10 tips for cafés in Berlin
Graphic artist Chloe Ka Kei Yau from Hong Kong recently visited Berlin. She spent a lot of time in cafés, painting. Her sketches have become an illustrated guide to coffee houses. Here are her painted tips.
ORA, Kreuzberg
ORA at Oranienplatz is one of the most popular themed cafés in Berlin. Once an old pharmacy, its renovation retained most of its furnishings, including its sink, clock and cabinets. Candle light at night time and the long wooden counter add a nostalgic touch to the eating experience. The staff is friendly and the food is delicious.
Café Kanel, Neukölln
Situated in a quiet neighborhood in the Neukölln district, near Schillerpromenade and Tempelhofer Feld, the airfield of what was Tempelhof airport, the café Kanel lets you lose track of time. Serving a wide range of coffee and traditional and vegan pastries, their freshly made Laugenecke, which locals recommended to me, was outstanding. It makes you feel at home.
Roamers, Neukölln
This hot & hip food spot never disappoints. People flock here to get what is probably the best chai latte in town. Healthy creations and fancy-looking cakes make you feel comfortable at all times. Don’t miss the chance to get one of their delicious treats - they usually sell out quickly.
F5, Kreuzberg
If you are looking for specialty coffee, F5 Coffee in Kreuzberg might be the right choice for you. Coffee beans roasted in Germany come along with my favorite milk substitute: oat milk. Just a 3-minute walk from the Schlesisches Tor subway station, you can relax in the quiet atmosphere, or even have a little chat with the spirited barista.
Homemade, Friedrichshain
Located on the touristic Simon-Dach-Strasse in Friedrichshain, Homemade is a good venue for an afternoon coffee. Colorful decoration and quirky design details spread a warm and cozy atmosphere. Especially popular during the weekends, the café offers sandwiches and soups for late breakfasts.
Friedl, Prenzlauer Berg
For coffee lovers who are passionate about different types of coffee beans, this is the place to be. Six types of coffee beans are available here, including single origin, dark blend, decaf coffee and more. The café also serves a variety of cookies. My choice was a Brazilian-styled cappuccino and a vanilla Kipferl that made my day!
Pakolat, Prenzlauer Berg
Dedicated to bringing tradition back to life, Pakolat in the heart of Prenzlauer Berg serves handmade small batches. From antique coffee and tea roasting containers to the cashier – the room tells its own story about the process of making quality coffee. This family café invites people to join in an unforgettable culinary experience. Any cakes without names are most likely their newest ones.
Schneiderei, Prenzlauer Berg
This little hidden gem in the trendy Prenzlauer Berg district can be found right at the corner of Kuglerstrasse and Greifenhagener Strasse. Despite its unexceptional appearance, it lures guests with comfy seats by the window, delicious coffee and homemade treats.
Oslo Kaffebar, Mitte
This Norwegian-style spot is not just an ordinary café but an artspace concept store near Nordbahnhof station in the Mitte district. In addition to drip coffee you may find some art & design happenings taking place in the back of the café. They also offer coffee-related products, such as non-roasted coffee drinks and mugs.
Type Hype Store & Milchbar, Mitte
Premium design products from accessories to tableware can be found in the Type Hype Concept Store & Milchbar near the Weinmeisterstrasse underground station. Everything here relates to typography. A table rebuilt from a printing machine that is used to showcase the products epitomizes the café.