Big Clubs in Berlin
Lots of people travelling to Germany get that great recommendation of visiting the old bars in Berlin. But what are they? Are they bars, pubs or taverns? Yes, but the German version. These are places where the tradition is super alive. This places have actually survived the war, the empire, the German division of the city, and nowadays the gentrification. So that’s why these places are loaded with local heritage. They have been like this 200 years ago and they will be like this 200 years (fingers crossed).
Historic Berlin bars and the soul of everyday life
So, when you go to a Kneipe, like for example, Klärchen’s Ballhaus, there is a nostalgic air, but it is not a museum, like it’s part of everyday life. The bartenders are always talking, the attendants are always familiar faces. You can join them, but be respectful. It is not a place just to look at, you are there to say something interesting. Kneipes have this cinematic air: old dark wood, polished furniture, a jukebox that still works… But the decor is not for showing up, it is just the way people find it to their taste.
Some guests are every day clients. They go after retirement or after work and it’s part of the myth of the kneipes. Without them, the bar just loses its soul.
Famous old bars in Berlin and traditional beer gardens
One of the very famous is called Prater, and it has been open since 1837. It is also considered the oldest beer garden in Berlin. You can go then in summer, you can drink beer under the castanias, and have a very relaxed afternoon. That’s something very Berlinish. Even if you go to Prater in winter, you will also get the oktoberfest experience. It’s a beer garden with a cultural program.
The atmosphere of traditional Kneipe bars in Berlin
But back to these Kneipes, these are places with low light, very dark wood, mirrors on the wall and small windows. And the bar has a lot of character, everyone has little talks with the bartenders, which usually are old people that have been there their whole life. Kneipes have this strong personality where everything feels natural and honest. There you can also go there during the day to have a quick beer and read something or, or to get in touch with friends after work. It is for every occasion.
Bohemian and bourgeois contrasts in Berlin’s historic pubs
They are also attached to the bohemian artistic spirit. For example, Dickey Vertin is one of these very artistic magnets and it has always been for actors, authors, students in Charlottenburg.
Other names that you should write now is Móeve. Since its origin, a it has been a very low profile, small and honest Kneipe. An amazing place to visit.
If you go to the east, you will have a more bourgeois kind of kenipes, and if you go to the west, you will get the bohemian side with more on the informal Berlin facade.
Food, beer and culture in old Berlin bars
There you can also have a real Sempf (mustard) with amazing Wurst. That’s the classical combo with beer. You can also ask knöchel or some other of the german culinary jewels. These places are not only about drinking, they are about culture, routine, eating and identity. It is a space where everything connects naturally, from the food to the people.
A must in Berlin
So yeah, there’s a lot of, a lot of movement. You can also go there during the day to have a quick beer and read something or, or to get in touch with friends after work. It is for every occasion, but at night it gets filled with characters and we recommend you explore them like a local hitting this place for a life refresh after work.