For those of you who’ve been following us for a while, you know we’re craft beer lovers and take it as a challenge to track down the best local craft beer establishments wherever we are at the time.

In the summer of 2022, we spent six weeks enjoying (amongst other things) as much craft beer in Berlin as possible.

Better late than never, here are our favorite craft beer bars in Berlin, followed by those we’ve yet to get to.

But first a few facts…

History of Craft Beer in Berlin

Craft Beer Bars in Berlin We’ve Visited

 Never in our wildest dreams did we think there would be so many places for craft beer in Berlin. So we’ve divided the bars and outlets into districts so you can sample a few in one outing.

Favorite Craft Beer Bars in Neukölln

We got to visit quite a few of the craft beer bars in ‘alternative’ Neukölln during a 3-week stay. Neukölln is southeast of the city and butts up to Kreuzberg. It is known for its international feel and is home to many hip bars and cafes. In retrospect, it was one of the best places to start our exploration of Berlin’s best craft beer.

Lager-Lager

This popular bolt-hole outlet became our ‘local’ as it was a 5-minute walk from our apartment. They had a great selection of craft beers from several Berlin microbreweries on tap and a more extensive bottled selection in the fridge.

Excellent service, reasonably priced, and a tasty bar food menu to go with your craft beer if you need it. The regulars are a very international crowd, and you’re more likely to find yourself talking to an Aussie or Kiwi than a German.

Situated on a leafy, cobbled street, there are a few outside tables on the footpath for people-watching with a craft ale, a real treat in Neukölln. 

Along with a changing draft beer selection, they also have packed fridges with an excellent selection of bottles and cans to drink in or take away.

Address: Pflügerstraße 68, 12047 Berlin, Germany

Location:  https://goo.gl/maps/E26FDqpAT1w4wZJa7

Kauz & Kiebitz

We stumbled upon this cute little place one day when Lager Lager was closed.

It has a nice outdoor seating area out the front, good service, and a tasty craft beer selection.

Not only is this a good spot for craft beer in Neukölln, but the adjoining building (accessed through a secret door) is one of the remaining speakeasies in Berlin. Just follow the pig trotters on the floor.

Address: Reuterstraße 47, 12047 Berlin, Germany

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/bZsnCLKPwqv4mYNz6

Favorite Craft Beer Bars in Kreuzberg

During our stay, we had plenty of time to explore some of the craft beer bars in Kreuzberg, the next district over from Neukölln. Once the poorest area in West Berlin, it’s now quite gentrified and a hub for the art scene. There are dozens (and dozens) of excellent cafes, restaurants, and bars, including some of the coolest craft beer bars in Berlin.

Heidenpeters

Tucked up in the back corner of Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg, this small, dimly-lit outlet is a great place to sit and enjoy food from one of the many other market stalls. Or pick up your beer and take it to your chosen dining area.

With the smell of dozens of different food stalls cooking and the festive atmosphere, it’s easy to get stuck there for a while.

The bar has a small surcharge for your glass, which you get back when you return it.

Address: Markethalle Neun. Eisenbahnstraße 42/43, 10997 Berlin, Germany

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/EyS1yGi73p78Xrrr6

Hopfenreich

Bedecked in graffiti and hundreds of random stickers and located on a lively corner just down from Markthalle Neun, this popular little corner bar in Kreuzberg has 22 craft beers on tap plus an excellent selection of bottles. The name translates to ‘Hoppy’ in English, and I’m betting that’s the name of the hedgehog that sits on the cash register.

The small intersection on which it sits is a great place to sit and watch the world go by with a delicious Berlin craft beer.

Address: Sorauer Str. 31, 10997 Berlin, Germany

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/NFYaFqPsdNEBdvvSA

Biererei Bar & Vintage Cellar

One of the more upmarket craft beer bars in Kreuzberg, this modern bar is right in the middle of one of its liveliest streets. Don’t worry if your friends don’t like craft beer (God forbid!!) as this place has a good selection of wines along with great brews. You can also buy an extensive range of bottled and canned craft beer to take away.

