Two years ago, when the merciless icy Berlin winter wind blew, Chapter One, a coffee bar just around the corner of Marheinekeplatz, opened its doors. You’ll meet Hikari Siphon, Hario V60 and Chemex there, the machines and equipment for products like a Cappuccino, an Espresso or a simple coffee. You can sip coffee that tingles on your tongue with hints of wild berries, bergamot and chocolate. You could even call the coffee “wunderschön,” as it does on their German menu. Björn Köpke and Nora Šmahelová, who, by the way, won the German barista Championship in 2002, carefully prepare the drinks. On the wall: a photo of the coffee machine, Linea, with a black armband — she was stolen by coffee thieves one night (RIP). However, a new one is up and running. So you can get your coffee or take home the beans, enjoy a croissant, a slice of cake or some cookies. One could say it’s not just the coffee that’s wonderful, but the interior too. But really — it’s the coffee you come here for and drinking it from a white paper cup would be a waste. Give it the time and patience it deserves and enjoy your cup in their café. (Photos: Antje Schröder)
Chapter One, Mittenwalder Str.30, 10961 Berlin-Kreuzberg; map
Tue-Sat 9-18h, Sun 11–18h
Jana Gioia Baurmann works as a journalist and has lived in Berlin-Kreuzberg since 2011.
