This Berlin classic never goes out of style. A young urban crowd enjoys some of the best drinks and cocktails money can buy in Germany, mingling at the minimalist retro-style bar and along the curved, green walls. At weekends, the place is packed to bursting. There’s an outdoor bell, but the door policy is pretty liberal as long as you look sober.
This slightly dated winery is still a big hit with tourists as well as groups of pupils and students. Try the sweetish strawberry and raspberry wines.
To see and be seen is the name of the game at this elegant venue. Service is charming and the fastest in town, and in summer there’s even a fold-down bar on the pavement outside. Heavy leather armchairs make for comfortable sitting, and the walls are adorned with enlarged photographs of nudes by Helmut Newton, after whom the bar is named. Don’t miss out on the superb Caribbean and Latin-American cocktails (for further details see Newton Bar).
One of Berlin’s finest cocktail bars, Beckett’s Kopf has a portrait of writer Samuel Beckett in its window. Its dark interior is hung with heavy velvet curtains, as if to keep the secret recipes from prying eyes. The superb concoctions include the “Mother-in-Law”, with fruity notes, and the “Prince of Wales”, said to be a favourite indulgence of King Edward VII.
This cosy bar, with its understated 1960s ambience, subdued lighting and sophisticated lounge music is a great place for a relaxing drink and has become a firm favourite among the well-to-do artsy crowd. The cocktails are mixed by the renowned barman Stefan Weber.
Berlin’s best (but pricey) wine bar and shop is found downstairs from the award-winning restaurant of the same name (for further details see Weinbar Rutz). It offers over 1,000 wines, but Sommelier Billy Wagner is on hand to assist you. Excellent selection of food.
A classic of the somewhat ageing Charlottenburg scene, where the last survivors of the 1968 student revolt generation come to reminisce. The artists in the photographs on the walls are former patrons. In the summer, there are tables outdoors.
Noisy yet laid-back, the Café M Kneipe in Schöneberg is (in)famous. If you find the rock music too loud, try the tables outside.
A very popular venue in a former brothel, complete with chintz wallpaper. They serve a delicious Caipirinha, but for most of the clientele its real attraction is as a great place for people-watching.
One of only a few traditional kneipen in the historic Nikolaiviertel quarter worth checking out, the Nußbaum serves draught beer and traditional Berlin food (for further details see Zum Nußbaum).