10 Great Places to Experience the Best Beer in Berlin – 2024 Guide
One of the questions I’m frequently asked on my tours is “where should I go for the best beer in Berlin?” And honestly, Berlin is a paradise for beer lovers. From cozy pubs (Kneipes) to innovative craft beer bars and microbreweries, this city has it all.
A Little History on Beer in Berlin
Before diving into my top picks for the best places to drink beer in Berlin, let's take a brief look at the history. In Germany, all beer must comply with the “German Beer Purity Law” (Reinheitsgebot), dating back to 1515.
This ensures that every Berlin beer you taste is rooted in a tradition spanning over five centuries.
Find my favourite beer spots with my Berlin Beer Map
Where are the Berlin Beer Halls?
While Berlin isn't famous for its beer halls – those are more of a Bavarian staple – it boasts an endless variety of pubs (Kneipes), craft beer bars, microbreweries, and shops that can satisfy any beer drinker. Each spot offers a unique experience, whether you're looking for a traditional German brew or something more modern and experimental.
1. Hofbräuhaus: A Taste of Bavaria in Berlin
When you think of German stereotypes, you’re thinking of Bavaria. This is not at all a local’s place, but it’s somewhere you can experience Bavarian culture right in the centre of Berlin. Berliners will hate to admit it, but the Hofbräuhaus offers an authentic German beer experience - think huge, 1-litre beers - with a Munich touch.
2. Hopfenreich
Situated in Kreuzberg, Hopfenreich claims to be Berlin's first craft beer bar and continues to delight with a fantastic selection of local and international beers. There’s also a little hedgehog on the bar, which is wonderfully cute.
3. Wegbier from a Späti: Berlin's Unique Beer Culture
Yes, you can drink on the street in Berlin! Grab a Wegbier (beer for the road) from a local Späti (off-license or bottle shop) and enjoy Berlin's laid-back drinking culture. Don't worry, beer is cheap in Berlin, this is the locals do it (really), so you can enjoy excellent German beer without breaking the bank.
4. Biererei Bar & Vintage Cellar: Craft Beer Heaven
For those seeking extraordinary craft beers, this place is a gem. With an ever-changing menu, it's a craft beer lover's paradise. Sample beers from micro breweries all over Germany, from the traditional to the “one will do”. This is located on Oranienstrasse in Kreuzberg, which is an area filled with excellent boozers should you want a change of scenery.
5. Prater Garten: Berlin's Oldest Beer Garden
Nestled in Prenzlauer Berg, Prater Garten is an idyllic spot for enjoying locally brewed beer in a historic setting. With iconic yellow benches, huge trees, and a busy yet laid-back atmosphere, there are few places I’d rather be than Prater on a Summer’s evening.
6. Eschenbräu: Local Flavours in Wedding
This is a real hidden gem. Berliners won’t like me for sharing this one with you! Known for its on-site brewed beer and vibrant atmosphere, Eschenbräu is a testament to Berlin's thriving beer culture. You’ll find it in Berlin’s northern, historically working class district of Wedding. This is a part of town that often goes unexplored by visitors, but you’ll see that it’s well worth it. Just watch out for the outdoor section closing at 10pm!
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7. Lemke am Alex: Chic and Classic
A recent renovation has made Lemke am Alex one of the nicest places to grab a pint (well, a half-litre) in the middle of Berlin. It’s right next to Alexanderplatz train station and the iconic TV Tower, the beer’s good, and you can get decent German food to go with it.
8. BrewDog Frankfurter Tor: Modern Meets Historic
Offering a range of German craft beers in a historic setting, BrewDog is a nod to Berlin's eclectic beer scene. I know British readers will turn their noses up at going to a BrewDog - we have those at home! This is worth it though. First, they have tons of German craft beers, second (and most importantly to me) this BrewDog is inside the magnificent buildings of Karl-Marx-Allee in old communist East Berlin.
The lads at BrewDog kept plenty of the original ‘50s fixtures and fittings, so it’s well worth a look., and you don’t have to feel guilty.
9. Oberbaumeck: For the Love of Football and Beer
A great spot to enjoy a beer while watching football, capturing the authentic spirit of Berlin.
On the corner next to Schlesisches Tor U-Bahn station is a cracking little pub, the Oberbaumeck. I go there to drink Jever (which a lot of people don’t like because they’re wrong). It’s a cool place any night of the week, but if you go when Union Berlin are playing you’ll catch an amazing vibe.
Top Tip: Play Kicker (table football) and lose miserably to the Germans, who are unfathomably good.
10. Schwarzes Cafe: 24/7 Beer Heaven
The Schwarzes Cafe is a legendary establishment: open 24 hours! Step inside and enter a great pub with a ‘90s Berlin vibe. An oasis of awesome in the otherwise prim and proper Charlottenburg neighbourhood. They serve all day breakfast, too.
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And yes, we can hit a beer garden afterwards!
