If you’re a stickler when it comes to cocktails, then you’ve come to the right place: Behind the green door. Here is where you’ll find people at work who feel the same way. Like Maria, who has been working in the upscale bar scene for ten years now and is currently the bar manager of Schöneberg’s Green Door Bar. As a trained product designer, she is passionate about the design of teapots and the right consistency of an espresso martini. Here, she enriches the bar’s cult classic using Botucal Rum with Nitrogen. You probably know Nitro Coffee, well the process has a similar effect on the Espresso Martini, its velvety texture is profoundly different from what other bars pour from the shaker. The nitrogen ensures the taste is even smoother without being too sweet. But nitrogen isn’t the only ingredient with a wow effect. Botucal Mantuano forms the rum base and Barley Shoshu is added, along with hazelnut spirit, maple syrup and coffee — cold brew, of course. The team at the Green Door Bar never stand still and are constantly experimenting to offer new specials. And it’s not just locals who are a fan — the bar has been around for almost thirty (!) years — international guests are regular visitors. Seasonality also plays a role and capturing the flavors that people are craving in the moment inspires the cocktail specials. At the moment, fruity spring flavors such as cherry and plum blossom are on the menu. So whether you’re looking for heralds of spring in a glass, want to wake up the weekend with an espresso martini, or simply want to talk shop about drinks with like-minded people: Behind the green door, you’re in the middle of Berlin and exactly the right place.
Text: Maria Mayer / Photos: Savannah van der Niet
Green Door Bar, Winterfeldtstr.50, 10781 Berlin–Schöneberg; map
Please drink responsibly. Botucal is a registered trademark. ©2024 Diplomático Branding, Unipessoal LDA. All rights reserved.
@greendoorbar
@diplomaticorum.official
Crispy shell, soft core — crust and filling join forces to create something truly special. Nowhere do pies better than Nice Pies. Nice Pies started their journey in May 2023 and I can’t imagine the pop-up scene without them: whether at The Rad, Pfefferberg Markthalle, or, currently, Kioski — since last summer, when I took my first bite of the Aussie Beef Pie, I’ve been hooked, so hooked I even venture from my neighborhood on weekends to get one. They’ve also settled down in permanent locations: You can find them on the menu at Passenger Coffee and Open House — the latter by no coincidence, as John Darcy, owner of Open House, is one of the “nice guys” and co-founder of Sincerely Coffee. You may know the second founder, Luc McGuiness, from the Kiez-Café Luc. He too is involved in the pie business. Nils Bernau, the third founder, handed over his smoothie store “Liquid Garden” to Luc — and with that, the circle is (almost) complete. But not without Jon Cox. Jon is the Head Chef and responsible for the incredibly delicious pie fillings. Whether savory with braised mushroom and truffle ragout, yellow Thai curry (both vegan) or braised minced beef with red wine and herbs, or sweet with marzipan-apple-cinnamon or hot cherry, or transformations like the Sausage Roll with regional sausage from the Sausage Man with crispy Szechuan chili, wrapped in puff pastry: the agony of choice is inevitable. At least one thing’s for sure: there’s no wrong decision. Since January 2024, the whole package has been available at the Nice wine bar on Arkonaplatz. “Nice Pies, Vibes and Wines” provide the basis for an exuberant, unpretentious evening.
With over twenty years of experience as a sommelier, Nils has put together a great wine list with over eighty natural and low-intervention wines, which can be glass-poured at the pure stainless steel bar, or brought over to you at your wooden table. And if you want to be central to the action, take a seat on the mustard-yellow couch in the middle of the room. Meet up for a glass of wine (or a beer) and a pie in a relaxed weeknight atmosphere or pop in on the weekend for a little stand-up party. You’ll have a good time here all week long. From the beginning of May 2024, the garden season will also open at Nice. During the day there will be a variation of pastries and cheese sandwiches and in the evening one or two classics from the cocktail menu will be introduced. The pies will of course be available at all times! Sit in the sun at lunchtime and feel like you’re in your own garden, round off the evening with a wine and pie at the bar or under the fairy lights. We can hardly wait.
