We had an excellent meal here tonight. We started by sharing an order of the frie Brie. It was crispy on the outside & creamy on the inside & we loved it. For my entree, I had the trout. One thing that worked really well was that a large medallion of butter came on the top. I didn't want the richness of the butter, so I pushed it aside & just had the trout, which was terrific. Something else that worked well was that I asked the waitress to substitute red cabbage for the potatoes, & she did it. My husband had the jagerschnitzel, which he liked very much. read more

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I love German cuisine so when I heard about this place I had to go check it out! Their food is so hearty and flavorful, don't get me started on the dessert 10/10 Everything was very fresh and flavorful, I will say the food is very rich especially the braised beef, that was my favorite. Their hot chocolate is also really good but they only fill the glsss up halfway. The restaurant is bar style but it does have a family friendly seating to accommodate parties of 4+ Appetizers: Bretzel: Bavarian style Pretzels with a trio of mustard & Bree Cheese Spread Currywurst: Grilled Sausage in Curry Saice Entrees: Sauerbraten: Red wine marinated braised beef roast, potato dumplings & red cabbage Hühnerschnitzel: Chicken breast, pounded thin, breaded, pan fried, mushroom-bacon cream gravy, spätzle Dessert: Apfelstrudel mit Vanilla Eis: pink lady apples and raisins baked to order in cinnamon specked pastry; served with house-made vanilla ice cream Schokoladekuchen mit Vanilla Eis: warm chocolate cake, salted caramel, house made vanilla ice cream Drinks: Berlin '85 Champagne, Gin, herb infused simple syrup and a twist of lemon. Tcho Drinking Chocolate. Our server was really nice and the service was very quick, we didn't wait long for the menu items except for the Apple Pie but we were given a heads up about this before ordering. read more

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Service was top notch and food was amazing! The potato pancakes were perfection! Schnitzel was just right. I grew up in a German family and I was impressed! read more

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(Sept 21,2022, Washington DC). Saw Octoberfest sign on a sidewalk and stopped for lunch. There is a little much menu, mainly different types of sandwiches that come with a choice of soup of the day, potato salad or slaw . Large selection of bears, rotating draft list. I had a German baked sausage sandwich with the soup of the day ( cream of onions) -$16. The soup was blah and the sandwich was so salty that I couldn't taste anything but salt. While the outdoor space was literally empty, we were asked if we had a reservation (we didn't) and were dotted in the worst mosquitoes occupied table almost on the steps to the kitchen. When we were leaving ( past lunch time), more than half of the outdoor tables were still empty. It is the second time we came to this place and I think we are done with it, quite unfortunate as we live around the corner read more

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We had our office holiday party at Cafe Berlin which was outstanding. The food was done on a very creative way and the beer and wine selection was excellent. The staff was very warm and accommodating and the restaurant was set up very nicely for a party. We had the party on a Monday night so the restaurant was closed and we had the opportunity lace to ourselves. Looking forward to returning for a regular dinner. read more

Even though the food is a bit heavy, I love everything at Cafe Berlin. Thus far, I have not had a bad meal. My group all tried the schnitzels (of each type: veal, pork, and chicken). I got the rockfish and it was delightful (although I suppose I wasn't prepared for the amount of cream sauce all over it). We also shared the beet salad, the pretzel with mustards, and the potato pancakes. If I was disappointed in anything it was the desserts -- I had high hopes for the apple strudel but didn't think it was worth the hype. I felt like overall it was a little dry. The kaiserschmarrn was pretty good, but definitely needed the ice cream otherwise it would have been too dry as well. (Honestly, this might just be something that needs to be made at home, since we have a great recipe for it.) The service was also a little slow/spotty on a regular Sunday evening, but everyone is so nice that it is easy to forgive. We already have another reservation booked for the Oktoberfest pig roast! read more

