The Pre-Drink: Berlin

Ah, yes… Berlin! Everyone’s favorite European capital is renowned not only for its buzzing nightlife and legendary clubbing spots (yes, looking at you, Berghain), but also, well, pretty much everything else too. Ever since Reagan ordered Gorbachev to “tear down this wall” - the Berlin Wall that is - the once divided city has grown to be a culturally rich and bustling capital, attracting people from all over the world. This in return has created a remarkably unique vibe that Berlin is famous for.

 

While Berlin is the capital of Germany, it is unlike anything else in the country. Berlin truly is its own entity and that is exactly why everyone loves it. You might arrive equipped with a handful of German phrases, and while it will be highly appreciated by the locals, Berlin is one of the easiest places in Europe, where you can get by with only knowing English. As they say - don't come to Berlin expecting to learn German.

 

Over the last year Berlin has been hit by an unexpectedly sudden rise in rent prices. Because of this, it has become increasingly more difficult to find decently-priced apartments, but luckily this boom hasn’t affected much else and the city has remained fairly cheap thus making it so much more affordable than London, for example.

 

Berlin has a very liberal approach to drinking in public and there is nothing wrong with enjoying a beer or two out in the open. It is particularly nice during the warmer summer months, sitting in the sunlit Tempelhofer Feld. But with such a vast array of unique bars around every corner, what you will really want to do is explore and bar hop. So when it comes to the best bars and pre-clubbing drinks in Berlin, what exactly is out there?

 

Spätkauf

 

Okay, okay… Spätkaufs or Spätis, as locals call them, aren’t exactly bars per se. And instead of one place, you will easily find several in each neighborhood and in some places even a couple on the same street. Spätis are a signature Berlin thing and are inseparable from the everyday lives of the locals. A Spätkauf literally translates to “late shopping” and essentially they are small independently-owned convenience stores that sell mainly drinks, snacks, cigarettes, and newspapers.

 

One thing, however, sets Spätis apart from any convenience store - you can grab a beer and enjoy it then and there. Not only is it okay to do so, but it is also encouraged. The very essence of a Späti is in the fact that you can get a cheap drink - a half a liter bottle of beer will cost between 1 and 2.50 EUR - and sit down inside or outside to enjoy a carefree pre-clubbing drink with friends right there on the spot. While some people new to the city immediately assume that Späti beers are something only the more seasoned Berliners enjoy, all it takes is a stroll around the neighborhood on any given evening, in particular on Friday or Saturday and you’ll quickly learn that Spätis are embraced by everyone.

 

Some Spätis are very straightforward while others, especially in the Neukölln area, will go the extra mile to make the place particularly enjoyable during Friday and Saturday evenings by putting on music and even having some disco lights.

 

Weinerei

 

The Mitte neighborhood at the very heart of Berlin is, without a doubt, one of the more expensive neighborhoods considering it is in the city center but if you know where to look, you can easily find some hidden gems. Weinerei is one of them. In all truth, over the years it has become very well known but nevertheless, their original concept has remained the same and it is well worth a visit, if you prefer wine but don't want to pay a ridiculous amount for a glass.

 

The concept at Weinerei is a fairly straightforward one. Upon entry you pay 2 EUR for a wine glass that you can fill with a selection of wines. You don't need to pay for each refill, however, before you leave, you are asked to leave a fairly-judged amount of money that correlates to the amount of wine you had. Essentially it's a pay-what-you-want wine bar.

 

Franken Bar

 

Located on the popular Oranienstraße in Kreuzberg, Franken Bar is easy to miss if you are quickly rushing by, not knowing what to look out for. And that applies to many bars in Berlin, actually. Franken Bar is like one of those old-school bars you would see in any movie where the main character orders a bourbon straight. Slightly beaten appearance, full of character without trying to be something it isn't. The bar dates back to the 80s and when it opened, it carried a strong punk vibe, which in a way is still present to this day.

 

Franken Bar has a vast selection of drinks, all of which are reasonably priced. Often putting on live gigs, the bar can certainly get very busy at times.

 

K-fetisch

 

Neukölln is renowned for its laid back, student-friendly vibe, and many of the bars are considered slightly off the beaten path in the sense that you are not likely to find many tourists here. Instead they are embraced by young locals from all walks of life. K-fetisch is one such place. The spacious bar not only has plenty of space inside but also has a large outside seating area on the vibrant Wildenbruchstraße.

 

The friendly bar, just like the area itself, is known for its “no prejudice” approach and welcomes everyone. Thus you can expect a decent drink selection as well - from various alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers, wines, spirits, and even cocktails despite the fact they aren't exactly advertised. Whatever night of the week you end up here, expect lively atmosphere in the candlelit bar where groups of people will be drinking and laughing well into the night.

 

The Black Lodge

 

Fire walk with me! Remember that line from David Lynch's Twin Peaks? In Berlin, the infamous Black Lodge isn't just a thing of fiction - it has been made into reality. Neukölln's hidden gem that everyone sort of knows about might be a bit hard to find the first time around - there are no signs on the street indicating the name of the bar and there is only one fogged up window, so unless you know what to look for, it can be easy to miss.

 

The bar isn't just great for Twin Peaks fans, everyone who steps inside is instantly impressed. The super cool, stylish and laid back vibe of the place instantly transfers you to another place and it's easy to forget what time and day it is. Black walls, candlelit atmosphere, plush red velvet curtains and a black-and-white zigzag floor signature to that of the actual Twin Peaks' Black Lodge.

 

There are only a few tables in the whole bar and a more communal atmosphere is embraced here. This is also one of the easiest places to meet new people - buzzing with students from all over Europe, you will easily find yourself in five different conversations through the night.

 

Badfish

 

Many Berlin locals will argue that the former East Berlin is the place to be. While there are numerous great places all over, you'll find that it has a more mature vibe than, say, Kreuzberg or Neukölln. Prenzlauer Berg in particular is one of the most expensive places not only to live but also where to eat and drink in Berlin. However, just like anywhere else - if you know where to look, you can be pleasantly surprised by what you find. Badfish Bar on Stargarder Straße is one such place.

 

The tiny Canadian-run establishment is always buzzing with international groups and even if you just go there for the infamous one drink, you will quickly find yourself five drinks it at 2AM. The small bar is buzzing with character, and while many bars in Berlin are famous for the slightly uptight attitude from the staff, Badfish turns that completely around as the bartenders will quickly make you feel like family.

 

Despite being located in one of the most expensive areas in Berlin, the bar is reasonably priced and has a vast selection of beers on tap as well as bottled beers. Badfish is yet another bar, where you can expect to quickly make new friends while singing along to the best bar playlist in all of Berlin.