Wax On: Stand-out ingredients and unhurried techniques
The menu at Wax One features eight regularly changing specials – four highballs, four classic cocktails, often featuring some unusual ingredients (think home-picked fig leaves and clarified banana juice). There’s certainly no lack of originality here, with a new take on an Old Fashioned made with juicy strawberry and velvety peanut butter. There is also a hoppy lager from Motel Beer and selected natural wines.
- Wax On, Weserstr. 208, Neukölln, get more info here.
Bellboy Bar: Kitschy cocktails galore
At Bellboy, as much attention is put into the look and feel of the space, as the drinks themselves. Expect to be sipping your cocktail of choice from a banana-shaped hip flask or giant seashell. There can also be an interactive side to enjoying a drink at Bellboy, like being served a minty-fresh cocktail in a giant ceramic tooth-shaped cup and a toothbrush topped sweetener for you to mix in. Of course.
- Bellboy, Mohrenstr. 30, Mitte, visit their website here.
Le Balto: Natural wines in Neukölln
Does Neukölln need another natural wine bar? Yes, at least if it hits the mark as tastefully as Le Balto. A small but finely curated selection of wines are accompanied by aperitifs and low-key bar snacks. Wines from Austria, France and the Czech Republic are available on tap and, of course, by the bottle.
- Le Balto, Hobrechtstr. 28, Neukölln, check out their Instagram here.
Frederick’s: Opulent 1920s glam
Frederick’s is all about recreating the glamour and mystique of 1920s Berlin. The interior features expansive murals, crystal chandeliers and huge vintage mirrors. While the cuisine is targeted a little too much at the upmarket tourist crowd, the cocktails and atmosphere of the space are worth a visit in their own right.
- Frederick’s, Bellevuestr. 1, Tiergarten, visit their website here.
Lotte am Zoo: The contemporary kneipe
A contemporary take on the classic neighbourhood kneipe means more than just overpriced craft beer on tap. At Lotte am Zoo, you can enjoy some classic beers with a good old fashioned Leberwurststulle (liverwurst paté on bread) and gherkins. With an approachable atmosphere and down to earth charm, Lotte am Zoo also has a great selection of schnapps and riesling. Prost!
- Lotte am Zoo, Lotte-Lenya-Bogen 547, Charlottenburg, visit their website here.