Most people living in Berlin tell me that they’re sick of the hipsters, particularly “Mitte-hipsters.” But I have a different understanding of the word “hip”: Berlin is definitely not a hipster place compared to the world’s major cities. The only thing that would make me sick in Berlin is the lack of sun. But I have such lovely people around me, I just forget about the sun…
Another “boring” Berlin stereotype: Graphic designer and DJ Sven Hausherr grew up in Zurich’s hip hop scene until he found his way from graffiti to graphic design—from rap to the wild range of good dance floor music.
Hausherr currently works at QVEST magazine alongside freelance projects, such as the Rap History nights where he plays host as Svenster together with his partner Slick Gizzle. Hausherr describes his music style as simply as he does his design style: fun! Visit his website to learn more about Sven.
My absolute favorite place to have a coffee break and read the newspaper or meet friends. I go here almost every day.
Some of the best sandwiches in town and the owners are the nicest ever, they brighten up your day and bring back the missing sun in the Berlin winter. My favorite sandwich: Muratore. Drink: cold Acerola.
Best ramen in town! Authentic Japanese kitchen. Though the owner is German, he really understands the tradition of ramen and it’s one of the few Japanese places where the employees are actually Japanese. The closest you can get to japan in Berlin.
My favorite ramen: Tomkatsu. Drink: Asahi Beer.
A friend took me to the Pampero Dinner the first week I arrived to Berlin. This made a big impact. I knew straight away: I’ve moved to the right city—an open, friendly crowd in a beautiful factory building, and the whole thing for free.
More than two years later, the Appartement crew is still doing it without losing a bit of its fascination. For me, that’s Berlin.
In general, I’m not a big fan of Mexican kitchen, but that’s probably because I’ve never had authentic Mexican food. But Dolores is delicious. I go there once a week for lunch, and the heaviest burrito I’ve ever seen costs just under 5 Euros.
My favorite fillings are lime rice, lime tofu, vegetable fajitas, hot salsa and sour cream. Mmmm.
Good healthy food is essential. And as there is no Whole Food Market in Berlin, this comes the closest.
My favorite venue when it comes to weekend partying. Usually a a good night every week. In 2008, they did definitely the best and forward-looking booking in town. Makes me astonished what acts there play for a beer and a dime.
My favorite spot: upper floor in front of the DJ booth. Favorite night: whenever NOMAD or MIS TABOO are playing.
I love to witness how the blocks around my house develop more and more, with new places popping up every other week. Tartane is a perfect example. Opened last year, they’re already in my top five restaurants.
Favorite appetizer: Cola Chicken Wings. Favorite main course: Tartane Classic Burger (ask for the XXL if you really wanna know it).
I think Berlin is just too big to unify all of my friends in just one bar. But KIM is my favorite so far: an unspectacular bar where you can have a quiet drink during the week or have it more crowded on the weekend.
My favorite event: “Funday” on Sunday afternoons from 3pm-6pm, a Sunday afternoon kids’ disco. Parents, hello?
My absolute favorite venue when The Broken Hearts Club hosts their unbeatable monthly parties. Berlin nightlife at its best!
I have such lovely people around me.
