On a quiet side street in the historic Rixdorf neighborhood, you may come across a discreet sidewalk sign pointing down an alley. Follow its lead, and you’ll be charmed to discover Zosse. Opened in June 2018 by Paul Seifert, this bucolic bar finds its home in a former blacksmith’s workshop. Records stretching back as far as 1888 describe how the original tenants forged horseshoes, hence the name Zosse – an old German word for horse. Once you’ve pushed past the large, barn-like doors, you’ll be greeted by wood-clad walls, soft candlelight and, in winter, a roaring wood-burning stove. Take a seat and pore over their toothsome list of house-made drinks and bar snacks while nibbling on their zesty popcorn. The newest addition to their menu and our personal favorite is the Old Islay Bramble Sour, a blend of whiskey and bramble liqueur (derived from blackberries). Across the courtyard from the main room is their retro smoking room, accented with industrial lamps, a typewriter, and daguerreotype photos. In summer, take a seat in the Biergarten and enjoy a drink al fresco. (Text: Michael Rice / Photos: Pamina Aichhorn)

Zosse Bar & Biergarten, Richardstr.37, 12043 Berlin–Neukölln; map

Tue-Thu 18-1h, Fri 18-3h, Sat 16-3h, Sun 16-24h

When a drinking occasion calls for expertise, service and a selection nothing short of excellent, may we point you in the direction of Freundschaft, the new(ish) venture of two Berlin wine oracles with Austrian roots — Willi Schlögl (formerly of Cordobar) und Johannes Schellhorn (ex-Nobelhart & Schmutzig) — in connection with the Grill Royal Group. As the bar’s name conveys, the idea is to serve top-notch wine in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere — hence the no-reservations policy and the expansive 40-seat oval bar that invites you to take a seat and pore over the 500-position menu, presented in a sultry dark green tome. Better yet, ask for a recommendation: there’s a large selection of naturals, plus options by the glass (15 bottles are open). Don’t pass up an glass of “Dein Bester Freund” (“Your Best Friend”), a special 2L Doppler house edition bottle produced by with Weingut Tement in Südsteiermark. A rotating selection of simple small dishes created by Austrian-Vietnamese chef Stefanie La — pickled vegetables, beef tartare — ensures hunger, not only thirst, is kept at bay. Whether you come with a reason to celebrate or just stop by spontaneously for an indulgent after work tipple — this is a place in which friendship flourishes fast.(Text: Anna Dorothea Ker / Photos: Mina Aichhorn)

Freundschaft, Mittelstr.1, 10117 Berlin-Mitte; map

Tue-Sat 17-2h