The Best Beers To Drink In Berlin

Berlin is a beer-drinking capital, with a wide variety of options to suit all tastes. Beer drinkers in Germany tend to be quite specific about the type of beer they prefer, rather than just focusing on the brand. The most common type of beer in Berlin is Pilsner, but there are many other varieties to choose from, including Helles, Hefeweizen, and Dunkel. Berlin also has a burgeoning craft beer scene, with new breweries and taprooms popping up all over the city. In addition to modern craft beers, Berlin also has a rich history of traditional Eckkneipen (classic corner pubs) and Kiezkneipen (local pubs for local people) serving up classic German beers. Whether you're looking for a trendy new brew or a traditional pint, Berlin has something to offer every beer drinker.

Popular beer varieties in Berlin

Berlin is a beer-drinking capital, with a wide variety of options to suit every taste. Beer drinkers in Germany tend to be quite specific about the type of beer they prefer. Here are some of the most popular beer varieties in Berlin:

Berliner Pilsner

Berliner Pilsner is one of the most popular beers in Berlin. It is a dry and bitter pilsner, which is a type of beer that is golden or straw-coloured with an earthy taste. It is brewed by the Berliner-Kindl-Schultheiss brewery, which is part of the Radeberger Group. Berliner Pilsner is widely available in Berlin and can be found in many bars and clubs in the city.

Radeberger

Radeberger is another popular beer in Berlin and is the flagship beer of the Radeberger brewing company. It is a pilsner that is slightly bitter with a firm taste and is produced with bottom-fermented yeast. During the Communist days of East Germany, this beer was not available in the west, but after reunification, it became available throughout Berlin.

Sternburg

Sternburg is a cult classic and the "beer of the people" in Berlin. It is cheap and widely available, making it a popular choice for those looking for an affordable drink. While it may not be favoured by beer snobs, it is a common sight on the streets of Berlin and is often enjoyed as a "wegbier" or beer on the go.

Augustiner

Augustiner is a full-flavoured Bavarian beer that comes from Munich's oldest independent brewery. It has become one of the most successful beers in Mitte, the centre of Berlin, despite minimal advertising. Augustiner is a classier option and is typically more expensive than some other beers.

Krombacher

Krombacher is Germany's most popular pilsner variety. It is produced in the Westphalia hills and has a more herbal flavour than other pilsners. It is very easy to drink, making it a popular choice for visitors to Berlin.

Berliner Kindl Weisse

Berliner Kindl Weisse is an award-winning beer with a distinctly sour flavour. It has been one of the most popular beers in the German capital for centuries, even being referred to as the "champagne of the north" by Napoleon's men. It comes in three varieties: ohne schuss, ein rotes, and ein grünes, each with its own unique flavour.

Common beer drinking spots in Berlin

Berlin is a paradise for beer lovers, with a wide variety of drinking spots to choose from. Here are some of the most common and unique places to enjoy a cold one in the German capital.

Prater Garten

Nestled in Prenzlauer Berg, Prater Garten is Berlin's oldest beer garden, dating back to 1837. It boasts a historic setting with iconic yellow benches, huge trees, and a busy yet laid-back atmosphere. It's a perfect spot to enjoy locally brewed beer, with the added bonus of being able to sample seasonal local classics like goose and white asparagus from their year-round restaurant.

Eschenbräu

Eschenbräu is a hidden gem located in the northern, historically working-class district of Wedding. It is Berlin's oldest microbrewery, known for its on-site brewed beer and vibrant atmosphere. With three main beers, including the Old Berliner Dark, and a rotating selection of 21 seasonal specials, there's something for every beer lover. The small beer garden adds to its charm, but remember that it closes at 10 pm!

Wegbier from a Späti

Berlin offers a unique drinking experience with its Wegbier (beer for the road) culture. You can grab a beer from a local Späti (off-license or bottle shop) and enjoy it on the street. It's a common practice among locals, and with beer being inexpensive in Berlin, it's a great way to indulge in excellent German brews without breaking the bank.

Biererei Bar & Vintage Cellar

For craft beer enthusiasts, the Biererei Bar & Vintage Cellar in Kreuzberg is a must-visit. It offers an ever-changing menu, featuring beers from microbreweries across Germany, ensuring a diverse and exciting tasting experience.

BrewDog Frankfurter Tor

Located in the magnificent buildings of Karl-Marx-Allee in old communist East Berlin, BrewDog Frankfurter Tor combines modern craft beers with a historic setting. While it's a British franchise, this particular branch retains its German charm by preserving the original '50s fixtures and fittings.

Lemke am Alex

Lemke am Alex, conveniently located next to Alexanderplatz station and the iconic TV Tower, is a chic and classic spot for a pint (or a half-litre, as is common in Berlin). It offers decent German food to pair with your beer of choice, making it a well-rounded drinking destination.

Berlin has something for every beer enthusiast, from its historic beer gardens and microbreweries to its modern craft beer bars. So, grab a Wegbier and explore the city's unique drinking culture!

Cheap beers in Berlin

Berlin is a beer-drinking capital with a wide variety of options to suit every taste and budget. Here's a guide to some of the best cheap beers to try when you're in the German capital.

Sternberg

Sternberg is often referred to as the "king of cheap beers" in Berlin. It's a cult classic and the "beer of the people". You'll find it in every "späti" (late-night shop) and it's the perfect wegbier (beer on the go). It's cheap and may not be the best quality, but it's a local favourite and a must-try when in Berlin.

