The Best Bars in Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin

Serving up cocktails since 1995, X-Bar was the first cocktail joint in Prenzlauer Berg and remains a Berlin institution. Known for their perfectly poured cocktails, they have a solid mix of classic favourites alongside their own creations, all made with the best spirits and finest ingredients. Sleek, modern furniture and red-toned lighting make up most of the interior, while the friendly, passionate staff welcome in a crowd filled with locals and tourists alike.

Those who love ping-pong and beer will find their haven at Dr Pong. Located on a busy, station-side street in Prenzlauer Berg, this quirky spot only has one table: a ping-pong table that patrons gather around to participate in the nightly rotating matches. Armed with ping-pong bats, guests can enjoy beer, soda, tea and juice, huddled inside the smoky, industrial-style bar, either watching or joining in on the sporty fun.

Badfish is a laid-back local spot, with an infamous happy hour, called the Angry Hour, that offers two-for-one beers between 5 and 7pm. The dim-lit, wood-heavy bar is manned by friendly, welcoming bar staff and a barrage of regular customers, while the drinks menu ranges from the finest whiskeys to German beers and even frozen margaritas. With recessed, candlelit alcoves, a jukebox, exposed bricks and an extensive, well-priced menu, this neighbourhood bar is an easy pick.

Scotch & Sofa is a sleek cocktail bar with a distinct 1970s ambience, offering plush sofa seating and plenty of places to unwind and enjoy a perfectly prepared cocktail. A great spot for a stiff drink and intimate conversation, the knowledgeable staff sling well-crafted beverages from their extensive, spirit-heavy menu.

Perhaps Prenzlauer Berg‘s most well-known watering hole, Prater Biergarten is a lively beer garden that’s a summer hotspot. Located on the trendy street Kastanienallee, it’s the city’s oldest beer garden and boasts a huge outdoor space with plenty of picnic-style seating. Visitors can enjoy traditional German beers, including light Pils lager and a range of darker numbers, along with delicious, homemade German food under the shade of the nearby chestnut trees.

Becketts Kopf is a red-velvet-draped speakeasy, tucked away in Prenzlauer Berg. Only distinguishable by a portrait of Irish playwright Samuel Beckett hanging in its window, visitors must buzz the doorbell to get inside. Full of intrigue and fun, this clandestine cocktail lounge carries an old-school, Victorian gentleman’s club atmosphere.

Café by day, bar by night – this duality isn’t uncommon in Berlin but it isn’t always done right. Wohnzimmer definitely gets it right. Modelled after a grandmother’s living room, this laid-back spot is located on the buzzing square Helmholtzplatz. A favourite in the neighbourhood, Wohnzimmer is known for its ability to deliver well-made cocktails, cheap beers and a solid selection of wine. While natural lighting keeps the café-bar lit by day, a dim, red hue takes it into the night, as a distinct vintage vibe makes up most of the interior. Trendy, local and well-priced, it’s a cosy little gem in Prenzlauer Berg.