Address: Oranienstraße 185, 10999 Berlin, Germany

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/YAbNmra62Z3mibfv9

Favorite Craft Beer Bars in Friedrichshain

Another short hop from both Neukölln and Kreuzberg, this district is filled with trendy cafes, restaurants, and, yes, you guessed it … craft beer bars!

Handy tip: Visit the lively fleamarket at Raw Gelande on Saturday, then wander over for a beer at one or more of these excellent craft beer bars in Friedrichshain.

Hops and Barley

Loaded with character and located in an old butcher shop complete with the original tilework, this small, centrally-located craft beer bar in Friedrichshain serves up some pretty tasty ales at reasonable prices. You know it’s craft as some o the brewing equipment fits in the bar!

There’s a great vibe about the place as you sit and soak up the local atmosphere. Don’t forget to try their in-house IPA.

Get there fast if you want to sit on the street, as outdoor seating is limited on the narrow footpath.

Address: Wühlischstraße 22/23, 10245 Berlin, Germany

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/fpsQYVcUtpXNkrip9

Protokoll

Mmmmmm. Located a few blocks from Hops and Barley, we returned a few times. My (Shazz) favorite craft beer in Berlin was their Simcoe IPA.

With over 22 beers on tap from local and international microbreweries to choose from and pub grub available, this trendy street-side establishment is in a great area surrounded by plenty of restaurants and takeaways. If you can’t decide what you want, ask the bar staff to pour you a tasting board so you can try a selection.

Address: Boxhagener Str. 110, 10245 Berlin, Germany

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/UyxUxDd8bAUFgD1K9

Favorite Craft Beer Bars in Prenzlauer Berg

We spent three weeks in Prenzlauer Berg after our stint in Neukölln. Compared with the ‘earthy’ southern district, the breweries and bars serving craft beer in Prenzlauer Berg were a bit more upmarket. But they still had plenty of character and good-quality, reasonably-priced craft beers.

Birra – Italian Craft Beer

We were unaware the Italians made a decent craft beer. But we were soon enlightened after a visit to this informal craft beer bar in Prenzlauer Berg. Sit outside on the terrace, or grab a seat near the window ( if it’s cool,) and watch the world go by as you enjoy some excellent Italian craft beers.

Note: It doesn’t open until six most evenings. So, we managed to walk straight past it several times, looking for 5 o’clock beers as it wasn’t that easy to see when closed.

Address: Prenzlauer Allee 198, 10405 Berlin, Germany

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/RdmSoWVnkXY1wgGZ8

Bräugier BrewPub

This craft brewpub in Prenslauer Berg is a little off the main street but worth seeking out for its excellent range of beers brewed artisanally in small quantities by the owner.

Address: Stubbenkammerstraße 6, 10437 Berlin, Germany

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Cy1N66jM46CV2aRd8

Manifest Taproom

ust down from Maur Park on the western edge of Prenzlauer Berg, amongst dozens of lively cafes and restaurants, you’ll find one of the comfiest bars for craft beer in Berlin.

They have several areas with different seating styles for various group sizes. We chose the comfortable couches with a great view of the street.

Over 20 craft beers on tap ensure you can select from a fine stable of beers on every visit. Rather than a name, each beer is christened with a number. Manifest also serves up decent bar food with a menu featuring huge, US-style deli sandwiches to accompany the range of their mouth-watering Berlin craft beers. (This is where I first tasted the Protokoll Simcoe IPA.)

Address: Oderberger Str. 15, 10435 Berlin, Germany

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/iB4XPnP3YhM6DAfq5

The Monterey Bar

Favorite Craft Beer Bars in Mitte (Central Berlin)

Huge, busy Mitte is Berlin’s central borough, and home to many of its popular tourist attractions such as the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, and Hackescher Markt area.

The majority of tourists spend much of their time in Berlin Mitte; many never leave its perimeter.

