OUR FAVOURITE BARS FOR CRAFT BEER IN BERLIN
If you’re a fan of craft beer, then look no further than Berlin. The city has a vibrant craft beer scene and plenty of places to sample all the beer that Berlin’s best breweries offer. After living in the German capital for more than a decade, we’ve visited a lot of craft beer bars in our time here – some that we love so much, we’ve visited them time and time again.
Whether you’re a longtime local or a Berlin newbie, we’ve put together this list of our favorite places for craft beer in Berlin so you can discover and experience some of the top spots in the city. 🍺
Recommended reading: Our other Berlin food guides, The Very Best Korean Restaurants In Berlin, and Our Favourite Mexican Restaurants In Berlin.
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THE BEST BARS FOR CRAFT BEER IN BERLIN
This is where you can find the best craft beer spots in Berlin.
1) Birra
This rather unique place is a low-key Italian craft beer bar in Prenzlauer Berg that everyone and anyone who goes there can’t stop raving about long after they leave. Birra is a really fun place to hang out to watch a football game as well, as the friendly staff keeps the beer flowing, all the while entertaining the boisterous crowd.
Location: Prenzlauer Allee 198, 10405
2) Brauhaus Lemke
You know a place is going to be good when its ultimate goal is to “make good beer”. And that, they do. You’ll find Brauhaus Lemke smack dab in the center of Berlin, not far from Alexanderplatz. They have every kind of beer imaginable on their menu, with their Bohemian pilsner and dark lager being one of our longtime preferred beers there.
Location: Rochstraße 6a, 10178
3) BrewDog
With four locations across Berlin (including the former Stone Brewery!), BrewDog has more craft beer choices on its menu than you’ll be able to wrap your head around. Think IPAs, dark beers, light beers, and even a decent selection of alcohol-free beer. While their food menu is small, they also make a pretty mean (aka mouthwatering and delicious) pizza.
Locations:
- BrewDog Berlin Mitte – Ackerstraße 29, 10115
- BrewDog DogTap Berlin – Im Marienpark 23, 12107
- BrewDog Friedrichstrasse – Friedrichstraße 103, 10117
- BrewDog Friedrichshain – Frankfurter Tor 7, 10243
4) BRLO
One of our favorite places for craft beer in Berlin, we’ve visited BRLO multiple times. They have a great outdoor space where you can easily spend hours just soaking up the sun, as well as quite an extensive selection of craft beer and even cider, with the rosé one being our top pick. Their BRHHOUSE has an excellent menu, with the food veering on the expensive side for some. As such, most folks opt to stay outside with their beers, eating some of the cheaper but no less good street-style fare like nachos and sausages.
Location: Schöneberger Str. 16, 10963
5) Dolden Mädel
Come here for all of the craft beer they have to offer, but skip out on the food – which is overpriced and unfortunately, not very tasty. Service here isn’t so great either. Dolden Mädel redeems itself with its garden terrace being an especially cool and happening place on most evenings and weekends.
Location: Mehringdamm 80, 10965
6) Eschenbräu
You’ll find this gem of a craft beer bar in Berlin’s Wedding. Situated in a quiet neighborhood locale, at Eschenbräu, you’ll find not only their locally brewed one-of-a-kind beer but a fairly large outdoor beer garden and cozy indoor cellar space (better suited for rainy or cold days).
Location: Triftstraße 67, 13353
7) Foersters Feine Biere (FFB)
A family-run pub, FBB exclusively offers more than 100 different types of German craft beer. You can sip your beer and pair it with their traditional German snacks, indulging in the long-held tradition of Brotzeit. Think, bread, meatloaf, and sausage salad (because that’s an actual thing).
Location: Bornstr. 20, 12163
8) Hopfenreich
With 22 beers on tap, Hopfenreich is one of the very best craft beer places in Berlin. Yummy beers, friendly staff, and their relaxed atmosphere make this venue a fiercely loved one amongst local Berliners, us included.
Location: Sorauerstr. 31, 10997
9) Hops & Barley
A former butcher shop that’s been transformed into a fun craft beer bar is Hops & Barley. This was actually one of the first craft beer bars we ever visited in Berlin and it didn’t disappoint with its vast selection of traditional beers and an ever-changing weekly beer menu. This is another great spot to watch football matches as well.
