It’s not just Munich that has a Hofbräuhaus – we’ve got one in Berlin too. But that’s by no means all: Berlin’s pub culture is an integral part of the city’s character and is as diverse as its residents themselves. From traditional Berlin corner pubs to football bars and authentic Irish pubs, we’ve put together a list of the best spots for your night out in Berlin.
Tip 1: Enjoy BRLO – the Berlin original at KASCHK
Like almost no other brand, BRLO epitomises Berlin’s young craft beer movement . The name – pronounced ‘Berlo’ – is derived from the Old Slavic word for Berlin, thus linking history with contemporary beer culture. Since its foundation, BRLO has carved out a firm place on Berlin’s drinks menus with its distinctive beers and regional character.
From pale ale and spicy red ale to seasonal speciality beers and non-alcoholic alternatives, you’ll find a wide range on offer, served directly from twelve taps at the BRLO Brwhouse & Biergarten, the KASCHK beer bar in Mitte ( Linienstraße 40) or at BRLO Charlottenburg , where it’s poured straight into your glass from twelve taps. Make yourselves comfortable on the wide wooden benches in a modern, industrial setting and enjoy!
When: Opening hours vary by location
Where: Three locations in Berlin
Tip 2: Scottish craft beer from the BREWDOGS
James and Martin, the two founders of BREWDOG, have a real success story to tell: frustrated by the British beer market, the pair started brewing in their own garage in 2007 – and from there, in no time at all, managed to become Scotland’s largest independent brewery . Today, the lads have built a global empire with their unique beer creations, which has also found a home in Berlin.
At two BREWDOG branches in Mitte and Marienfelde , you can sample the Scots’ classic and more unusual beer varieties whilst enjoying crispy wings and that quintessentially British vibe.
When: Opening hours vary by location
Where: Three locations in Berlin
Tip 3: Irish pub atmosphere at the Kilkenny Irish Pub on Hackescher Markt
Nestled right on Hackescher Markt, beneath the historic arches of the S-Bahn, the Kilkenny Irish Pub brings a little piece of Ireland to the heart of Berlin. The moment you step inside, you feel as though you’re in a pub in Victorian Dublin: dark wood, copper brewing kettles, cobbled floors and Celtic murals create an authentic and charming atmosphere, where the Guinness, freshly tapped from the barrel, tastes twice as good.
On top of that , there’s the eponymous Kilkenny Red Ale, fresh cider, a wide range of international beers, a fine selection of whiskies – and, to top it all off, a genuine Irish experience. Live music, sports broadcasts and a lively crowd make the Kilkenny Pub one of Berlin’s most popular venues, and not just amongst the Irish.
Tip: At Murphy Pubs, you’ll also find a typical Irish atmosphere by the Spree and at Checkpoint Charlie (Zimmerstraße 19 & Schiffbauerdamm 1) – with a lively regular crowdand traditional live music – the latter even every evening!
When: Daily from 10 am to midnight, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 am
Where: Am Zwirngraben 17–20, Mitte
Tip 4: Kölsch, photos of chancellors and carnival at the Ständige Vertretung
The Ständige Vertretung on Schiffbauerdamm is more than just a pub – it’s a cult political venue with a Rhineland heart. The name is a nod to the Federal Republic of Germany’s Permanent Mission to the GDR, which was based in East Berlin from 1974 until reunification. Instead of diplomatic efforts, Gaffel Kölsch is now served in slender glasses across the bar.
This is accompanied by Rhineland classics such as Flönz, Sauerbraten or Himmel un Ääd. The walls are covered from floor to ceiling with photos of politicians and carnival personalities, and the clientele ranges from visitors to Berlin to Members of the Bundestag. Situated right on the banks of the Spree, this pub enchants you with a pub experience usually found only in Cologne: loud, lively and warm.
When: Daily from 11 am to 1 am
Where: Schiffbauerdamm 8, Mitte
Tip 5: Discover the Lemke Brewery at Hackescher Markt
Immerse yourselves in Berlin’s vibrant beer culture and enjoy a freshly tapped Lemke beer in an atmospheric setting! Here you’ll experience an evocative blend of traditional brewing craftsmanship and modern Berlin flair. Situated right next to Hackescher Markt, the Lemke Brewery is centrally located, easy to get to and ideal for kicking off a fun-filled evening or rounding off the day in style.
Insider tip: Try the seasonal speciality beers – there are often creative varieties available exclusively here. Perfect for a convivial evening in good company – and perhaps you’ll fancy moving on to the next spot afterwards? You’ll find other Lemke branches at Charlottenburg Palace on Luisenplatz 1 or at Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 13. Freshly brewed Lemke beer is available from the brewery shop Monday to Friday between 1 pm and 6 pm at Rochstraße 6.
When: Monday to Saturday from 12 noon to 11.30 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 10 pm
Where: S-Bahnbogen 143, Dircksenstraße, Mitte
Tip 6: Berlin’s beer culture meets pub atmosphere at The Castle
With its move from Wedding to Mitte, The Castle Pub hasn’t reinvented itself, but has simply evolved a little – whilst retaining its genuine Berlin neighbourhood charm. At this popular pub on Invalidenstraße, you’ll find 20 taps and a drinks menu featuring classics such as Guinness, Kilkenny and Pils, as well as a rotating selection of craft beer specialities.
