Berlin is a great place for drinking as it offers numerous options for everyone’s mood. From pubs, beer gardens, DJ bars, hotel lounges etc. you won’t have a problem choosing a place where to go.

There are way more underground and alternative venues in the East and here I’ll list seven bars in Berlin worth checking out. Beer is of course the most popular drink and there are many varieties from draught beer (fassbier), wheat beer (weizenbier), black beer (schwarzbier) and seasonal beer (bock). Other popular drinks are sekt (German sparkling wine), cocktails and wine. Germans love to drink weinschorle (wine with fizzy water). There’s also saftschorle (fizzy water and juice only) as an alternative.

Once in Berlin go to;

1. Eschenbräu – Wedding area

Berlin is a city famous for its beer gardens and Eschenbräu located in the Wedding area is a great place to visit if you want to taste different kinds of German beer. Their own brewery produces 21 types of seasonal beer so you can try Rauchbier (smoked beer) or Black Mamba for instance. If you don’t really like experimenting you can always opt for classics such as Eschenbräu PILS, DARK or WHEAT beer. On a nice day you can sit in the garden which has 200 seats but the interior is also very interesting and is filled with the paintings depicting the entire process of brewing beer. The atmosphere is friendly and lively and it is worth going to Wedding for this place.

2. Vagabund bar – Wedding

In 2011 three American friends decided to create their own brewery so Vagabund was born. The bar is small but artsy and interior is filled with wooden chairs and tables and beer related posters on white walls. “In wine there is wisdom. In beer there is freedom. In water there is bacteria. – Benjamin Franklin” says one.  There’s a great selection of craft beers, the staff is really nice and helpful and the atmosphere certainly makes you feel that you’re in Berlin. An interesting fact is that this place is Europe’s first crowd-funded brewery. Oh and it’s known for its pumpkin spice ale in the fall!

3.Weinerei – Mitte

If you love wine go to Weinerei. During the day people usually meet here to talk and the atmosphere is pretty much relaxed. There are several types of wine on offer but also coffees, teas and a vegetarian lunch menu.  The place has an interesting concept at night. Basically you pay 2 euros to borrow a glass and then you try whatever food or wine you like. It works on  ‘pay as you want” model. The place can get crowded at night so making a reservation is a good idea. Weinerei also has a  great vintage interior, but the only downside in my opinion is that the staff seemed bit unfriendly. But all in all it’s an interesting place to visit!

4. Madame Claude – Kreuzberg

This former brothel in Kreuzberg can literally turn your world upside down! Madame Claude is an upside down bar that hosts concerts and events starting from 7pm each day. It’s one of the hipster-ish places in Berlin and a great place to visit before going to the clubs. The interior is really cool and there are pieces of furniture stuck upside down to the ceiling. The concert hall is tiny but Madame Claude is a perfect place to chill, listen to the music and have fun. Come here for the real Berlin feel!

5. Mein Haus Am See – Mitte

Source: Mein Haus Am See

Mein Haus Am See has a second-hand couches scattered all over the place and interesting wall decor. It’s very popular among hipsters and freelancers who come here to listen to the good music and to socialize. At night the place can get crowded so it might be difficult to get a couch but you can grab a cushion, sit on the stairs and do some people watching which seems like a favorite activity here. There’s an interesting selection of drinks and live music almost every night. Perfectly fits the Berlin mood.

THE UNKNOWN at Mein Haus am See (Every Tuesday) from THE UNKNOWN on Vimeo.

6. Gorki Park – Mitte

Gorki Park is a Russian-run cafe/bar in Mitte. It’s very friendly and cosy with the decor that reminds of the Soviet era. You’ll find lamps, funky wallpapers, furniture pieces and more. The food menu is rich and there’s a great selection of Russian beers. This place is particularly famous for its breakfast menu. So if you are looking for something unusual and different in Berlin go to Gorki Park.

Russian tea

7. Barcomi’s Deli – Mitte

Photo: silverman68 on Flickr under CC

Barcomi is actually more of a cafe than a bar with two venues in Berlin. It’s a great place to relax with a cup of coffee and it also has a rich choice of sandwiches and cakes. The place can get really busy but it has that local feel so it’s worth squeezing yourself in.

I especially recommend these places if you are a first time visitor to Berlin. What are your favorite bars in the city? If you have any recommendations feel free to leave them in the comments section below.