Wide open spaces
11/2021 - Sahar Saini
After what seems like forever, the outdoor areas of bars, cafés and restaurants in Berlin have finally reopened. Starting in May, guests could enjoy a meal or a drink on their favourite terraces, followed soon by indoor dining reopening in June (with a few key caveats). I’ve put together a list of my favourite terraces, courtyards and rooftop bars that you can still hit before the cold kicks in! Check them out:
I must start this list with my dearest – Klunkerkranich. Its nest is in the beating heart of Neukölln, on the roof of the Neukölln Arcade. I love going there despite their sliiiiiightly overpriced beverage selection (this means a lot coming from someone who survives on €1 beer). I love coming here because I consider it a uniquely Berlin experience. This cultural rooftop garden is host to the most panoramic view of Berlin, all whilst offering a kick-ass DJ program, concerts, cinema and culinary delights.
One of the most atmospheric courtyards in Friedrichshain, the restaurant of Michelberger Hotel has recently reopened its courtyard. Its famed breakfast and brunch will be served once again, complemented by dinner offerings from Tuesday to Saturday. They’re an organic, produce-driven restaurant operating their regenerative food forest outside Berlin, isn’t that something?!
With “vieni, bevi, mangi” as their motto, Piccolo Giardino serves pizza, antipasti, drinks, vino, cocktails and great coffee, all made with a lot of amore. You can enjoy your pizza the way I do, post a shopping spree, paired with a negroni in picturesque Rosenhöfe, close to Hackescher Markt.
A small, modern jazz bar with a big and somehow ever-growing record collection! Built around a beautiful, vintage sound system, they play vinyl only! Their live music is worth checking out on their events calendar. While focusing on Japanese Whiskies, they also serve wines, other classic drinks and an array of delicious snacks that can be enjoyed from their terrace, or super cozy living room with a fireplace!
Dear garden lovers: you’re welcome. “Das Café in der Gartenakademie” directly translates to “The café in the garden academy” and is situated Inside the Königliche Gartenakademie, one of the most beautiful flower shops in Berlin. The café has a special asparagus menu for lunch and a killer cake selection to be enjoyed in their quaint courtyard for an after plants browsing session!
Winter is coming but it isn’t too late, so get on out there and enjoy the last few days of late sunsets! Do remember to check out the websites for all places mentioned above as they can vary in entry requirements at the moment.