Kaffee in Berlin series: #11 Kaffee 9

Café Name: Kaffee 9

Address: Eisenbahnstraße 43, 10997 Berlin
(Markthalle Neun)

Google Maps: Kaffee 9 

Transport (BVG): 
U1 (Görlitzer Bahnhof / Schlesisches Tor)  
Bus 140 (Wrangelstrasse)

Website Link: Facebook

Coffee selection: Filterkaffee, Espresso Macchiato, Americano, Cappuccino, Flat White, Latte, Draught Coffee, Iced Black, Iced Latte

Coffee sampled: Cappuccino

Cost: €2,60

Extra Shot: €0,40

Taste: Smooth blend, ever so slightly watery, no bitter after taste.

Wait-time: On this particularly visit, surprisingly no wait time (even though midday).

Friendliness of Staff: Polite and efficient.

Facilities (Toilets): None as part of the Cafe, but next door inside Markthalle Neun

Ambience and Seating: Rustic chairs and tables, offset by rather trendy open space with floor to ceiling windows. Lots of space with varying table sizes. Essentially three shops transformed into one big space.

Dogs allowed inside: Yes

Leitungswasser (Table water) provided: Yes, collect from same place as coffees. 

Wifi: Not sure. 

Hint: Try the Anzac Biscuits (not technically called so, but essentially the same)  

General remarks: Didn't realise that one has to wait to collect coffees after ordering (no table service), but overall a solid choice, particularly good if meeting in larger groups (adequate seating and tables).

Score: 8.5 / 10

Kaffee in Berlin series: #5 Five Elephant Coffee & Cakes

FIVE ELEPHANT COFFEE & CAKES 

Off to explore a different area of Berlin, we found ourselves in the leafy street of Reichenbergerstrasse (Nr 101) in Kreuzberg, parallel to Görlitzer Park. Directions here.

Here a subtle but clearly popular cafe and roasting house has established itself well into the hipster and ex-pat demographic of Kreuzberg. Five elephant coffee has a very nice taste; strong enough without being bitter. A very melbourne like blend. 

(C) MJT

The cakes part of their title is equally important, and an array of homemade cakes is yours for the choosing. However I cannot recommend strongly enough the chocolate cookies. A mix of white and milk choc-chips, the cookies are just the right texture and consistency to enjoy on their own.

(C) MJT

Sitting outside is extremely pleasant since the street has little road traffic. Nevertheless the various rooms and interesting interior would also make it a pleasant place to enjoy a coffee inside during the cooler months.

(C) MJT

In summary, Five Elephants Coffee & Cakes comes in at a good recommendation, particularly for the cookies and the smooth coffee, however I was disappointed to be ignored by three staff at the counter when trying to order...:

Coffee: ★★★☆

Service: ★★☆

Atmosphere: ★★★☆
Recommended Drink: Cappuccino
Price: €2,50
Best quality: The cookies, but the coffee was indeed good too.

(C) MJT

May Day

May Day is more commonly known around the world as International Workers' Day (Labour Day). In Berlin the First of May is a public holiday and some of the biggest celebrations occur in the area of Kreuzberg, just south east of Mitte. 

Image care of Google Maps

"MY FEST" is the organised celebration around Kottbusser Tor/Oranienstrasse/Görlitzer Bahnhof in Kreuzberg and is well worth the visit DURING THE DAY. 

Image care of www.nicoleisthenewblack.com

The residents and restaurants move everything into the streets, and one can pick up some amazing Turkish food, €4 Cocktails, Nutella Waffles and more, while having a different band perform every 200 metres along the street. It is extremely crowded, but by incredibly diverse people of different backgrounds and politics.

View to Görlitzer Bahnhof © MJT

MAY DAY in Berlin however is not without a darkened reputation. A significant police presence is noticeable along the street and intersections. The anarchists and far left use their opportune moment to riot and protest - in years past, toppling parked cars if not setting them alight. Hence the warning by Lonely Planet and alike to stay away from Kreuzberg on May Day.

Image care of www.nicoleisthenewblack.com

 

But MY FEST is a definite must do!!! - it epitomises the true Berlin/Kreuzberg atmosphere, with great food, a very crowded atmosphere, plenty of booze and bands - and it only comes around once a year. 

 

Just don't chance the riots - leave by dusk.

TIPS and RECOMMENDATIONS:

Wear proper footwear - despite the weather suggesting sandles/thongs, the broken glass on the ground or people trampling (accidentally) on your feet will probably affect your impression of the event for the worse. 

Mariannenstrasse for the Turkish food

Cassonade for Waffles - Oraniestrasse 199

Mirchi for Cocktails - Oranienstrasse 204

More information at:

www.nicoleisthenewblack.com/2012/05/photo-essay-first-of-may.html

 

http://maydayberlin.blogsport.de/ (Deutsch)