There’s a street on the edge of Kreuzberg that was once home to the city’s finest bars, best-stocked Spätis and lots of places to let your hair down. Its name – one which has tongue-tied many a non-native speaker – is Schlesische Straße. One of its most legendary bars was Barbie Deinhoff’s, a colorful, loud, wild and queer place run by performance artist Lena Braun. Known all over town for its “Two for One Tuesdays”, Barbie sadly didn’t survive Covid. That’s since been corrected with the 2022 opening of Stueck in the very same location. Though the interior and style of the new bar seem very different, owner Romy Gaines hasn’t forgotten the history of the place. While the dark walls, rubber-covered steel stools and large photographs by Giulia Daley are a far cry from the camp predecessor, Two for One Tuesday stays. The ethos remains queer, too: Thursdays are reserved for women, trans and non-binary guests and the bar staff are almost all women.

The high-end drinks menu is dominated by cocktails, which come from the Kreuzberg drinks lab around the corner and are served on tap. Much thought is invested in the combinations, which focus on infusions and (soy)milk “washed” drinks. In addition to signature classics like the “Hippie Cucumber” – whose pink base is a hibiscus-infused gin – there’s a cocktail of the month, which in September is the “Popcorn” (bourbon, popcorn, lemon and caramel, in keeping with the changing season). It’s an extravagant tipple that has a sense of fun camp. Drink a couple of them and you’ll soon be convinced that this new place is a gem too.

Text: Hilka Dirks / Photos: Giulia Daley

Stueck, Schlesische Str.16, 10997 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
Mon–Sat from 19h

@stueck_36

Weissensee is known for many things: its art school, an illustrious film and TV heritage, thriving artist studios and galleries and, of course, the eponymous lake. But one thing that the district might be said to lack is bar culture – that is, until now. Three minutes walk from the lake in a former Greek restaurant is Bademeister, the latest venture from acclaimed Berlin barkeeper Dustin Franke. The bar opened in the middle of the pandemic and quickly attracted a loyal following with its warm atmosphere and simple décor. Whether you’re in the mood for refined cocktails or just a beer, the venue does the trick with style and flair. The small but lovingly conceived drinks menu is ever-changing, and offers something for all tastes. And if you don’t know what “soy-milk-washed” means, just ask manager Alex behind the bar who will explain it to you with friendly gusto. Proudly adorned with a graphical depiction of the lake, the house beer is brewed by Heidenpeters in Kreuzberg, and many of the spirits used for the cocktails are custom-distilled in Bavaria.

This blend of sophistication and down-to-earth spirit creates a unique vibe that makes everyone feel welcome: take a quick scan of the crowd and you’ll see art school students, Berliners both new and old and a scattering of smart-looking cinema nostalgics. And in case you find the beer garden vibe a bit too lively, just grab a Helles to go and stroll down to the beach for some sundown sips on the shore. 

Text: Hilka Dirks / Photos: Paula Hornickel

Bademeister, Bizetstr.143, 13088 Berlin–Weissensee; map
Mon–Sat from 18h 

@bademeisterbar