Text: Robyn Steffen / Photos: Claudia Araujo, Marcus Mainz, Nice Pies
Nice, Kremmener Str.8, 10435 Berlin–Mitte; map
@nicepies.berlin
@nicenice.berlin
Bluish light beckons us into the narrow Wax On bar at the top end of Weserstraße. We find ourselves seats at the corner of the wide concrete bar. Here, the focus isn’t on an overwhelming array of drink options, but on a small, carefully-curated selection. The bar team is attentive and welcoming — engaging with us while executing each action with precision, and before we know it, our drinks are placed in front of us. They are our simple yet elegant companions for the evening as we transition from one conversation to the next. We opt for something light, with yuzu, mandarin and basil, a refreshing drink loaded with summer-evening nostalgia. For those yet to enter a summer mindset, there’s the bartender and co-owner Sam Orrock’s signature. “Rusty Nail” features bourbon from the distillery Woodford Reserve, and takes the drinker on a journey from strong grain and wood to sweet aromas, spices and fruity florals. Combined with ginger and honey, this is a classic Old Fashioned bourbon cocktail with an exciting twist. To accentuate the herbal notes, Sam adds a homemade clove infusion. In fact, an array of homemade infusions stored in small pipettes are infused into the cocktails for tantalizing flavor bombs. This creativity is on-brand for Wax On. The team regularly collaborates, experiments with new ingredients, and isn’t afraid to step out of their comfort zone. The result? Drinks you won’t find anywhere else. It’s no wonder Wax On was recently voted in the 50 best bars in the world.
Text: Maria Mayer / Photos: Sophie Doering
Wax On, Weserstr.208, 12047 Berlin–Neukölln; map
Please Drink Responsibly. Woodford Reserve is a registered trademark. ©2024 Brown-Forman Distillery, Inc. All rights reserved.
@waxonberlin
@woodfordreserve
Once the former home of the Stasi, the space was revamped and renovated to create a hip and fashionable boutique hotel, Château Royal, in the heart of Mitte. When walking into the bar, you’re greeted with positive affirmations such as “You sexy m***** f*****!!!!”. And you know what else is sexy? The elegant atmosphere, delightful cocktails and high-class service — whether you’re a hotel guest or not. Open from 12 pm to 22 pm, it’s a great meeting place for business or pleasure. Indulge in a three-martini lunch or catch up with friends for a post-work nightcap. Speaking of the drinks, the staff has an eye for detail. They put their spin on timeless classics and create delicious signature cocktails that are on par with the bar’s brand. So what drink should you try first? We suggest the Negroni Sous Vide 62, made with Freimeister Kollektiv Gin, Blood Orange, and Campari, which utilizes the popular bar technique to enhance the flavor profile. Or maybe the Naked & Famous or Paloma Royal are more to your taste. No matter what cocktail you choose, you won’t be disappointed. And because we all get a bit hungry while drinking, bar snacks such as olives or a Club Sandwich are available to curb your cravings. Château Royal is the perfect spot to unwind day or night.
Text: Yolanda Evans / Photos: Felix Brueggemann, Robin Kranz
Château Royal Bar, Neustädtische Kirchstr.3, 10117 Berlin–Mitte; map
12–22h
@chateauroyalberlin
For me, Krom Bar is an unmistakable place – one with a lot of charm. This bar invites you to linger and is perfect for an evening with friends, an after-work drink, a first date, or a quiet night alone—for a glass of natural wine at the bar and a chat with the people behind it. What sets Krom Bar apart is the cozy atmosphere; it’s very relaxing here, almost romantic. The menu is special, especially the cocktails. Alongside classics, there are exciting signatures to try, such as the “Gin Garden” or “Earl Grey Gimlet.” In addition to the seven signature cocktails on the main menu, three cocktails change every two weeks. My highlight: the “Cream Soda” – a drink that, as the name suggests, has a bit of retro charm and reminds me of times gone by. It comes with the obligatory house nut mix—my absolute snack highlight—and the friendly company at Krom Bar. What more do you need for a successful bar evening?
Text & Photos: Luna Schaffron
Krom, Winsstr.9, 10405 Berlin–Prenzlauer Berg; map
Tues–Thur 18–01h, Fri–Sat 18–02h & Sun 18–01h
@krom.bar