Radeberger

Radeberger is a step up in price but still very affordable. It's the flagship beer of the Radeberger brewing company and is widely available in Berlin. During the Communist era in East Germany, this beer was not available in the west, but after reunification, it became accessible to all of Berlin and has since grown in popularity.

Berliner Kindl Schultheiss

This is a home town brew, famous for the Berlin Bear on its label. It was the drink of choice for most people in East Berlin during the GDR, and after reunification, the beer rebranded and maintained its popularity. It's now stable and can be found at most bars in Berlin.

Hasseröder

Hasseröder is another inexpensive option, although some consider it to be less favourable in taste compared to other cheap beers. It's readily available at most places in Berlin, except for bars and clubs. You're more likely to find it at a "spätkauf" (late-night shop) or supermarket.

Lidl Supermarket Beers

For a true budget option, you can try the beers available at Lidl supermarkets. These beers are packaged in plastic containers and some people swear by their quality. Give them a shot if you're looking for the cheapest option.

So, there you have it! A selection of cheap beers to try when you're in Berlin. Remember, when it comes to beer, Berlin offers a range of options to suit all tastes and budgets, so you're sure to find something to enjoy.

Expensive beers in Berlin

Berlin is a city with a rich history of beer drinking, and while the standard Berliner is most likely drinking Pilsner, there are hundreds of beers to choose from in the German capital. Here is a guide to some of the more expensive options.

St. Pauli Brewery

St. Pauli Brewery is based in Hamburg but its beer is readily found all over Berlin and considered a cult beer by locals. It comes in smaller bottles and at a higher price than most other beers, but many people consider it worth paying extra for the quality.

SABMiller

SABMiller's Urquell is a bottom-fermented beer from the Czech Republic, which also happens to be the first Pilsner ever brewed. This historic beer is hoppier than most pilsners and is considered very enjoyable. The price is higher due to the brewing process, which limits sales to mostly keg form, but in Berlin, you can find it in bottle form.

Staropramen Brewery

Staropramen is the second-biggest brewery in the Czech Republic and one of the most expensive beers you'll find in Berlin. The Czech Republic is known for its Pilsner beer, so it's definitely worth trying if you're in the German capital.

Budweiser Budvar Brewery

Although it has changed its name in most other continents, in Germany, this beer is known as Budweiser and is the second most sold imported lager. It is also the best-selling Czech beer in the UK and is exported to over 60 countries. It's considered very tasty and is definitely one to try if you're in Berlin.

Augustiner Bräu

Augustiner Bräu is Munich's oldest independent brewery, established in 1328. It is a favourite among Berliners and many bars and clubs offer this German delight. It is also one of the country's favourite beers and has spread to Berlin in recent years.

Tequila Beer

This tequila-flavoured beer is famous throughout Germany and can be found everywhere in Berlin. It's been described as like having a tequila shot but with the length of a beer, so it packs quite a punch!

Craft beers in Berlin

Berlin's craft beer scene is thriving, with new breweries opening regularly and those that dare to be different are celebrated. Here is a guide to some of the best craft beers and breweries in Berlin.

Hops & Barley

Located in Friedrichshain, Hops & Barley has been operating since 2008, offering a casual atmosphere with a familiar and low-key service. Along with unfiltered pilsners and weizen, they also have home-brewed ciders and IPAs. Their brews are enticing, with combinations like the Schlangenbiss (snake bite), which includes bier, cider, and a shot of Johannisbeersirup (black currant syrup). They also offer a classic Treberbrot platter that uses bread made from the spent grain from the brewing process.

Heidenpeters

Heidenpeters is located in the busy market hall of Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg, which has been at the center of the international food scene. They offer a range of beers, including an American Pale Ale and IPA, as well as experimental options like a Belgian IPA with 8.2% alcohol content.

Vagabund

Vagabund, which translates to "vagabond", is a fitting name for this brewery started by three Americans who found a home in Berlin. Located in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Wedding, their taproom showcases the brewing process through a window. Their beer is often at the forefront of Berlin's craft beer scene, and one of the founders can usually be found tending the bar, offering impressive beer knowledge. Their options range from a standard American Pale Ale to more unique offerings like a Tripel Double IPA and a Szechuan Saison.

Brauhaus Lemke

Brauhaus Lemke is Berlin's oldest brewery with a restaurant, offering elegant spaces and crisp, clean beers. With three locations around the city, including one near the busy Alexanderplatz and another in the trendy Hackescher Markt, it is hard to miss. They have started to experiment more with their beers, offering recommended food and beer pairings.

BRLO

BRLO is located in a series of stacked railroad cars in Park am Gleisdreieck, with a name derived from the original Slavic word for Berlin. This slick space hosts events and offers a superb biergarten, making it a popular spot to enjoy good beer and creative dishes.

Eschenbräu

Eschenbräu is a Wedding institution, brewing impeccable alt berliner dunkel, hefeweizen, pilsner, and saisonbiere on-site. Tucked away within a hof (courtyard) of a neubau (new build), those who find this brewery are rewarded with a surprisingly large underground space dedicated to traditional beer drinking. They also offer house-produced spirits like whiskey and flammkuchen to pair with their beers.

Frequently asked questions