Address: Geist im Glas, Lenaustraße 27, 12047 Berlin, Germany
Website: geistimglas.de
Tier
Weserstraße, Neukölln’s nightlife street, is known for its high concentration of unpretentious “living room bars,” and Tier is emblematic of them: think low-slung, mismatched vintage tables, chairs clustered together, and plenty of candles. As for the drinks, expect incredible, inventive cocktails at New York speakeasy standards – the menu features options for timid drinkers as well as the more adventurous. “Tier” means “animal,” by the way – after a few of these concoctions, don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Address: Tier, Weserstr. 42, 12045 Berlin, Germany
Website: tier.bar
Nailya Bikmurzina/Courtesy Muted Horn
Muted Horn
Muted Horn’s quiet location next to a discount grocery belies the complexity – and quantity – of its offerings. After passing under a pink neon sign, you’ll enter a space dominated by a massive bar with 22 wall-mounted taps that pour local and guest brews, as well as fridges holding more than 100 kinds of bottles. Minimalist high-top tables and chairs squeeze in across the bar, with sofas and lower-slung tables available for cosying up. If you don’t know much about craft beer, feel free to chat up the bartender or, better yet, a fellow patron – it’s a friendly crowd.
Address: Muted Horn, Flughafenstraße 49, 12053 Berlin, Germany
Website: themutedhorn.com
Mr. Susan
After heading down a short and steep flight of stairs, you’ll enter a softly lit, peacock-blue drinking den made welcoming with wood floors and a star-patterned ceiling. Choose between booths, high tops, or velvet sofas – there’s an option for everyone, whether you’re on an intimate date or getting together with friends. Despite being stylish, it remains cosy and low-key: It ticks the boxes between friendly service, great cocktails, and a setting that’s just steps away from Museuminsel, the Jewish Quarter, boutique shopping, and other Mitte district tourist must-dos. Cocktails are punchy and vibrant, with the signature drinks often incorporating nods to the owner’s Korean heritage through the use of ingredients like gochujang syrup, soju, and kimchi juice. While you can definitely get a standard Old Fashioned here – and it will be a delicious one – Mr Susan rewards those who want to explore playful taste profiles that go beyond the usual. Plus, these might be some of the friendliest bartenders in Berlin.