As well as the drinks, the ambience is spot on: warm wooden tones, cosy booths and a sunny beer garden that invites up to 200 guests to enjoy a pint al fresco. From 8 am, there’s coffee and croissants, followed later by light snacks such as pastrami sandwiches and pizza. The Castle Pub combines an international passion for beer with down-to-earth Berlin charm – making it a lively meeting place for anyone who loves beer and socialising.
When: Monday to Thursday 3 pm to 1 am, Friday and Saturday 3 pm to 2 am, Sunday 1 pm to midnight
Where: Invalidenstraße 129, Mitte
Tip 7: The wide world of whisky at the Union Jack
Not far from Savignyplatz, Berlin’s first traditional English pub awaits you in Charlottenburg: the Union Jack. The speciality and expertise here is whisky – and there are over 1,000 varieties on the menu: from Scottish classics to American bourbon and Japanese rarities, they’ve got it all. But you’ll also find other classics from the UK behind the bar here.
Guinness, Kilkenny and cider are served fresh from the tap – in an atmosphere of dark wood and authentic British cosiness. Anyone wishing to delve deeper into the world of fine spirits can take part in regular tastings or simply seek advice from the bar team. Small snacks such as chilli, soup or crisps provide the perfect accompaniment. The Union Jack is simply made for long conversations and a slightly deeper look into the glass …
When: Sunday to Wednesday from 6 pm, Thursday to Saturday from 4 pm
Where: Schlüterstraße 15, Charlottenburg
Tip 8: Pub atmosphere and club culture all in one at Birgit & Bier
Birgit & Bier on Kreuzberg’s Schleusenufer is one of those places you’ll only find in Berlin: by day, a beer garden with neighbourhood charm; by night, an open-air club with a festival atmosphere. Amidst colourfully painted wooden benches, old bumper cars, disco balls and the remains of a merry-go-round, a unique atmosphere emerges that feels like a cross between a pub and an old funfair.
You can order your beer at your leisure at the bar, settle down comfortably on the vintage sofas and enjoy a Neapolitan stone-baked pizza . As the sun goes down, things gradually get livelier on the premises: on several dance floors, a rotating line-up of DJs spin house, techno or 80s tunes, and the crowd gets into the dancing mood. The perfect spot for evenings when you simply can’t decide between the bar stools and the dance floor!
When: Monday to Thursday 4 pm to 2 am, Friday 2 pm to 3 am, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 6 am
Where: Schleusenufer 3, Kreuzberg
Tip 9: Draught beer, good conversation and a digital detox at Möve in the Felsenkeller
The Möve im Felsenkeller is one of those pubs that have retained their very own charm over the decades and are still regarded today as true Berlin originals . Located on Akazienstraße in Schöneberg, this narrow, wood-panelled bar welcomes you with subdued lighting, an authentic atmosphere and eight carefully selected draught beers.
There’s no music here, nor any slot machines or screens – but you’ll strike up a conversation in no time at all, something you rarely experience these days. The colourful mix of patrons brings together regulars, artists, neighbours and beer-lovers of all ages. If you’re looking for an authentic Schöneberg pub experience, you’ll find a place to call home at the Möve – and you’re guaranteed to come back!
When: Daily except Sundays, from 4 pm to midnight
Where: Akazienstraße 2, Schöneberg
Tip 10: Football, Pilsner and chips at Tante Käthe
Fancy a bit of football after a long stroll through Mauerpark? Then good old Tante Käthe is just the place – arguably one of the most popular football pubs in Prenzlauer Berg. Situated right at the end of the park, it’s housed in a cosy, old-Berlin-style brick building, where five screens showing sports matches , table football, darts boards and wonderfully chilled draught beers await you.
In the summer months, the pub opens up at the back onto a spacious beer garden, where you can cheer on your favourite teams from beer benches beneath the dense canopy of trees whilst enjoying chips and currywurst – with a barbecue area and a direct view of the screen, it’s a true paradise for football fans.
When: Monday and Thursday 5 pm to 1 am, Friday 6 pm to 3 am, Saturday 12 noon to 3 am, Sunday 12 noon to 11 pm, closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Where: Bernauerstraße 63–64, Prenzlauer Berg
Tip 11: Subculture for 30 years at Eschschloraque
Since its founding in the early 1990s, the Eschschloraque in Haus Schwarzenberg has been an integral part of Berlin’s alternative cultural scene. Tucked away in a second rear courtyard near the Hackesche Höfe, the bar and adjoining club room offer an atmosphere that has remained true to its original character to this day. The interior consists of second-hand furniture, industrial lighting and art installations, which lend the space a distinctive character.
So if you’re looking for a Berlin time capsule where delicious cocktails await instead of dust, this is exactly the place for you. During the day, the Eschschloraque serves as a quiet retreat and café; in the evenings, its doors open for live concerts, DJ sets and performances. The musical programme is experimental, genre-agnostic and – just like the audience – a far cry from the mainstream.
When: Daily from 2 pm
Where: Rosenthaler Straße 39, Mitte
