The bars to know, by area
| Bar | Area | Atmosphere | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buck and Breck | Mitte | hidden speakeasy, very few seats | couples, signature-cocktail fans |
| Würgeengel | Mitte | retro decor, classic menu | a first night out in Berlin |
| Rum Trader | Charlottenburg | tiny bar, rum specialist | connoisseurs |
| Becketts Kopf | Prenzlauer Berg | seasonal cocktails, dark room | a quiet evening |
| Lebensstern | Kreuzberg | large, relaxed bar | groups of friends |
Opening hours and menus change: check each bar's website before you go.
Which to choose
If you only have one evening, pick a Mitte bar (Buck and Breck or Würgeengel): everything is within reach of the metro. Rum lovers should head to Charlottenburg, anyone after a more relaxed spot to Kreuzberg or Prenzlauer Berg. To learn how they are made, a two-hour cocktail class with a bartender can be booked online.
What to avoid
Bars around Friedrichstraße and Alexanderplatz target tourists and charge more for average cocktails. Do not turn up as a group of 6 to 8 without a booking at a bar with about ten seats. On drinking outdoors, see alcohol in the street in Berlin.
