“Common” means many things: ordinary, shared, familiar. The new café on Karl-Marx-Straße plays with this ambiguity because Common wants to be both a place for everyone and a place that holds itself to high standards. After several stops in Berlin and Copenhagen, Maximilian Korrenz-Lemke opened the café in June 2025, fulfilling his long-held dream of launching his own project, without compromise. On the menu, find specialty coffee from August 63 and baked goods made daily in-house — cardamom buns, cinnamon swirls, sourdough brioches, bostocks, plus savory options like rye sandwiches with North Sea cheese or seasonal galettes. Next week, the Pizza Window officially opens in the backyard. From Thursday to Sunday evenings throughout the summer, sourdough pizzas will be served, starting with Pizza No. 1 (garlic, olive oil, parsley), optionally topped with Pecorino from the Allgäu or anchovies, up to Pizza No. 5 (spicy house sausage, Samson capers, Berlin mozzarella, black pudding, and bacon from the Blutwurstmanufaktur). You can’t go wrong. Eat in peace inside or take it to the nearby Körnerpark. The interior at Common reflects the same calm, thoughtful vibe. Developed in collaboration with designer Thalea Schmalenberg, the space features warm reds, natural wood, and design objects from Germany and Denmark.
Max wants Common to be a place to escape the noise of Karl-Marx-Straße and everyday life. And it works: once you’re inside, the street seems to disappear. Large windows offer a visual connection to the outside world, but the pace slows down as soon as you enter. Take a seat on the upholstered bench, gather around the large communal table, or perch at one of the standing counters. The café is divided into two rooms with distinct atmospheres — one more secluded with darker wood tones, the other bright and open, ideal for groups. The menu is intentionally compact, with seasonal offerings. Vegan options are in the works, not as a substitute, but on their terms. Max and the team are taking their time with that, too. Common sees itself as a neighborhood meeting place: unpretentious, yet thoughtful in every detail. A space that stays open all day, for whatever you want to make of your free time.
Text: Robyn Steffen / Photos: Sophie Doering
Common, Karl-Marx-Str.176, 12043 Berlin–Neukölln; map
@common.berlin
