Are you an American in Berlin struggling to decide between a Berlin bar experience and something a…read morebit more familiar that appeals to your American taste? Have no fear: Bohnengold, with its unassuming exterior, is full of surprises for a bar near Kotti. From what I saw, not even native Germans are exempt from getting carded at the door... and just like in the States, it's 21+ or bust, unfortunately, in a country where you can legally imbibe in liquor at 18. Much to my amusement, the bouncer also sang "California" à la Katy Perry's "California Gurls" when I flashed him my Californian driver's license.
But the American similarities didn't stop there. While the front room of the bar screamed Berlin with its comfortable living room vibe, some of the drink prices were reminiscent of those found in the bars I frequent back home in San Francisco. While my European friends were taken aback by the cost of their beers (€3.50, give or take), I was surprised by some of the cocktail prices. Having a Berlin bar charge me €7 for a gin and tonic was definitely highway robbery, especially since it tasted like the bartender used a cheap well liquor.
Unlike its American bar brethren, Bohnengold was packed the entire night (even when I left around 4 a.m.) and you'll go home smelling like an ashtray. But for what it's worth, the downstairs toilets were surprisingly clean and it seemed like the coat check was well organized, but there are definitely better (and cheaper!) bars in Kreuzberg.