Such a nice place! They have a pleasant little garden area outside. The Wiener Schnitzel was the best I've had outside Germany. The rotkohl was also particularly good; they got the spices just right. The waiters were attentive and friendly. All in all, a very pleasant lunch. read more

Cafe Berlin - a glass of beer on a table - German Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Cute little restaurant with fantastic outdoor sittings. The waitress was the best. She was kind and friendly. Huge beer selection that just as delicious. The potato soup was a bit salty for our taste, but the sandwich was phenomenal. read more

Cafe Berlin - Schnitzel Sandwich. Potato soup. Noodle - German Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

There is a weird, hostile vibe at this place. Arrived into the bar area inside for an early dinner on a weekday evening. Was ignored, until I poked my head into the dining area and was told someone would be right with me. Was finally spoken to, and told there would be a 15 minute wait for a table. Perfectly fine; proceeded to wait. 15 minutes passed, then 20, then 25. No communication or anything from staff; the ignoring continued. After seeing 2 seats open up at the bar, my friend and I sat there, thinking maybe it'd be easier. Nope, continued to be completely ignored. Kind of felt it was being done on purpose...? Short staffed? Selective attention? A poltergeist? Who knows. It was all very uncomfortable, so decided to leave without ordering anything. Then, went to Bistro Cacao next door where the greeting and service was so warm and friendly, it made me wonder if cafe Berlin needs smoking sage to clean up the juju. Either way, will not return. read more

What a great option in a city without an overabundance of German options. Definitely keep them in your rotation when you want something ethnic. The style is very relaxed. The outdoor patio seating on this block of Massachusetts is great. They have a small indoor multi townhouse dining area with full bar. Great service from multiple people over the night. I tried the Wurstfeast with bratwurst, knackwurst, and a few others. I also tried the Wiener Schnitzel. It was so good. The breading on the veal was crunchy and not too heavy. The sides of potatoes and vegetable medley were great. The mac and cheese style German noodles on the side were interesting, unique, and tasty. Of course, I'd definitely go back. Give them a try. read more

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A must stop when in DC. Authentic German food, good beers, and very attentive staff. Whether we were there with a friend or two, or 30, we've always had a blast at Cafe Berlin! read more

Cafe Berlin - Ain prost ... - German Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We had a great dinner here on a Thursday night and were glad we had reservations because it's not a big place and was busy even on a mid-week night in February. We started with some potato pancakes and they were fresh, crisp and delicious served with applesauce and sour cream. The beer selection is good with German selections on tap. I had a great seasonal beer in a half-liter size. For my entree I had the rouladen which was a special that night and it was delicious and authentic complete with pickles in the middle. The meat was tender and flavorful and the mashed potatoes made this great comfort food. The red cabbage side was perfect and reminded me of Grandma's homemade version which is definitely a good thing. The three of us shared two desserts which was the perfect amount. The bread pudding and chocolate cake were both excellent. Service was good and the atmosphere in a converted house was lovely. read more

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I'm always on the quest for great German food, especially on my birthday. After a couple misfires in the area, we discovered Cafe Berlin. It's been in operation on Capitol Hill for over 30 years....now I know! I loved everything about it. The food is freshly prepared and as authentic as you can get with local ingredients. They have a great, rotating, beer selection and probably the best patio-space I've seen in the densely packed area (I can't wait to try that in the Spring-time). The staff were welcoming, friendly, and made us feel at home. I had the sauerbraten with potato dumplings and it brought me right back to sitting in a rural gasthaus, on snowy night, eating some of the best slow-roasted beef I'd ever had. Combined with a glass of Riesling, it was the German birthday dinner I was yearning for. My wife had the mixed-wurst platter - it's enough to feed 3 people and we will be enjoying the leftovers. We had to get the dessert. Sadly they didn't have Scwartzwalder Kirschtorte, but the strudel and pancake with stewed apples definitely overcame and I quickly forgot about wanting a cake (we'll be munching in those leftovers today, too). I can't wait to go back for a lunch, more dinners, and some time in their Biergarten when the weather allows. Thank you!! :) read more

