In 2018, Korean visual anthropologist Yoonha Kim brought me here. Since then, Handbestand has become my official meeting point with friends in Mitte. The most important thing about is that this secondhand bookstore café is open on Sundays! It smells of old books, literally: although mostly in German (and some are even in German dialects), the everyday-open café offers a museum-like range of secondhand books, and of course, good coffee and cakes made by its very friendly German owner, Thomas, who has given me a friendly discount for several beautifully printed books. Few English, Polish, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish books are among its beautiful collection.
Some of its highlights include children's books and philosophical œuvres printed in the German Reich period through the East German regime up until some more recent times. An Irish coffee or a made-in-Berlin Milchkaffee only make this cultural café even cozier: either for a short stopover refreshment or a longer temporary working place. The most famous Berlin flea markets at Mauer Park or Alexander Platz are a few minutes away by tram or metro (UBahn) from here, but don’t forget its Bernauer Straße UBahn station! Handbestand is just in front of one of the two entrances/exits of this mythical station: trains from the West were not allowed to stop here, but they did go through this station when Berlin was still divided into two different worlds.
Find your way with 215 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
My favorite item they offer has to be their potato gözleme: it's a generous portion that's rich, flavorful, and both crispy and soft.
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Away from the hustle and bustle of Mitte, you enter a lush and leafy world, full of bistros. In the midst of all that magic, you will find Capvin...
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"Balaram" in Berlin is a vegan ice cream shop. They have 12 varieties and extra toppings are free! It's very good, it doesn't taste like ice or sherbet...
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The best part? Every plant is available for purchase so you can take a bit of the café home with you! From seedlings and succulents to plants that may require a little extra help to get out of the coffee shop.
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My favorite thing to order might just be their #17 plate which comes with stewed vegetables, fresh salad, butter-simmered chicken, chickpeas, lean beef, and collared greens.
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A classic slice of pepperoni or truffle mushroom is the way to go here, although they offer other great toppings like olive, ricotta, salsiccia, and even vegan butternut squash.
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I am a big fan of their pistachio maritozzo which is a soft Roman bun filled with cream and topped with crushed pistachios. It's absolutely amazing, and not overwhelmingly sweet.
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One word to describe Macondo? Bustling! It's not the place if you need a quiet space to work, but it's nice if you want to have it all: work, play, wine, and coffee.
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Heisser Hobel stands out through their use of quality ingredients. Their dairy ingredients are collected from an organic family-run dairy farm, and their noodles are made in their stall throughout the day.
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I suggest stopping by the Berlin Art Market by the Zeughaus to pick up a locally created art piece. Since the market is located in the center of Museum Island it's easy to reach.
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Baked goods are made with ingredients made in-house or purchased from local suppliers. All food waste and single-use items (ie recycled compostable napkins) are turned into soil with their Gersi composting machine.
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215 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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