• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

Solar (Map; 0163-765 2700; www.solar-berlin.de; Stresemannstrasse 76) The door’s tight, service slow and the cocktails only so-so but the views – oh, the views – really are worth the vertigo-inducing trip aboard an exterior glass lift to this 17th-floor Manhattan wannabe. The entrance is off-street in an ugly high-rise behind the Pit Stop auto shop.

Return to beginning of chapter

Kreuzberg & Kreuzkölln

Ankerklause (Map; 693 5649; Kottbusser Damm 104; from 4pm Mon, from 10am Tue-Sun) This nautical kitsch tavern in an old harbour-master’s shack is a great place for quaffing and waving to the boats puttering along the Landwehrkanal. On Thursdays DJs shower attitude-free party people with disco, indie rock and electro.

Freischwimmer (Map; 6107 4309; Vor dem Schlesischen Tor 2; from 2pm Mon-Fri, from 11am Sat & Sun, winter hr vary) There are few places more idyllic than this rustic ex-boathouse with a sunny terrace floating above a little canal. Come just for drinks, a bite from the global snack menu or Sunday brunch.

Raumfahrer (Map; Hobrechtstrasse 54; from 7pm Mon-Sat) You can’t help but see ‘red’ in this out-there space capsule where drinks may quickly whisk you into Never-Never Land. At this ‘low-fi’ neighbourhood corner of the world, the beer is cold, the vibe whispers ‘good times’ and there’s an easygoing crowd to match.

Kiki Blofeld (Map; Köpenicker Strasse 48/49; from 2pm Mon-Fri, from noon Sat & Sun) A Spree-side rendezvous with Kiki will have you swinging in a hammock, lounging on natural grassy benches, chilling on the riverside beach, waving to passing boats from the wooden deck, catching an offbeat flick or shaking it in an East German army boat patrol bunker.

Würgeengel (Map; 615 5560; Dresdner Strasse 122; from 7pm) For a swanky night out, point the compass to this dimly lit cocktail cave. The interior is pure ’50s with a striking glass ceiling, chandeliers and shiny-black tables. The name, by the way, pays homage to the surreal 1962 Luis Buñuel movie, Exterminating Angel.

Monarch (Map; Skalitzerstrasse 134; from 9pm Tue-Sat) Bonus points if you can find this upstairs bar right away. Tip: the unmarked entrance is next to the Döner shop near the Kaiser’s supermarket. Behind the steamed-up windows awaits an ingenious blend of trashy sophistication infused with bouncy electro, strong drinks and a relaxed vibe.

Möbel Olfe (Map; 6165 9612; Reichenberger Strasse 177; Tue-Sun) An old furniture store has been recast as an always-busy drinking den with cheap libations and a friendly crowd that’s mixed in every respect. Beware: those animal skeletons above the bar get downright trippy after a few Polish beers or high-octane vodkas. Enter from Dresdener Strasse.

San Remo Upflamör (Map; 7407 3088; Falckensteinstrasse 46; 10am-2am) Gather your posse at this laid-back hang-out before heading out into the long Kreuzberg night. If chill clientele, nice waiters, DJ sessions and cold beers won’t get you in party mood, what will? Coffee and cake in the daytime.

Return to beginning of chapter

Friedrichshain

CSA (Map; 2904 4741; Karl-Marx-Allee 96; from 8pm May-Oct, from 7pm Nov-Apr) Friedrichshain’s fanciest bar has been carved out of the former Czechoslovakian national airline office and exudes an ironic Soviet vintage vibe. Dim lights, clear design lines and strong cocktails make this a favourite of the grown-up set. Check out the tables with built-in ash trays.

Kptn A Müller (Map; Simon-Dach-Strasse 32) Ahoy matey, the captain’s in town, bringing much needed relief from this strip’s cookie-cutter cocktail-lounge circuit. Pretensions do not fly at this self-service bar where drinks are cheap (0.5L beer or 0.2L glass of wine €2) and there’s no charge for table football or wi-fi.

Monster Ronson’s Ichiban Karaoke (Map; 8975 1327; Warschauer Strasse 34; from 7pm) Knock back a couple of ‘brewskis’ if you need to loosen your nerves before belting out your best J Lo or Justin at this kooky karaoke joint. Pop Idol wannabes can pick from thousands