8 Can't-Miss Bars In Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin

Cafe by day, bar by night — this duality isn’t uncommon but isn’t always done right. Wohnzimmer is an exception to that latter part of that statement. Modeled after a grandmothers’ living room with hyper funk and eclecticism, this neighborhood favorite pulls some serious punch. Good music isn’t constantly a must at a good dive bar, but Wohnzimmer makes sure the tunes are top-notch. Known for its ability to deliver on the well-made cocktail front, this vintage-retro bar also delivers on the price point as well. It has well-priced drinks, is open until the wee hours of the morning and is comfortable enough to feel right at home. These are just a few of the reasons why this Prenzlauer Berg bar is worth a visit.

Sorsi e Morsi is an Italian wine and tapas bar backed by a super friendly owner named Johnny. This is the kind of bar where the owner makes many feel like regulars by the way he hands out hugs and memorizes wine orders. It is a little Italian escape in the heart of Prenzlauer Berg. It’s loud yet cozy. It’s crowded yet roomy. Sorsi e Morsi has indoor and outdoor seating, so weather permitting, wine consumption can commence in the fresh air. This is the place to come to get a fantastic glass of Italian wine from the gregarious staff. They offer some palatable tapas as well if the liquid dinner just isn’t cutting it.

This is not necessarily the place to come on a budget. This is the place to come when some money spending doesn’t impede food consumption the following week. This speakeasy requires a doorbell ring before entering and doesn’t have a standing area. Having a table is a must — you have a choice between waiting and booking in advance. Becketts Kopf is the kind of place where the level of knowledge from the bartender warrants a recommendation if you can’t make up your mind. The bartender might inquire about likes and dislikes and certain preferences; go with it as it’s part of the experience. Profound mixology is going on at this place with orange blossom sprays and truffle eggnog and a slew of cleverly crafted concoctions with names to match. Fastidious bartenders and artfully complicated cocktails make this upscale speakeasy a top-notch, albeit, pricier choice.

This mischievously named place is a red-light soaked, retro-esque lounge with a hodgepodge of living room furniture to add to the make-yourself-at-home ambiance. It’s where lounge meets dive bar. This is a fantastic spot to come with friends early on and bask in the playfully swanky vibe, as this place can get pretty crowded at night. The music fits the vibe of Zu mir oder zu Dir well, characterized mostly by electronic propensities, and so does the graffiti-ridden bathroom, a talisman of the dive bar. The splendid cocktails are moderately priced, which is another plus for this low-key and funky hot spot.

Scotch and Sofa is another neighborhood gem with an impressive drink selection, especially for whiskey advocates. This place is reminiscent of a 1970s office of someone affluent, who also has great taste in alcohol — think Mad Men in the later seasons. There are ample sofas and places to unwind and enjoy a well-prepared cocktail from bartenders who take pride in their craft. Scotch and Sofa is where one goes for a stiff drink and intimate conversation. Attentive staff slinging some potent beverages makes this place a prime destination for those in need of something served in a highball.

Whiskey lovers rejoice, Badfish has a stunning list of the hard stuff. Some bars offer free snacks, maybe a bowl of picked-over pretzels or salted nuts, which in case of an emergency can help. But Badfish takes it to another level with complimentary popcorn. Instead of happy hour, they have angry hour, which is nothing to be agitated with. There is also the rumor that the frozen margarita is as dangerous as it is excellent. The laid-back vibe of the place keeps it from being overly hip. With recessed alcoves for candles, a jukebox, exposed bricks and a liquidly well-versed staff, this neighborhood spot is an easy pick.

This romantic gastropub set in the friendly neighborhood of Prenzlauer Berg gets its name from an acclaimed Dadaist, Marc Chagall. Mirroring the heritage of the famous painter, Café Chagall is a place that offers Russian food and notoriously amicable service. The drink list is long and ranges from plain schnapps to cocktails. This cafe has a charming inside with rich red wallpaper, smooth wooden accents and ample candlelight all adding to the intimacy of this two-storey establishment. The outside seating is reminiscent of a French cafe with its tiny wooden tables and awning.