Geist im Glas

"Dark and intimate, this is one of the city's best places for cocktails. The space is raw and industrial, but it’s warmed up by the radiant glow of candles flickering away on tables and in candelabras. Most people cluster in couples and small groups of friends, talking quietly as they savor cocktails. It's a hotspot among the barhopping locals of Neukölln and neighboring Kreuzberg, though the bar is starting to catch the attention of tourists, too." - Krystin Arneson

"So what's the vibe here?Dark and intimate, this is one of the city's best places for cocktails. The space is raw and industrial, but it’s warmed up by the radiant glow of candles flickering away on tables and in candelabras. It's sexy and relaxed without trying too hard to be either. Cool. Who's drinking here?Most people cluster together as couples or small groups of friends, talking quietly as they savor cocktails. It's a hotspot among the barhopping locals of Neukölln and neighboring Kreuzberg, though the bar is starting to catch the attention of tourists, too. How are the drinks?Although beer is sold here for a very fair price (the bar is cash only, by the way), it's the cocktails that this bar has built its name on. There are plenty of classic cocktails—daiquiris, negronis, pisco sours, mezcal margaritas—plus more imaginative ones. Those who like mezcal will also find multiple options here (not always guaranteed in Berlin): The Naked and Famous, for example, involves mezcal, Chartreuse Yellow, Aperol, and lime. The best way to order is to ask what's new and then go from there—you might get a custom cocktail conjured up by one of the creative and talented bartenders. Can we order a bite to eat?A night at Geist im Glas might provoke a hangover, but the bar provides its own antidote with a delicious weekend brunch. What's the service like?Bartenders here are among Berlin's best; they have a passion for what they're doing, but they're also that rare brand of friendly staff who are happy to quiz you on your beverage preferences and create from there. (We also love that the place is female-owned.) What are we coming here for?Come here for classic cocktails with a twist in a great atmosphere. Couples and small groups congregate, but singletons will feel welcome too." - Krystin Arneson

"This cocktail bar in Neukölln does Berlin’s best boozy brunch on the weekends inside its dark, wood-covered space. Huevos rancheros, dulce de leche pancakes, and waffles with shredded fried chicken are a welcome departure from the basic German bread-and-cheese breakfast served at many other restaurants in Berlin. Breakfast cocktails include Asian and Spanish-inspired Bloody Marys, house-mulled wine, and lemonade. Geist doesn’t take brunch reservations, so get there early (they open at 10am) to avoid the usual 30 minute+ wait." - Barbara Woolsey

"Like plenty of other bars and restaurants in the hip Kreuzkölln neighborhood, Geist im Glass features a raw aesthetic warmed by artful walls, glowing candles, and mismatched vintage furniture. The end result is beautiful in a very Berlin way, but you might well be distracted by what’s on your plate: The famed cocktail bar ventures into brunch territory on the weekends, and they do a fine job of it. With so many creative cocktails, it would be a shame to opt for standard coffee when you can go for the Coffee Crack, a potent hair-of-the-dog with coffee bean– and Madagascan vanilla–infused vodka, or the Tepache Sour, a rum take on the classic whisky sour, complete with pineapple and ginger. As for the food itself, there are only five options but the dulce de leche pancakes are something of a Berlin legend, with fluffy American-style buttermilk pancakes topped with dulce de leche and bourbon maple syrup. If you veer savory, however, the huevos rancheros are also a knockout, particularly when you add (what else?) bacon." - Krystin Arneson