Est. 1974
Our Story
The little cafe at the ‘top of the hill’ has been a Liverpool institution for five decades. Established in 1974, in the style of the great bohemian cafes of Europe, Cafe Tabac has always been a hub for the creative residents of Liverpool. Patrons include artists, actors, singers and performers amongst its varied and colourful clientele, as well as many of the city’s best-known sons and daughters.
For many years, Cafe Tabac was presided over by the formidable Rita, who was never shy to tell customers what she thought of them or turf out those who made a cuppa last three hours.
The cafe has continuously traded since the 1970’s (only closing for Covid!) and is now the longest-running cafe bar in Liverpool, still independently owned and passed down through Rita’s family. Cafe Tabac still retains the charm and authenticity that only comes with serving the city of Liverpool for over fifty years.
Menus
Our reputation is built on delicious home-cooked food, and working with the best local procedures here in Liverpool and the north-west.
Food is served early from 9am for our legendary breakfasts and midday for our lunch and main menu dishes - all made from scratch, just as it has been since 1974.
As afternoon turns to evening Cafe Tabac lowers the lights and swaps espressos for cocktails with our extensive cocktail list with many infusions made on-site.
Gallery
Remembering Rita - the Queen of Tabac
Her breakfasts were as legendary as her choice of headwear.
From trendy pop stars to artsy teens, burly builders and wannabe gangsters - Tabac in the 70s and 80’s was a melting pot of backgrounds and cultures with Rita, the café’s first owner always keeping a watchful eye over all of the comings and goings..
A Liverpool institution since 1974 - Rita took immense pride in her ‘little café at the top of the hill’ where she ruled absolute. The Bold Street matriarch was known city-wide for her collection of fabulous hats, the crowning glory to off set a flowery pinny and marigolds.
Gliding like a galleon in full sail across the café floor - effortlessly glamorous at whatever time of day, Rita would tear a strip off anyone who dared to put their feet on the chairs, slapping their legs down - she’d make sure they’d never dream of doing it again.
Her take no prisoners approach was legendary but also she had a heart of gold, and genuinely cared for many of her customers who formed lifelong friendships huddled together over long-drawn-out cups of tea.
(Despite berating them for sitting for hours, ultimately Rita knew deep down that the kids were better off in Tabac, than out on the streets.)
Rita may not still be with us here at Tabac but her spirit lives on in the church she created. The team still care for the guests, welcome anyone and strongly believe a good cuppa can solve most problems… or maybe a punchy Bloody Mary!
