking a ‘psychedelic’ odyssey of bitter-sweet symphony in every sip.
Paired meticulously with the sophisticated Monkey 47 Gin, the cocktail unfolds layers of divine complexity. The gin, with its robust presence, unveils a tapestry of spice, fruit, and herb flavors, gently entwining the senses in a refreshing embrace of lemon citrus.
“The Bitter Buzz” is not just a drink, it’s a sensorial experience—a majestic ballet of extraordinary ingredients that flirt with the senses, seducing the palate with every nuanced sip. Celebrate the uniqueness of this cocktail, and let the ‘buzz’ of magnificent flavors elevate your spirit.
How much do drinks cost?
A cocktail costs an average of 160 DKK.” $22
Is there anything to eat? If so – what’s your favorite dish on the menu?
Apart from dry snacks, we do not serve food.
What are the distinguishing features of Curfew?
Curfew’s distinguishing features include its secret entrance disguised as a library, creating a mysterious allure. The interior is rich with the atmosphere of the 1920s and 1930s, complete with dimmed lights and soulful, vintage music, providing a genuine speakeasy vibe. Their historical COLES hand-cranked cocktail shaker machines and the fusion of classic and modern cocktails showcase a commitment to authenticity and quality in their drink offerings.
At Curfew, we take pride in our service. Being primarily a reservations venue, guests can expect a comfortable, seated experience rather than standing, enhancing the overall ambiance and ensuring that every visit is uniquely memorable. The overall ambiance of Curfew offers a unique, time-traveling experience, transporting guests back to the glamorous days of prohibition-era speakeasies.
What’s that music we hear playing on the Curfew stereo?
At Curfew, the stereo plays a captivating blend of music that echoes the essence of the 1920s and 1930s. You’ll hear soulful tunes from genres like Charleston, swing, soul, and blues, played on vinyl, enriching the speakeasy atmosphere with a vibrant yet nostalgic auditory experience. This choice of music complements the bar’s historical ambiance, enhancing the sense of traveling back to the prohibition era as you indulge in your cocktails.
Hours:
Monday : Closed
Tuesday : 18:00 – 02:00
Wednesday : 18:00 – 02:00
Thursday : 18:00 – 02:00
Friday : 17:00 – 03:00
Saturday : 17:00 – 03:00
Sunday : 19:00 – 00:00
Reservations:
Walk-in guests are welcome and have the best chance of getting seats if they arrive right when the bar opens. Reservations can be made for two or three hours, as well as reservations for large parties, can be made via Superb.
Website:
curfew.dk
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/curfewcph
Address:
Vesterbrogade 20, 1620 København V