A restaurant run by a true neighborhood kid: that’s Lausebengel. Janosch Thomsen, one of the owners, was born and raised in the Graefekiez. He converted former Kreuzberg pub “Rizz” along with co-founders Tim Gräsing, Kristof and The Anh Nguyen at the beginning of 2019. They’ve retained a lot of the old furniture and design with new additions like the giant blue painting at the far side of the space. The result is a modern gastropub where Kreuzbergers both new and old feel right at home. The beer selection is exhaustive, without the accompanying craft brew hype. The food pays homage to Berlin while incorporating Arabic elements in dishes like the hummus, aubergine and red cabbage “Stulle” sandwich, and the “Kassler” pork served in a kebab. The classics remain, with fish (or celery) sticks and smaller “Berliner Happen” bites like mustard egg with potato and blood sausage croquettes with smoked apple sauce. What a modern and imaginative way to celebrate Graefekiez pride. (Text: Katie Burton / Photos: Johanna Rademacher-Flesland)
Lausebengel, Grimmstr.21 10967, Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
Wed–Sat 12–0h, Sun 12–17h