Kaschk by BRLO

Kaschk by BRLO is an outlet for the range of popular BRLO craft beers. This trendy craft beer bar in Mitte is a great stop after a hard day ‘touristing’ in the city centre. It has a decent range of beers on tap to wash down the tasty tapas menu.

Address: Linienstraße 40, 10119 Berlin, Germany

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/jtoToEnPFCbj47tF7

Craft Beer Bars in Berlin Still on the Wishlist

So you’ve seen the ones we did get to. The following list contains the ones that are still on our wishlist. I think we need to get back to Berlin soon, don’t you?

As with the previous section, we’ve organized the bars into the various districts around Berlin.

More Craft Beer Bars in Neukölln

Muted Horn

Unfortunately, we didn’t get here as it was on the other side of Neukölln to where we stayed. But it looks pretty cool. If you visit, let us know your thoughts in the comments so we can update this listing.

Address: Flughafenstraße 49, 12053 Berlin, Germany

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/LW8ArqbWDEiuyPsX9

More Craft Beer Bars in Kreuzberg

BRLO Brwhouse

While we did enjoy BRLO craft beer at their outlet Katsch in Mitte (see above), we didn’t get to the main BRLO brewhouse in Kreuzberg. The massive construction, built from 38 upcycled shipping containers, produces a range of craft beers brewed on-site. The company combines great beer with gastronomy, offering a seasonal shared plate menu that pairs perfectly with its brews. During the winter their outdoor beer garden closes and they open a curling rink. You can find the brewhouse near the Gleisdreieck subway station. (Note: The shipping container design for the brewery complex has won multiple design and architecture awards, so there’s an additional incentive to head there for a visit.)

Address: Schöneberger Str. 16, 10963 Berlin, Germany

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yzrerwLwwsxj3Sqv8

Dolden Mädel Braugasthaus

Dolden Mädel Braugasthaus is part of the Ratsherrn family brewery. Originating in Hamburg, the Ratsherrn family prides itself on producing fresh and sustainable beers with local ingredients. The Berlin location opened in 2015. This is one craft beer bar in Berlin that we won’t miss next time.

Along with an extensive selection of craft beers on tap and in bottles, the Braugasthaus also has an excellent menu showcasing regional specialties. They use all premium ingredients in their food, including beef from their own organic farm, LandWert.

Address: Mehringdamm 80, 10965 Berlin, Germany

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UQjeyZMtsatQixNY6

Brauhaus Südstern

Brauhaus Südstern is a popular brewpub in Berlin’s Kreuzberg District. It produces its own fresh beer in four different varieties – Bright Star, Dark Star, Stern Weisse, and Orangutan Ale. The Brewhouse has a spacious restaurant, a beer garden, a terrace, and a stage for events and live music. If you get hungry it serves traditional German cuisine as well as vegetarian options. You can find  Brauhaus Südstern close by Hasenheide park, which means “the rabbit heath” in English.

Address: Hasenheide 69, 10967 Berlin, Germany

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CXhpxNTJGkDsBNnX6

More Craft Beer Bars in Prenzlauer Berg

Zum Starken August

 If you’re in the mood for something different, Zum Starken August is an event café and bar with a circus atmosphere.  As well as cocktails, and German beers they also serve a good range of craft beers on tap and in bottles and cans.

This place is definitely one of the most unique bars in Berlin as you can watch a variety of shows, such as cabaret, burlesque, comedy, and live music while enjoying a decent beer.

Address: Schönhauser Allee 56, 10437 Berlin, Germany

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jQQeXoJtwxnQSK4h8

More Craft Beer Bars in Mitte

Brewdog

A slick, modern, worldwide brewing phenomenon, you can now find Brewdog (from Scotland) in many European cities, including two outlets in Berlin. In our opinion, the Elvis Juice is the best in their range. They have a good food menu, too. We had too many other choices for craft beer in Berlin to bother visiting. Having sampled them in several cities, their products are consistent in all locations.

