Total Bar, Zurich Travel Guide

4.5 (260)

A small Kreis 4 bar in Zürich with a long local following, fair-priced drinks, and a close-up, no-frills atmosphere since 1999.

Total Bar is a small, long-running neighbourhood bar on Tellstrasse in Zürich’s Kreis 4. Open since 1999, it draws a mixed local crowd for beer, cocktails, and an unpretentious evening stop. The room is compact, the mood informal, and the appeal lies in its scale: close quarters, fair prices, and a steady social buzz rather than a polished nightlife scene.

A brief summary to Total Bar

Tellstrasse 19, Zürich, 8004, CH
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Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
Budget
Indoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 5 pm-12 am
Tuesday 5 pm-12 am
Wednesday 5 pm-12 am
Thursday 5 pm-12 am
Friday 5 pm-2 am
Saturday 5 pm-2 am

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Total Bar.

Bring cash as a practical precaution; the bar is widely described as cash-oriented, though policies can change.
Expect the room to feel tight once it fills up, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Plan for drinks rather than a meal; the venue is known for beer, spirits, and cocktails.

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Explore Total Bar on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Total Bar, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

Reach it easily from central Zürich by tram, bus, or a short walk from the inner city; allow around 10 to 20 minutes from the main station area.
Walking

Walking works well if you are already in Kreis 4, Langstrasse, or the city centre; the route is straightforward on normal urban streets.
Taxi / Ride-hail

A taxi or ride-hail is the simplest late-night option, especially after a longer evening elsewhere in the district.
Cycling

Cycling is feasible in central Zürich, but parking space near a small bar can be limited and the surrounding streets are busy.

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Restrooms
Drink Options
Seating Areas
Sheltered Areas
Trash Bins

Discover more about Total Bar

What it is

Total Bar is a compact neighbourhood bar in Zürich’s Kreis 4, set on Tellstrasse in the city’s dense inner-urban fabric. It has been operating since 1999 and has built a reputation as a small but well-known local drinking spot rather than a destination venue. The focus is on beer, spirits, and cocktails, served in a casual room that feels built for conversation, not lingering over a menu.

Atmosphere and setting

The bar’s appeal comes from its scale and its setting. Kreis 4 is one of Zürich’s more active mixed-use districts, and Total Bar fits that rhythm: street-level, compact, and surrounded by the everyday city rather than scenery. Inside, expect limited space, close tables or bar seating, and the kind of low-key bustle that comes from a loyal local following. It is the sort of place where a short visit can easily stretch into a longer evening if the room is lively.

How a visit unfolds

Most visitors come for one or two drinks, often after work or as a first stop before moving on elsewhere in the district. The experience is straightforward: arrive, find a place in the small interior, order from a focused drinks list, and settle into the room’s informal pace. Because the venue is small, it can feel busy quickly, especially later in the evening and at weekends. That intimacy is part of the draw, but it also means large groups and those wanting a quiet corner may find it less comfortable.

Practical expectations

This is a budget-to-mid-range bar by Zürich standards, with fair pricing rather than premium cocktail-bar pricing. It is best suited to solo travellers, couples, small groups, and adults looking for a local social stop. Public transport, walking, or a short taxi ride are the most practical ways to get there from the centre. The venue is indoors and largely weather-proof, so rain or cold affects the journey more than the visit itself. Details such as accessibility and food service are limited, so it is safest to treat Total Bar as a drinks-first stop with a simple, urban atmosphere.