From classic bars offering infused cocktails to laid back local haunts, we take a look at the worthy watering holes on the border of Neukölln and Kreuzberg. Whether in search of a place to languidly lounge overlooking the canal or a cozy hideaway of a winter evening, there’s a bar to suit everyone here.
Nathanja & Heinrich
Bar, German
Courtesy of Julia Schiller Photography
Though vintage furniture and worn decor is not unusual for Berlin bars, Nathanja & Heinrich stands out among the rest. With its charming feel, big storefront like windows and large open space, the bar doesn’t get the same overcrowding and inundation of smoke as many others in the area. Offering natural beers, wine from Potsdam and renowned for its unique cocktails, alongside soul LPs, this is a friendly spot to pause at as a café during the day or to spend your evenings for a drink.
Doubling up as a bar and server of Scottish pub food, Das Gift is the only establishment of its kind in the nearby area. Offering a large selection of Scottish malt whisky, small batch gin and ales, this convivial haunt also boasts a jukebox with mixes by friends of the bar, from Robert Smith to Caribou. With events including art exhibitions and a Monday pub quiz, Das Gift holds the unique position of pub charm via Berlin bar.
Minibar
Bar, German
Not spectacular by way of décor, this tiny Berlin bar is remarkable for its atmosphere. Always full, Minibar attracts a huge variety of characters and is a popular point for all those in pursuit of a night cap. Boasting visitations from Meat Loaf to the locals and all in between, this is a place where conversations are swapped between art students and actors alike, sharing tables with a blend of Berlin in one little bar.
Fuchs & Elster boasts exquisite cocktails all through the week, and is a quiet and calm space for a drink. Upstairs is their restaurant, selling an array of delicious food, such as Tapas, while downstairs tucked cozily in the cellar is the main bar. The patrons’ favorites are the Desmond Daiquiri, the Pearls Before Swine and the Truffled Oaxaca Old Fashioned. With a warm and eclectic atmosphere, the main draw of this Weserstraße favourite is the cellar club over the weekends, which boasts everything from Swing to Balkan music, with energetic, eclectic crowds flocking.
Mama Bar
Bar, Pub Grub
Courtesy of Soulcat
A pride of this renowned hangout is the Svijany Czech beer on tap. With a homely feel, whether people are coming together for a screening of the World Cup on a projector outside or Balkan and world beats, Mama Bear draws quite the crowd. Better to head during the week to sit and spend a serene and cozy evening with a drink or on the weekends for a more energetic and vibrant atmosphere when it gets pretty packed.
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Specialising in 1950s and 1960s music, especially soul and blues, Soulcat is a down-to-earth and relaxed venue. The emphasis is on the music, but it is still a cozy environment to sit and talk, with a varied group of patrons, from music enthusiasts for those in search of a casual beer. While perhaps not offering a radical selection of drinks, for soulful sonic contributions and a cheerful beer, Soulcat is the place.
Geist im Glas
With a living room feeling and exceptional cocktail selection, Geist im Glas shines out amongst its neighbouring contenders. The esoteric wooden furnishings and platforms make the atmosphere and space itself is worth checking out, but the real reason to stop by is the specially infused cocktail creations. Rather than many of the Berlin bars which are purposefully built in a dilapidated style, Geist im Glas is a spot of real charm and quality, with the added bonus of exceptional brunch options.
Broschek
Broschek is a cozy hideaway with the perfect amicable ambiance, art exhibitions and occasional live music. Lars, the owner, is highly proud of the Lammsbräu, a beer brought in from a microbrewery in southern Germany. With the welcoming atmosphere and hearty food by way of cheese fondue to match, this has the character and charm to warm the winter evenings.
Ankerklause
This convivial canal spot with seaside décor and overlooking the Landwehr is a perfect place to position yourself for a casual drink. The former boathouse is home to a friendly ruckus at the weekends, but a lively location all through the week. Staying open late, and boasting a brunch of all brunches come Sunday morning, Ankerklause is a sure fire spot to spend an evening for a laid back, good spirited beverage.
Bei Schlawinchen
Pub, Beer
A true locals’ bar, without the flocking hipsters, this is a place for a casual, no fuss beer. Bei Sclawinchen, with its curious selection of memorabilia and casual crowd, is one of the most relaxed bars to grab a drink. Open 24 hours a day, they claim to have not closed for 30 years; so swing by at any time and find local loiterers and low key drinks.
Born and raised in England, Harriet moved to Berlin initially to learn the language for a month. Now living here, and continuing to work with a love for the written word in as many different ways as possible. Whether that's through making zines, researching articles, studying or writing letters, a general pursuit of continuing to find new ways to communicate with writing, remaining curious and learning about the people and world around us.
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