Hackbarths

Hackbarth's is the kind of place that feels like Berlin used to be, and maybe still is if you know where to look. Located on the corner of two of Mitte's prettiest streets, this bar has been a reliable presence since just after the fall of the wall, and it shows in the best possible way. The exterior with its velvet curtain doorway pulls you in, and once you're inside, you're greeted by that quintessential Berlin utilitarian glamour—marble countertops, a gold bar that gleams in the sunlight, and an atmosphere that's equal parts old-school charm and laidback cool.

What makes Hackbarth's special is how it manages to be everything at once: a morning coffee spot for locals, an afternoon beer garden for tourists who want something real, and a late-night hangout for everyone else. The regulars are chatty and welcoming, the drinks list is endless, and even the coffee is strong enough to wake the dead. You'll find yourself staying longer than planned, ordering that second drink because the man in the corner reading a newspaper looks like he was born here, and somehow you're part of his world now.

It's not a sexy Berlin bar—you won't find Instagram-worthy cocktails or DJ sets here—but that's exactly the point. This is where you go when you want to feel like you're actually in Berlin, not just visiting it. The prices are moderate, the atmosphere is fantastic, and if you're lucky, you'll catch someone ordering a Tegernsee beer on tap or a glass of wine that hits different when you're taking a break from wandering around. Cash only, smoking allowed inside, and open from morning until 3 AM. Perfect for a lowkey Friday night out.