Berlin’s café culture: hidden gems, latte art and espresso martinis
Berlin is a city of many contrasts. A city entrenched in history and culture, but which is also known as the birthplace of techno clubbing and the post-techno döner kebab. However, while planning a trip to Berlin this January, I had overlooked the capital’s thriving café culture. Far from its bustling nightlife, the abundance of cafés that line Berlin’s streets provide an element of calm in an otherwise frantic metropolis, offering refuge to busy commuters, exhausted travellers, and hungover partiers alike. Whilst roaming the streets of Berlin, it was hard to resist the magnetic pull from the windows of coffee shop after coffee shop. When the sun has set by 4pm, it is snowing and your step count is nearing 30,000, an afternoon pick-me-up is definitely a necessity and as a coffee (and matcha) fan, it was a welcome discovery that Berlin was home to so many beautiful, independent shops where I could get my fix of a delicious drink, sit and people watch and, most importantly, warm up from the sub-zero January temperatures. Here are my recommendations of the best coffees (and coffee-based drinks….) which you definitely should not miss during a Berlin city break!
Die Espressonisten
Located right by Check-Point-Charlie, this central coffee hotspot is nestled in a tall high-rise building, serving artisanal coffee and selling all the coffee-themed wares that any coffee drinker could ever need. With floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and magazine racks, filled with bags of coffee beans, ground coffee and stovetop espresso makers, this café has a unique atmosphere, tempting passersby and locals alike to sample their range of drinks. While there was not much seating available, with three cushioned benches that were occupied, the menu is extensive, with a range of plant-based milks and appealing baked goods. The cappuccino was one of my favourites to date. Its rich, smooth taste made it clear that the coffee was high quality, perfect to both wake and warm me up for the day ahead. The staff were also incredibly friendly with an incredible attention for detail. Bonus points for the latte art in the shape of a seahorse!
LAP coffee
After hearing about this small, Berlin-based chain online, I may have redirected our route to pass by one of their outlets in a beautiful neighbourhood in Mitte. Tucked away in a tiny hole in the wall, among independent boutiques and vintage shops, LAP is reputed (according to the internet) to serve the cheapest coffee and matcha in the city, with a menu ranging from 1.50 to 4 Euros for their classic, year-round offerings. The shop was beautifully decorated, with flowers and a hidden seated area tucked away at the back of the shop. On a beautifully sunny winter’s afternoon, the memories of summer took over and I made the questionable decision of opting for an iced matcha, despite the 1C temperature. And honestly, I have no regrets. The pastries also looked gorgeous. For the price, I got a relatively big cup, the perfect pick-me-up to fuel a powerwalk towards the Brandenburg gate to catch the sunset. I think the queue that had gathered outside the door speaks for itself!
Uppers Espresso
Follow your nose down a narrow set of stairs to the cosiest café in Kreuzberg. After grabbing a döner and browsing in Humana’s vintage clothing shop, we rounded off our evening in this (literally) underground café, which served the most warming, beautifully spiced chai lattes. Filled with comfy seats, the unassuming exterior makes this place a hidden gem. It’s a little far away from the centre of town but a lot to do in the neighbourhood. The barista we had was lovely and gave out free postcards!
Anima
We stumbled upon this gorgeous spot hidden between the two sections of the East Side Gallery. It was freezing cold and snowing heavily so we would have been grateful to shelter anywhere, but I am so grateful that it was Anima we found. One of the most aesthetic cafés I’ve ever been in, it is an example of one of the collaborative working cafés that are so popular in Berlin, welcoming various laptop-armed students and remote workers. I got a matcha, very necessarily warm this time, which was hands-down the best matcha latte I’ve ever had. Sipping this with a view of the river Spree, it was the perfect place to relax and mentally prepare to brave the cold again. The only con was the extortionate price...
Küche
And finally, Küche, a concept bar which draws inspiration from culinary dishes to craft delicious cocktails, complete with a complementary snack. The openair design makes you feel like you are in a cosy cottage kitchen, complete with kitchen utensils and crockery, where you can watch your drinks getting mixed. While it is not technically a café, it deserves an honourable mention for their amazing espresso martinis! You can get two and a half of them for 30 euros in a moka pot . I would also recommend the Oma’s Apfelkuchen cocktail. Head’s up: the drinks are strong…
All images belong to the author, unless otherwise stated.