Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Edgier, more underground venues cluster in Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, Neukölln and up-
and-coming outer boroughs like Wedding (north of Mitte) and Lichtenberg (past Friedrich-
shain). Places in Charlottenburg, Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg tend to be quieter, close earlier
and are thus more suited for date nights than dedicated drinking. Generally, the emphasis is
on style and atmosphere and some proprietors have gone to extraordinary lengths to come
up with special design concepts.
The line between cafe and bar is often blurred, with many changing stripes as the hands
move around the clock. Alcohol, however, is served (and consumed) pretty much all day.
Some bars have happy hours that usually run from 6pm to 9pm.
Cocktail bars are booming in Berlin and several new arrivals have measurably elevated
the 'liquid art' scene. Dedicated drinking dens tend to be elegant cocoons with mellow light-
ing and low sound levels, helmed by mix-meisters capable of applying their classic training
to boundary-pushing experimental riffs. A good cocktail will set you back between €10 and
€15. Most bars and pubs serve cocktails too, but of the Sex on the Beach and Cosmopolitan
variety. Prices are lower (between €7 and €9) and quality can be hit-or-miss due to mediocre
mixing talents and/or inferior spirits.
Although still lower than in other major capital cities, drinks prices have crept up over the
last couple of years. To cater to the truly cash-strapped, some of Berlin's late-night conveni-
ence stores (called
Spätkauf
or
Späti
for short) have started to put out tables on the side-
walks for patrons to gather and consume their store-bought beverages.