Location: Wühlischstraße 22/23, 10245
10) Mauerwerk
One can seriously go all out on a cliché and say that Moabit’s Mauerwerk is truly a “hidden gem” and I wouldn’t feel like doling out a derisive laugh. This cozy craft beer is lit by candlelight and filled with comfortable couches, encouraging their clientele to relax and enjoy one of their many tap and bottle beers from around the globe, as well as local German brews. The bar also hosts live music events and airs Tatort each Sunday evening. More unbelievably for Berlin, the staff is said to be friendly and welcoming.
Location: Zwinglistr. 7, 10555
11) MUTED HORN
MUTED HORN is another one of our top picks for craft beer bars in Berlin. They have all sorts of incredible and unusual beer on the menu like the “Will You Perry Me?”, a semi-sweet pear and cider combination with passionfruit and hops, or the Sonoma, a session pale ale with Citra, centennial, and mosaic. This laidback spot is great for those who like the play board games and there are various games on hand for you to partake in with your buds.
Location: Flughafenstraße 49, 12053
12) Protokoll Taproom
Friedrichshain based Protokoll features 24 rotating taps and boasts a large selection of bottled beer from Germany and around the world. If you’re bringing a non-beer loving friend for your visit, they also have cider and wine. The craft beer bar also hosts beer theme nights and the occasional pop-up food event.
Location: Boxhagenerstr. 110, 10245
13) Straßenbräu
Another one of our favored spots for craft beer in Berlin is Straßenbräu. Not far from Ostkreuz, it’s the perfect place to go for beer after dining in the area at nearby places like Machete. Aside from their ever-changing beer menu full of innovative picks ranging from IPAs, to fruity beers, and even ones like the coconut stout, what’s also great about Straßenbräu is their super chill and unpretentious vibe.
Location: Neue Bahnhofstraße 30, 10245
14) The Castle
The Castle is always a fun space to visit with a big group of friends. With 20 craft beers on tap, they also have 20 gins on offer, and like BrewDog, have really scrumptious pizza.
Location: Invalidenstraße 129, 10115
15) Vagabund Brauerei
Another classic and top-rated spot for craft beer in Berlin is Vagabund Brauerei. They’ve been around since 2013 and really, hands down, they have some of the best homemade brews in the city. Now with two locations, they seriously should be at the top of your list. We’re a big fan of their pale ales and IPAs’
Location: Antwerpener Str. 3, 13353
FAQ
What makes Berlin's craft beer scene unique compared to other German cities?
Berlin’s craft beer scene stands out for its international influence and experimental approach. Unlike traditional German beer cities that focus heavily on centuries-old brewing traditions, Berlin embraces innovation with breweries experimenting with unconventional ingredients, barrel aging, and fusion styles. The city’s diverse community has also introduced brewing techniques from around the world, creating a unique blend of German brewing heritage with international creativity.
When is the best time to visit Berlin's craft beer bars?
The optimal time depends on your preferences. Weekday evenings (Tuesday-Thursday) offer a more relaxed atmosphere with better opportunities to chat with bartenders about beer selections. Weekend afternoons are perfect for outdoor beer gardens, especially during Berlin’s pleasant spring and summer months (April-September). Many bars host special events on specific days – for example, some locations have beer tastings on Wednesdays or tap takeovers on Fridays.
How much should I budget for craft beer in Berlin?
Expect to pay €4-8 per pint at most craft beer bars, with specialty or imported beers ranging €6-12. Berlin’s craft beer prices are generally more affordable than cities like Munich or Hamburg. Most bars offer tasting flights (3-4 small pours) for €12-18, which is an excellent way to try multiple beers without breaking the bank. Food prices vary significantly, with some locations offering affordable snacks while others charge restaurant prices.
Do Berlin craft beer bars accommodate non-German speakers?
