Anyone who knew Berlin in the 90s knows about the small Kiezcafé Kapelle on Zionskirchplatz. Breakfast, brunch, café lattes – there was no end to the weekends here. The café was a legendary meeting place for artists, students and neighbors. In the spring of 2023, the chapel passed into the hands of Katya and Thomas – both work in the Berlin art scene and so the chapel – which will now continue as a bar – will remain a meeting place for those with an affinity for art. Since the hardships of the last pandemic years, they both wish for the same thing: to get back out among people. Since July, they have been taking the plunge and heralding a new beginning with the Kapelle. The vision is clear: to create an inspiring place with good drinks and a varying musical program on Fridays (DJs and concerts). The small bar room is bathed in pleasant black and gold light, the music invites you to stay. On the walls hang works by Berlin artist friends: Above the chapel-like bar area, Anselm Reyle’s light installation of neon tubes shines and watches over the guests, who make themselves comfortable in armchairs next to design magazines and card games.
The menu is impressive – an illustrious selection of white and red natural wines from Italy and France, as well as classic long drinks and cocktails await you: espresso martinis, gin and tonics, whiskey sours, smoked Negronis – one drink after the other leaves the bar counter. And even those who don’t drink alcohol are well catered for here: for example, the Marseille Spritz. The scenery is reminiscent of a large living room. The first guests fill the room. One immediately wants to join them. The music gets louder. Memories of past Berlin nights and famous bars in Paris and New York are awakened. The feeling that one is in good hands here quickly sets in. We stay and I predict: the Kapelle Bar will certainly become a legendary meeting place for artists, creatives and neighbors again.
Text: Milena Kalojanov / Photos: Robyn Steffen
Kapelle, Zionskirchstr.22–24, 10119 Berlin–Mitte; map
Wed–Sat 19–01h
@kapelleberlin