Cafe Berlin - Apfel Strudel (fresh-made apple tart) and Kaiserschmarn (caramelized pancake with rum-soaked raisins) - German Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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My German boyfriend was very excited to come here and try authentic German food. While the food was delicious, I don't think it was anything extraordinary. I thought the dish was a tad on the saltier side. read more

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Went here specifically for the currywurst & was disappointed. Got the beet pasta dish, which was ok. This place but cozy, but honestly not my fave. read more

Always a challenge to find a good German spot. I saw a few reviews so I had to give this place a try. I was not disappointed. This service was great and everyone very knowledgeable. Everything was good. For starters you can't go wrong with the Bretzel. Nothing like some warm bread with various sauces and beer cheese. You will get a second order of the Sauerkraut, and don't leave without adding the Currywurst to go with the Bretzel. For you meal if your a meat and potatoes got for the Wurstfeast. Yes you will be HAPPY adding potatoes and bacon and a dill salad. The Wiener schnitzel is also a great choice if you're into some baby lamb. Grab a few Ostsee Wasser, or Cafe Berlin and seat back and have some good fellowship. read more

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The food was amazing! Best food in DC by far! We had 6 different entreees, the bretzel appetizer, 2 desserts, beer and wine for our group. Each were delicious. The waitress was very attentive and the owner came by to chat. The restaurant has a great decor and true German feel. A wonderful experience! read more

Cafe Berlin - German Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Went for an octoberfest dinner with friends and was happy with the food and beer here. We got pretzels and schnitzel to share and everything was authentic and delicious. The Apple strudel was a crowd pleaser. Everything tasted fresh made and was reasonably priced. Definitely recommend making a reservation as it gets crowded. read more

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We love cafe Berlin! We tend to sit outside on the front patio or at the bar. Be sure to grab reservations because they fill up quickly. read more

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Good spot for German food! I am not sure how authentic it is, but the food was all tasty with a good amount of saltiness for their meat dishes and sides. Cozy restaurant, and friendly waiter teaching us German. Some of the staff seemed a little fed up, but not our waiter. Bathroom is small. read more

On vacation in DC and decided to try some German food. Got here and it is a small very nice restaurant with a nice outside eating area. I tried the jagersnitzel with a side of the fried potatoes. The snitzel was excellent as was the spatzel. The potato's were ok, to me they should have been fried a little longer, but that is just me. For desert I had the Apple strudel which is a must try, as it was excellent. Overall a great experience and will try and return once more before we leave. read more

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Cool atmosphere and good service. Staff is friendly and helpful. Place is really clean and feels intimate with authentic German dishes with a US spin on it. Decent beer selection and emphasis on quality. read more

So disappointed in what used to be one of our favorites. Really indifferent attitude to customers and no sense of urgency at all in getting things out in a timely manner and the food suffered for it. Most maddening was the flippant response to valid questions regarding an undisclosed and not listed $3 charge for KETCHUP requested for a child's meal. Really unfortunate. read more

Having lived in Germany for a year, I had high expectations for the quaint spot. I'm very happy to report that they were met and even surpassed! The spaetzle bed the schnitzel rested on was so tasty and you could easily tell they were made in house. The main piece of the meal was so satisfyingly crispy, with enough crunch to be audible but enough meat to justify the cost and name. The half liter of Erdinger beer served to add even more authenticity to the delicious meal! read more

Cafe Berlin - Wiener Schnitzel - German Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

