While neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain normally steal the spotlight for Berlin nightlife, some of the best bars in Berlin are in Prenzlauer Berg.
A neighborhood that was once the place to be for underground nightlife after the fall of the wall is now known for its bohemian charm. From beloved local establishments to hidden gems, the bars in Prenzlauer Berg have carved out their own niches. You’ll find cozy cocktail lounges boasting an impressive collection of classic and creative concoctions, mixed by passionate bartenders who take pride in their craft.
If you’re in the mood for a lively atmosphere, there are bars and pubs where you can mingle with locals and fellow travelers. While it’s not an overtly touristic neighborhood there are plenty of expats calling this kiez (neighborhood) home, so you’ll meet people from all over the world in Prenzlauer Berg.
Best Bars in Berlin (Prenzlauer Berg)
Lamm Bar
Now I might be a little biased due to the fact that I lived across the street from Lamm bar when it first opened, but this is by far my favorite bar in Prenzlauer Berg. It has an industrial decor and bohemian vibe with an outdoor patio lit with fairy lights.
The craft cocktails can be ordered in two sizes and the menu changes often, always with something new and experimental that always ends up delighting. It’s a great place to go with a couple of friends for a casual night out. The crowd is usually fashionable and friendly.
Kink
While Kink is also a restaurant, the cocktails hold their own. They make both the classics and have an experimental menu of craft cocktails that never disappoint.
Kink truly is a trendy and urban dining and drinking experience, thanks to it being located in the former Pfefferberg brewery compound, which has been transformed into a cultural venue. It feels like you’ve left the business of the streets surrounding and stepped out of Berlin for a second. Along with having a unique location, the interior design is unlike anything else in Berlin. If it’s warm there’s a large patio in the complex that has lanterns hanging in trees. The prices are more upscale but it’s definitely a cool place to go if you’re into design or expertly crafted cocktails.
Badfish
Badfish is a laid-back bar that primarily plays rock music. This bar felt more like the bars I was used to back home (Milwaukee) minus the fact that it’s candle lit. It’s a no-fuss kind of place that’s not trying to be something it’s not.
They have a great selection of craft beer and make a mean bloody mary. There’s plenty of space, and people stand around (a rarity in Berlin bars that are primarily seated) so it’s a good place to go if you have a group of people who enjoy a dive bar vibe.
Becketts Kopf
Becketts Kopf Bar is a speakeasy that makes exceptional cocktails. Stepping into this establishment feels like stepping back in time to the era of Prohibition, with its intimate and atmospheric setting.
Each drink is meticulously prepared using high-quality ingredients, they have an extensive menu of spirits, and techniques that elevate the flavors to new heights.
The bar’s decor exudes a vintage charm, with dim lighting, cozy seating, and an air of mystery. It creates an ambiance that is perfect for intimate conversations and enjoying the company of friends or loved ones.
Rhinoçéros
If you fancy yourself an audiophile, this a small jazz bar in Berlin should be on top of your list. It’s a hidden gem that you need to know, to know. It has an iconic vintage sound system plays exclusively vinyl records.
They host “Listening Sessions” where music is played to a seated audience. To enhance the experience and respect the ambiance, speaking or using electronic devices during these sessions is not permitted.
The bar’s focus lies in artisan wines, classic drinks, and a variety of delicious snacks. While Japanese whiskies take center stage, Rhinoçéros also offers a selection of American, French, Irish, Scottish, and even Brandenburg whiskies to cater to diverse preferences.
Marietta Café-Bar
This little Berlin bar is the perfect balance of cozy bar and Berlin living room aesthetic. It’s a very laid-back vibe with a cool crowd, it’s very popular with the LGBTQ+ community and the bartenders are friendly (that’s not a given in Berlin).
In the summertime, they keep some tables outside and it’s located on one of the most lively streets in Prenzlauerberg so the people-watching is always great.
X-Bar
A best bars in Berlin list wouldn’t be complete without X-bar. This beloved institution that’s been around since the early 90s, makes some of the best cocktails in the city, plus it offers a chocolate fountain for the tables with a huge plate of fruit for dipping at just 6 euros a person.
The vibe is super cozy with dim lighting, a wooden bar, and fringed wall hangings. It’s a great spot to go for a date night or for getting cozy in winter.
8MM
For those seeking an unforgettable dive into Berlin’s music scene, 8MM Bar stands as a testament to the city’s enduring underground spirit of Berlin. I
Its leather-laden regulars might seem a little intimidating but don’t let that stop you from stepping inside. The bar is uniquely Berlin and if you like rock and alternative music, it should definitely be hit while you’re in the city.
Sorsi e Morsi
While most bars in Berlin aren’t inherently welcoming, Sorsi e Morsi is extremely friendly— but it’s not exactly a Berliner bar. It’s a wine bar that’s owned and operated by an Italian ex-pat, bringing the warmth of Italian hospitality to Prenzlauer Berg.
Whenever I go to this bar I end up chatting with the tables next to me, and making new friends—making it a great place to go if you want to meet some Berlin locals or if you’re on a solo trip and want to mingle.
Wohnzimmerbar
The epitome of the Berliner aesthetic Wohnzimmer which means living room in German, is exactly what it sounds like, it’s made to be as cozy as if you’re in your grandma’s living room while still somehow coming across as chic.
This is a favorite with the locals of Prenzlauer Berg and a usual meet-up spot for a beer or a spritz. It’s nothing fancy, but everyone loves it.
Kapitalist
Another kiez favorite is Kapitalist, a typical Berliner vibe with exposed stone walls, graffiti, and stickers everywhere but still comes across as trendy and cool thanks to the crowd, good music, and friendly staff.
It’s a cozy bar to grab a glass of wine in the winter or sit outside with a spritz in the summertime. Located on Oderberstraße near the historic Oderberger Hotel.
An Einem Sonntag im August
If there’s one thing I love, it’s a cafe that turns into a lively bar in the evening, and An Einem Sonntag im August is just that. Located right on the corner of Kastanienallee and Eberswalderstraße, two of the most lively streets in the neighborhood and a hub for the Ubahn and Two Tram Lines there’s always action to see.
The atmosphere inside the bar is unmatched with a vintage feel and a huge disco ball, typically having a DJ most evenings. There’s cozy seating, a separate smoking area, and stadium seating for if all the tables are taken.