Address: Ackerstraße 29, 10115 Berlin, Germany

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/34jmTaTokj5iHbN79

Brauhaus Lemke 

Brewing since 1999, Brauhaus Lemke is one of the oldest craft breweries in Berlin. You can find them in three locations: Hackescher Markt, Charlottenburg Palace, and the Biermeisterei in Berlin-Mitte. (Incredibly, you can also find them in Teneriffe and Mongolia!!!) The company brews various types of beers with regional ingredients. A look at their menu shows everything from typical German beer styles like wheat beers and pilseners, through to West Coast IPAs and American Pale Ale. 

All three locations offer a range of German cuisine. Brauhaus Lemke also conducts brewery tours and beer tastings in both German and English. https://shop.lemke.berlin/pages/brauereifuehrungen

Addresses: 

BIERMEISTEREI by Lemke – BRAUEREI, BBQ & GRILL: Karl-Liebknecht-Str.13, 10178 BERLIN

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VuGwt6K8iiMKMLmw9

DAS LEMKE – BRAUEREI & DEUTSCHE KÜCHE: S-Bahnbogen 143, Dircksenstraße, 10178 Berlin, Germany

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AimuBTrpLoomCVJV6

Craft Beer Bars in Wedding

Vagabund Brauerei

Vagabund Brauerei was founded in 2011 by three beer-loving American friends – Matt Walthall, David Spengler, and Tom Crozier and is one of the most popular independent breweries and craft beer places in Berlin. It’s also one of the few that has a brewery tour and tastings. The company brews a variety of styles, from Belgian ales to double IPAs, and uses both local and imported ingredients. You can visit their huge new ‘Kesselhaus ‘- (boiler house)  in Wedding. There you’ll find their brewhouse, bar, beer garden, and event space and have the opportunity to try a rotating selection of excellent draught and bottled beers. While we tried some of their brews we, unfortunately, didn’t get out to the taproom. not surprisingly, it’s high on our list of watering holes to visit on our next trip to Berlin.

Address: Oudenarder Str. 16-20, 13347 Berlin, Germany

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EzCJAareVh5v4jui9

Brauerei Eschenbräu

Brauerei Eschenbräu is a brewery and pub in the Wedding District of Berlin, Germany. It produces locally brewed, unfiltered, traditional beers that are only available on-site, directly from the barrel or tank. The brewery follows the traditional methods of beer making, so you won’t find any hazy IPAs, chilli-chocolate porters, or imperial stout here.  But they do make a whiskey which is meant to be very good and a Kirsch (Sweet Sour Cherry Brandy) which has won awards. The beer garden is hugely popular with Berliners in good weather.

Address: Triftstraße 67, 13353 Berlin, Germany

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NppSSLvjx9HBBin7A

Craft Beer Bars in Pankow

Two Fellas Brewery

Two Fellas Brewery is a pub and brewpub founded by two American expats who wanted to share their passion for craft beer with the local community. Fellas Brewery offers a variety of beers on tap, such as IPAs, stouts, porters, and sours.

Their menu is typically American with pizzas, burgers, and bar snacks available. The pub also hosts events like trivia nights, live music, and comedy shows. 

Address: Mühlenstraße 30, 13187 Berlin, Germany

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/L2i1tFcGeoB8nETL8

Craft Beer Bars in Charlottenburg

Brauhaus Lemke

Brauhaus Lemke, which we talked about above, also has a bar and restaurant right near the massive Charlottenburg Castle, making it the perfect place to refresh after your visit.

LEMKE AM SCHLOSS – Luisenpl. 1, 10585 Berlin, Germany

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2CRLenjd6ZKBNHzm9

So there you go—plenty of choice for partaking in excellent craft beer in Berlin. Having witnessed the popularity of this new beer scene,  we’re sure that the numbers will expand to meet the ever-increasing demand.

So please tell us if we’ve missed one of your favorites in the comments, and we’ll make sure we get around to visit next time we’re in Berlin.

You can find this article, along with loads of others on exploring Berlin, over on GPSMyCity

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