After coming back from Germany last year, I've been on a mission to the find best and most authentic German restaurant in DC - Cafe Berlin is where it's at. I spent 2 weeks in Munich and Berlin, Germany and fell in love with the pork knuckle dish and a few other things. Some of the personal favorites from Cafe Berlin are: -brozeit plate especially the beer cheese -jagerschnitzel -schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) -cucumber salad -German potato salad -and many more! This is always my go-to German restaurant and I've tried many other German restaurants but I find this one to be the most authentic. They have inside and outside seating. Make sure to bring bug spray in the summer is you're seating outside because mosquitoes will be around. In the winter might be challenging to sit outside since it's cold. Service here is great and servers are super attentive. Beers come flowing when you need it! They do Oktoberfest specials here and celebration so that's always fun! I love ordering my regular Aperol spritz here and I have yet to come for happy hour. Brunch here is great too! I recommend making a reservation online especially during dinner and on the weekends as the place fills up quick! It's a neighborhood favorite. Always lots of free street parking but also easy to uber to. Prost! read more

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I went here with my family (party of 7) and had a wonderful time. The wait staff were very friendly and made the entire experience a delight. The menu was well crafted with excellent options for any diner, and the specials were well thought out. Everyone at my table enjoyed their meal and is looking forward to coming back. I would highly recommend this restaurant for quality of food, great people, and atmosphere! read more

We were 5 old, dear friends for lunch. We had a delightful time. Every single person we encountered was kind, helpful and efficient. It was a great experience. read more

Great Place to get a taste of Authentic German Cuisine. The staff was amicable, and the food was Delicious read more

Cafe Berlin - Bratwurst Plate - German Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I have to give it 5 stars. Great German food and good beer selection. I especially like that they serve beer in the appropriate glassware. I ordered the wurstfeast, which is easily for two people, and every side option looked to be delicious. The dessert struedel had to be ordered in advance--so it could be baked--and I would recommend this. The outdoor dining is one of the better places in NE because of the large front patio on Massachusetts Avenue. Excellent service as well. read more

This is truly one of my favorite restaurants. I have been twice now on visits to DC, both times exceeding expectations. The food is excellent, a good blend of traditional German fare with some updates and embellishments. The Wiener Schnitzel is to die for. The ambiance is cozy, but elegant. But perhaps my favorite part of eating here is the service! Both times I had the pleasure of being served by Astrea, who was warm, kind, and very knowledgable about the food. Coming here will be a new DC tradition for me! read more

Ich bin ein Cafe Berliner!! The fare is hardy, but fear not, it's fair to say you'll hardly fare better, or with less fanfare, elsewhere. Start with the potatoes and lie about their spectacular flavor to anyone else at the table or you'll be forced to share, and your companion's fork will return again and again until you're contemplating ordering a second round. There are whole chunks of pork intermingling with the golden, crispy spuds. For my entre I was steered towards the Sauerbraten... red wine marinated braised beef roast, potato dumpling, & red cabbage... the beef was so tender, I never even picked up my knife. My fiance ordered the wild boar ragout... also on suggestion of our waiter... braised wild boar, roasted fall veggies, chanterelles... magnificent. We split a bottle of the Pinot Noir off the wine list and the meal all went perfectly together. One of the most remarkable aspects of the evening was the price. Dinner out for two, two appetizers, with a bottle of wine, was $108!! An enjoyable night, excellent food, remarkable price. read more

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Called to confirm whether they did take out (which is listed on their Yelp profile) but was told "not at this time because they were setting up for Octoberfest" ... HUH? seriously? Does that mean the restaurant is not seating people either at this time because they are setting up for an event TOMORROW? Live in the neighborhood and I KNOW they are open for business today... Can someone explain the difference if I went into the restaurant, sat at a table and ordered food served on a plate, OR they prepared the meals and package it to go? Is it REALLY that much MORE work to put food in a take-out container?!?... Begs the question... If someone eats in the restaurant and doesn't finish their meal... are there "No doggy bags"?!?!? "AT THIS TIME" Called Old Europe in Georgetown... yeah, It may have been farther than I wanted to travel, but they gladly took my takeout order.... Proprietors like this are their own worst enemy. read more

The staff was kind. The food was great. I would return. The place was very clean. I had a great time. read more

