Jules Verne Panoramabar is a very cool Wine Bar (Weinbar) in a tower high above downtown Zurich. As its name implies, it offers panoramic views of the entire area around downtown. Also in the name, it is named after French science-fiction writer Jules Verne (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Around the World in 80 Days, etc).
From Bahnhofstrasse (Zurich's main shopping street--see other journal entry), I spotted the panoramic tower high in the air, and had to see it. Turning the corner to Uraniastrasse, I could not find an entrance to Jules Verne, but there was a nice looking food and drink place called Brasserie Lipp on the street level.....so why not check it out?
Brasserie Lipp is a romantic French-style Brasserie with an elegant wood and brass decor. I took a quick look at their night menu and wine list, and they have a large high price French menu, and an extensive wine list. Oh....and it has the elevator entrance to Jules Verne Panoramabar. Without missing a step, I proceeded to Jules Verne's Panoramabar, since I am not really fond of French cuisine (call me crazy).
Entering the elevator, press the single button for the long ride up the tower. Exiting the elevator, there is a walkway around the tower with look-out windows at close intervals that have fantastic views of downtown Zurich and Lake Zurich.
After walking around the narrow tower, there are stairs up to the Wine Bar. Its has a bar and elevator in the center of the tower, and tables on the outside of the tower, where you can enjoy drinks, small cold appetizers (cheese, meats, bread, etc), and great views of Zurich and the surrounding area.
I had a cheese sampler that came with bread, a bottle of water, and a glass of Riesling for the tidy sum ov 52 Swiss Francs ($31 US).
Jules Verne Panoramabar has a nautical decor (fitting with the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea theme?) with portholes, nets and ropes, and its vantage point high above Zurich is like that from a hot air balloon (as in Around the World in 80 Days?).
I stumbled on to Jules Verne Panoramabar by accident in my short stay (less than 24 hours) in Zurich, and finding it was one of the high points of my stay. Go for drinks and the view. It overlooks all of Zurich. Jules Verne is open Monday through Saturday for lunch through midnight, but call if your not in the neighborhood since hours are seasonal. Remember that you have to enter through Brasserie Lipp, and they are open Monday through Saturday from 9am to midnight, and Sunday from 11:45am to 11pm. You won't find Jules Verne in any of the Zurich tourism brochures available around town.