If it’s American meat you're after, then this self-described American steakhouse and bar has got you your fix. The Bird prides itself on three things: the quality of its beef, its straight-forward American atmosphere, and its uncompromising attitude towards making the best food with the freshest ingredients available. Run by a couple of New York expatriates, the menu here is filled with sassy commentary and is dominated by imported American-beef steaks and tangy burgers, such as The Filthy Harry (bacon and Cheddar cheese). Rolls of paper towels sit on the tables to indicate that things might get a little messy, as the food is so delicious.
Extremely cozy and utterly charming, Café am Neuen See, one of Berlin's largest beer gardens is idyllically located on the banks of the lake in the heart of Tiergarten park. It is a traditional Bavarian beer garden that serves up southern German specialties like pretzel, white sausages, roast pork, and meatloaf, as well as classic European dishes such as pasta, pizza and barbecued meat and fish in its warm and welcoming space. Seat yourself in its enchanting sun-drenched outdoor patio shaded by the lush trees and pair your hearty meal with a cold beer for a memorable time. Illuminated by hundreds of candles flickering on the tables, Café am Neuen See is a visual treat at night.
Green Tea Café Mamecha is a Japanese tea-room style cafe that is often frequented by the artsy and tea-lovers of Berlin. The decor of the cafe is modern yet simplistic, with the patio being a good place to relax on a lovely sunny day. They have a variety of teas available, such as Hojicha, Kyo Bancha and Sencha, along with Japanese inspired fusion coffees, beverages and ice cream. One can also enjoy a light meal here, and order their salads and soups.
Chapter One is owned by Germany's 2002 barista champ, Nora Smahelová. Opened in 2011, this quaint coffee shop with its checkered tiles and minimalist decor is must visit for caffeine lovers. Their beans are procured from sustainable coffee producers hence why the flavors are so deep and delightful. You will find a variety of espressos and filter brews which patrons argue are the best in town.
Located in the Hotel Inter-Continental and counted among Berlin's best restaurants, Hugos boasts notable diners, including Bill Clinton, Shirley MacLaine and the German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, among its patrons. The restaurant offers the finest contemporary German cuisine, a beautiful 360-degree view of Berlin and an ambiance that oozes sophistication. Try the fish stew with olive bread and saffron mayonnaise as a starter, and then, move on to the Fried Pigeon Pate on mashed carrots for the main entree. The wine list is extensive and contains an assortment of about 350 labels.
Standing in a quiet lane in the tourist-trodden Kreuzberg, this stylish coffeeshop is a favorite with locals as well as tourists. Flowing white spaces and a minimalistic decor characterizes the modern interior, giving it an airy feel. Contemporary lighting options and fashionable furniture adds to the stylish vibe and an all-glass facade allows ample natural light during daytime and affords excellent people-watching opportunities. Besides the top-notch coffee, Westberlin also offers a fine selection of sandwiches and delicious baked goodies. The selection of magazines and books available at the cafe offers stellar company.
Café Fincan brings home a unique concept: a place where one can discuss and explore art over a cup of coffee. This exotic Turkish coffeehouse hosts fascinating art dos: displays and exhibits, film screenings, book reading, recitals and live gigs among other things. Children will thoroughly love the plethora of art lessons, drama sessions, baby cinema, dance lessons and cultural activities on offer. This non-profit cafe is an ideal place to meet friends and discuss the latest in the field of literature or art on a lazy day. Open only during event nights and Mondays. Call for more details on current and upcoming events.
Theater Im Keller is a perfect setting for the discerning theatergoer that is tired of the huge crowds and long lines. Here, with only enough space for about 43 people, the theater attracts a very diverse production line-up including one-man shows and revues that often showcase the more humorous side of common nuances in society. There is a café located on site, which offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages along with a delicious buffet. There is a separate meeting area that can also be used for parties, events, or showcases.
Papageno is an Italian restaurant with a dim, vintage ambiance. The interiors resemble those of an old-style bar with red carpeting, ornate ceiling lamps and heavy cabinets holding wine bottles. Start your meal with appetizers like Fagiolata Paesana, a chickpea and bean soup, and Carpaccio Tartufato ai Pinoli, which is Beef Carpaccio soaked in olive oil and served with pine nuts. Couples can also opt for surprise sharing platters as starters. The main course includes Paccheri Pasticciati pasta bathed in Béchamel Sauce, Sea Bream Fillet and Fegato di Vitello alla Contadina, a dish made from calf's liver. Guests can also select from three to six-course surprise menus. This restaurant specializes in catering for dinner parties and business events and has a choice of four carefully-compiled menus.
Set on the banks of River Spree, Zille-Destille is a friendly neighborhood pub that is the perfect place to spend your evening in. Hang out or catch up with friends over locally distilled schnapps and traditional pub food. With simple interiors and dim lighting, this pub gives a very homely feel.
Artliners combines a coffeehouse with a concert hall and the result is an evening of fun and music. Be it a cinema or a concert night, you can always relax and enjoy the hot espressos served here, while famous local and international artists heat up the atmosphere with their performances. The place quickly fills up with the young crowd, so remember to drop in early. For details about forthcoming events, check the website.
Nibs cacao does chocolate and churros (elongated Spanish donuts, dipped in chocolate). In fact, it really does all things chocolate, from hot chocolate and chocolate liqueur to chocolate cosmetic products. While you'll find better hot chocolate and churros in Spain, the German specialization in chocolate of the solid kind means that this is among the best places to enjoy a hot chocolate in town. It's a small place and easy to miss, but if you're in the area and looking for something sweet, it's worth hunting down. -Justin Davies