Strolling in the former “Luisenstädtischen Canal” (Urbanhafen to Michaelkirchplatz) near the ex-border area in between Plattenbau and Altbau is quiet and relaxing. Upon arriving at Michalekirchplatz, you’ll see the Engelbecken. In winter this man-made lake turns into an ice skating rink, and in summer quite lovely and idyllic offering a lakeside breakfast café, duck houses, and fat sparrows trying to steal your bread crumbs. The menu at the café is small with three breakfast variations. The croissants can only be ordered as a “french breakfast” with butter and jam. The main seating area might as well have been reserved for the 60-plus-generation, so we sat on a bench by the water which was also very nice. The waitress was very disciplined in a Prussian way, meaning if you were trying to order something quickly in passing you’d hear “orders are taken only at the table”. In terms of its look, it reminds me of the “Pavillon Café” in London; though the culinary quality here in Berlin was rather mid-range. But honestly, does it matter? It’s so picturesque and peaceful here.
Café am Engelbecken, Michaelkirchplatz/Engelbecken, 10179 Berlin-Kreuzberg, map
Daily 10-24h
Frank Scrock is a native Berliner and loves Marzahn.
Published in Cee Cee #62 on 21.6.2012