Cafe Berlin - German Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This German spot in Capitol Hill had a great selection of authentic food perfect for celebrating Oktoberfest. I got the Jägerschnitzel which was served with a mushroom sauce and spätzle dumplings. The spätzle didn't have a great taste or texture, but the pork schnitzel was perfectly thin and crispy and the mushroom sauce was flavorful. Definitely don't skip out on the Apple strudel. It was well worth the 20 minute wait. read more

Cafe Berlin - Jagerschnitzel - German Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Flew into town earlier in the day on Mother's Day. Place looked chill, not too busy. Sign out front said "You might think your kids are great, but German kids are 'kinder.' I've been to Germany a number of times. They use that joke there. Then there was another sign "See inside staff to be seated." No problem. Let's head inside! Wife, two teenage daughters. Met upon the host who asked if we had reservations. We said no, in from out of town. She hesitates and asks "So you're just walking in?" Yes, I respond. Visiting from out of town. There's a notable pause, my family glances at me, and the host says "I'm sorry, we're not taking walk-ins today" and then looks at my wife "but have a nice Mother's Day." How strange. Like she didn't care about whether we would spend money there or not. That's too bad. Cute place and all. But seems like they think they are better than us. I would love to lavish them with praise on the $150+ I would have spent there, but alas "they weren't taking walk-ins today." My money isn't good enough. Maybe yours is. read more

My family and I have now celebrated two Birthdays here in the span of two months. Suffice it to say we currently like it a lot. The atmosphere is casual and not as rustic as Old Europe but not as stuffy either, so you can easily have a conversation without yelling across the table. The food is pretty decent for German food and unless you grew up in Germany as I did then this will probably fill your appetite for German cuisine. On the other hand nothing short of going back to Germany if you grew up there will be able to satiate your palate as every good purveyor of German food would tell you. Now, for the reason we keep going back and for us the most important reason, the people. The employees are extremely personable and down to earth "shout out to Astria" forgive the misspelling.... But as it were we would not go back as we often times will not even if we denote one iota of bad service which this place has displayed none so far. Look, the food is tied with Old Europe but the experience isn't so in my humble opinion choose this place to be appreciated and have a more memorable experience because hey, it's not free you know. read more

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The meal was authentic and delicious! Great atmosphere and service during a weekday lunch. read more

Cafe Berlin - Jägerschnitzel and Hackbraten - German Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Really solid German food restaurant with a good variety of options. Had a really nice fancy dinner with my family there. (B).

pretty nice environment in the night! We went around 5pm, and you don't wait for a while for the food coming.

I have eaten at Cafe Berlin at least twice, maybe thrice, over the past decade. I selected them because they are an easy walk from Union Station. I would visit again, not only because of proximity to transit. I had the schnitzel. It was appropriately thin, expertly breaded, and fried golden. I had it with sauerkraut and cabbage, two side dishes that came in heaping quantities suitable for a table of four, which we were not. My college roommate and I also split the potato pancakes, which are difficult to do other than well. Now that I am considering it, I'd bet I've been to this venue more than I can recall in detail. At least one of those occasions was for dinner. I also imbibed. They have non alcoholic beer that is not bad at all, and perhaps it has a placebo effect, or at least it feels transgressive to have that flavor during the day. The decor has a dark look. They have a brick patio too. Once, I was chatting with a friend of German ethnic origin -- for much of American history, the single most numerous ancestry represented, even greater than English -- about why German food is not more common. She thought about it, and her reply was insightful. What she said was German food has become American food, and it is everywhere, just not called German food; for example, Kasespatzle became mac and cheese. In any event, this presentation of the cuisine is more than satisfying. The occasion was also a reunion. My college roommate, incidentally, has become famous. I only see him every few years. He is known for his fecundity. A sperm donor, he has at least 21 children at last count. But that is not the punchline to the story. He and one of the mothers became a couple, 12 years after their child was conceived. So Cafe Berlin was a nice place for us to catch up. read more