Berlin Friedrichshain

Friedrichshain is famous for its inexpensive, student-centered living, and its restaurants, bars and cafes don't disappoint. In the area bounded by Frankfurter-Allee to the north, Jennerstr. to the east, Simon-Dach-Str. to the west, and Wühlschischerstr. to the south, streets overflow with bistro tables, outdoor umbrellas, and cheap food.

Frittiersalon, Boxhagener Str. 104 Yes, we know, ever since you set foot in Berlin, you've been drowning in bratwurst, currywurst, and fried potatoes. But for anyone in Friedrichshain, this all-organic “frying salon” is unique enough to merit a visit. In addition to a traditional prize-winning Berliner currywurst, this restaurant serves a number of German classics with a twist: try the wheat-based vegetarian currywurst or bratwurst or a hamburger or veggie burger with strawberries and avocado. All sauces and french fries are homemade, and all dishes are cooked to order. U5: Frankfurter Tor. Bratwurst and currywurst €2.20. Burgers €6. Open M 6pm-late, Tu-F noon-late, Sa-Su 1pm-late. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Caramello Eis, Wühlischerstr. 31 (www.caramello-eis.de), Caramello Eis scoops some of the best ice cream in town all night long to a following of devoted students. All of Caramello's ice cream is handmade, organic, and vegan. Don't leave Friedrichshain without trying the dark chocolate eis with chili powder; the staff says it's the best chocolate ice cream in all of Berlin, and we're not about to argue. U5: Frankfurter Tor. Cones €1. Open daily 11am-late. Does not take credit cards. Has outdoor seating.
Aunt Benny, Oderstr. 7 Frequented by moms who take their children to the playground across the street, students who love Wi-Fi, and anyone who's serious about the art of making carrot cake, this cafe is always buzzing with energy. Regulars are almost aggressive with their enthusiasm for the cafe's bricher-muesli—a kind of Swiss cereal, containing nuts, fresh apples, and oats, soaked overnight, served with yogurt, and usually sold out by 4pm. U5: Frankfurter Allee. Smoothies €4.20-4.80. Bagels €1.60. Coffee €1.60. Su brunch €8. Open Tu-F 9am-7pm, Sa-Su 10am-7pm. Does not take credit cards. Has internet. Has outdoor seating.
Hops and Barley, Wühlischstr. 22/23 (www.hopsandbarley-berlin.de), This microbrewery makes its own cider, pilsner, and lager on site for hordes of thirsty locals. The bar gets particularly packed for German club football games, when the bar opens early (3pm) and stays open late. The guys here also make their own bread daily, so no German, or wandering traveler, has to drink good beer on an empty stomach. U5: Frankfurter Allee. 0.3L beer €1.90. 0.5L beer €2.80. Open 5pm-late. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Intimes Kino-Cafe, Boxhagener Str. 107 A portrait on the wall pays homage to Che Guevara, for a reason that the staff either doesn't know or won't tell. A large photograph of Havana that looks weirdly like East Berlin covers another wall. A large variety of vegetarian entrees (more than just pasta!) and outdoor tables overrun with locals in the summertime make this restaurant a standout. U5: Frankfurter Tor. Vegetarian casseroles and gratin €7-9.10. Tarte flambées €4.50-7. Open daily 10am-midnight. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Yobarca, Simon-Dach-Str. 40 (www.yobarca.com), This is the first frozen-yogurt place opened in Friedrichshain, and while the locals might still be figuring it out, we love it. Try toppings from blueberries and blackberries to pineapple and passion-fruit sauce. Started by an Italian ice-cream maker, this froyo cafe is outfitted in shocking yellow walls and chairs strewn around a small patio on a busy, shaded Friedrichshain street. U5: Frankfurter Tor. Small yogurt with 1 topping €2.50. Bubble tea €2.50. Extra toppings €0.50. Open daily 10am-10pm. Does not take credit cards. Has outdoor seating.
Cafe Cortado, Simon-Dach-Str. 9 Flowers and boardgames on breezy patio tables and a cozy, sofa-covered backroom draw a young crowd with a taste for international coffee blends. Cafe Cortado's mosaic bar serves up Turkish and Portuguese coffee by day and beer and cocktails by night. A variety of chai teas and a berry torte, made fresh daily, are favorites. U5: Frankfurter Allee. Beer €3. Mixed drinks from €6. Open M-F 9am-9pm, Sa-Su 9am-midnight. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Lemongrass, Simon-Dach-Str. 2 Located on a popular street with shops and restaurants, this criminally cheap Thai restaurant serves up classic favorites in a relaxed, green-striped kitchen. Bistro tables crowd the outdoor patio, and small tables inside look over the kitchen. Portions are huge, so pick your view and relax while enjoying authentic Asian specialities. U5: Frankfurter Tor. Soups from €2.80. Entrees €6.50-8. Open daily noon-midnight. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Strandgut Berlin, Mühlenstr. 61 (www.strandgut-berlin.com), There's something a little inauthentic about sitting on a beach next to the Spree, but we're not letting that keep us from enjoying a little piece of paradise (however contrived) in the middle of Berlin. Imported sand and lounge chairs line the river, shaded by trees and umbrellas. A beach-house-style bar and restaurant serve up quick, cheap food to frighteningly pale Germans working on their tan. U1, S3, S5, S7, S9 or S75: Warschauer Str. Beer €3. Mixed drinks €6. Soda €2. Hamburgers €3.50. Salads €2. Open M-F 10am-10pm, Sa-Su 10am-4pm. Restaurant open noon-late. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Der Fliegender Tisch, Mainzer Str. 10 This cozy candlelit eatery serves inexpensive Italian food to local devotees. The pizza is cooked fresh in a Dutch oven. The restaurant's fans swear by their risotto (€5.60-6.50). Meals are served on small, crowded tables in a darkened room with a central bar and understated Tuscan decor. U5: Samariter Str. Pizza €5. Pasta €4.30-6.60. Open daily 5pm-midnight. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.