Berlin Cheap Eats: Eat and drink with locals along Akazienstrasse
There are numerous addresses in Berlin where hotel desk clerks and even local friends may send you to find dinner – streets littered on both sides with any number of restaurants and bars to please the whims of nearly any crowd seeking chow. Here you’ll find yourself in good company with hundreds of other hungry tourists, ordering from English menus, paying a premium on every beer.
Alternatively, you could take a walk down the Akazienstrasse in Schöneberg. During the day, the area bustles with activity in local shops, ranging from discount chains to Berlin artisans selling jewelry and fashion to local cornerstone specialties such as printers and curtainmakers. At night, the restaurants and bars take center stage. Lacking the hen and stag parties which flavor the other going-out addresses around the city, you can truly savor your glass of wine and the evening in your garden or cafe seats.
Some of the highlights of the street include:
Cafe BilderBuch
Akazienstr. 28
The cafe regularly features live music. Variety of seating options, including outdoor garden, cafe indoors and out, and comfortable antique furniture in a cozy living-room atmosphere. Sunday brunch is also a popular option, with the Hänsel and Gretel for two filling the table for 18€. Make reservations, if possible.
Choice Vietnamese Food
Akazienstr. 9
This spot features a changing menu of fresh Vietnamese entrees. Be sure to check the Tageskarte posted out front for the specials. Half a liter of beer for 2.60€ is truly a steal.
Habibi
Akazienstr. 9
Habibi is one of Berlin’s top addresses for falafel, with a full selection of middle eastern salads, baklavas, and fresh juices. If you’re in a hurry (or you’re stumbling by after a long night), get it “to go.” Open daily till 3 a.m., 5 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights!
Gottlob
Akazienstr. 17
This tiny corner place has prime outdoor seating for sun-soaking and people-watching, though it’s just as comfy for a winter beer or coffee. Also has an ample Sunday brunch for 8.50€, reservations recommended.
In these two long blocks, you’ll also find Italian wood-fired pizzas and pasta, a Spanish vinoteca next to an Italian enoteca, Indian, Tibetan, and steak – enough options to appease even the pickiest eaters.
Getting there
Akazienstrasse is located between U7 Eisenacher Strasse and S1 Julius-Leber-Brücke. Alternatively, take bus M48, M85, 187, 146, or 106 to Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz. The street is a 10-15 minute walk from Schöneberg’s beloved gay-borhood surrounding Nollendorfplatz.
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