Absolutely. Most craft beer bars in Berlin have English-speaking staff, especially in popular neighborhoods like Mitte, Friedrichshain, and Prenzlauer Berg. Many establishments specifically cater to the international community, with English menus and staff who can explain beer styles and local brewing terminology. The craft beer scene is particularly welcoming to everyone.
What's the difference between German craft beer and traditional German beer?
Traditional German beer strictly follows the Reinheitsgebot (beer purity law) using only water, hops, malt, and yeast. German craft beer, while often respecting these traditions, explores beyond these constraints with additions like fruits, spices, coffee, or unusual hop varieties. Craft brewers also experiment with different fermentation methods, aging processes, and beer styles that aren’t traditionally German, such as IPAs, stouts, and sour beers.
Are there seasonal craft beers I should try in Berlin?
Yes! Berlin breweries often release seasonal specialties. Spring brings fresh hop beers and lighter ales, summer features refreshing wheat beers and fruit-infused options, autumn introduces Oktoberfest-style beers and harvest ales, and winter offers darker, stronger beers like stouts and porters. Many bars also feature limited releases and collaborations that are only available for short periods.
Can I buy Berlin craft beer to take home?
Most craft beer bars offer bottle sales, allowing you to purchase beers to enjoy at home. Some breweries have attached shops or offer growler fills (bringing your own container for fresh beer). Several specialty beer shops throughout Berlin also stock local craft beers. For international shipping, check with individual breweries about their export policies.
What food pairs well with Berlin craft beer?
Berlin’s craft beer scene embraces diverse food pairings beyond traditional German cuisine. IPAs complement spicy foods and aged cheeses, while wheat beers pair beautifully with seafood and salads. Stouts enhance chocolate desserts and barbecue, and sour beers cut through rich, fatty dishes. Many craft beer bars offer curated food menus designed to complement their beer selection.
Are there craft beer events and festivals in Berlin?
Berlin hosts numerous craft beer events throughout the year, including beer festivals, brewery open houses, and tap takeovers. The Berlin Beer Week typically occurs in late spring, featuring special releases and collaborative events across the city. Many bars also organize regular events like brewery nights, beer and food pairings, and educational tastings with brewmasters.
What should craft beer beginners try first in Berlin?
Start with approachable styles like wheat beers (Weissbier), pale ales, or Berlin’s own Berliner Weisse – a tart, low-alcohol beer that’s perfect for beginners. Many bars offer tasting flights, allowing you to sample multiple styles in smaller portions. Don’t hesitate to ask bartenders for recommendations based on your taste preferences. They’re usually passionate about helping newcomers discover great beer.
Are there non-alcoholic craft beer options in Berlin?
Yes, the non-alcoholic craft beer scene is growing rapidly in Berlin. Many breweries now produce alcohol-free versions of their popular beers, and several bars dedicate tap lines to non-alcoholic options. These aren’t just light beers; you’ll find alcohol-free IPAs, stouts, and even sour beers that maintain complex flavors without the alcohol content. BRLO’s Naked alcohol free beer is a local fav.
LOCATIONS
Use this custom Google Map to start making your way around the city to some of Berlin’s best craft beer bars.
What do you think about this list of bars for craft beer in Berlin? Are we missing any other worthy spots? Drop us your best suggestions in the comments.
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Cheryl Howard, Founder @ The Berlin Life
Hi, I’m Cheryl. My mission is to help you move to Berlin and find work.
A Canadian in Berlin for 10+ years, I have the unique experience of moving to Berlin – not once, but twice. During my time in Berlin, I’ve had five different visas and worked as both a freelancer and a permanent employee for numerous Berlin companies. I even managed to find a new job during the pandemic and again in 2023, during Germany’s recession and massive layoffs in tech.
My day job has involved work as a hiring manager, overseeing the recruitment of countless people, as well as a team coach helping teams and individuals work better and find happiness in their careers. Through my side projects, I’ve also shared my personal experiences by publishing a series of helpful blog posts, creating a thriving community of job seekers, and hosting events to help people find work in Berlin. In 2021, I decided to put my coaching and recruiting talents to use by creating The Berlin Life, bringing my existing content and community together in one spot.
The combination of my personal and professional experience means I know exactly what it takes to move to Berlin and find work.