Our cozy front dining room - Cafe Berlin, Washington, DC

This restaurant now offers Takeout

Bring the restaurant to you. Order and pay for food directly on OpenTable.

Cafe Berlin

Name: Cafe Berlin
Address: 322 Massachusetts Avenu, NE, Washington, DC, United States, 20002
Telephone: (202) 543-7656
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

2106 Reviews

$30 and under

German

Top Tags:

Café Berlin has been serving authentic German cuisine on Capitol Hill since 1985. It occupies the ground floor of three townhouses whose front yards serve as Biergarten for outdoor dining. The interior features a small bar and two cozy dining rooms. The restaurant is located within a short walking distance of Union Station and the U.S. Capitol. It draws politicians, congressional staffer, and tourists as well a loyal following of neighborhood residents. The traditional dishes are authentically prepared with lighter touch by chefs with extensive experience in German cuisine. In addition to the regular menu, the restaurant offer seasonally changing menus that feature fresh asparagus in the spring, salads and light fares in the summer, Bavarian dishes during Oktoberfest in the fall, and wild game in the winter. Desserts which are freshly made in-house include apple strudel, black forest cake, and luscious cream tortes. The bar offers a selection of imported German beers and wines.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 7, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 14 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
German, European
Hours of operation
Wed, Thu 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Wed–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–9:30 pm Sun 3:00 pm–8:00 pm
Phone number
(202) 543-7656
Website
http://www.cafeberlin-dc.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Rico Glage
Catering
Pick-up catering is available in the DC area. Contact us for more information.
Private party facilities
Our private dining room can accommodate up to 45 people sit-down dinner and up to 60 people open buffet, cocktail etc.

Location
322 Massachusetts Avenu, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Neighborhood
Capitol Hill
Cross street
Between 3rd & 4th
Parking details
We are located in a residential neighborhood where street parking is typically ample. Alternately, Union Station is just 2 blocks away and has a large parking garage.
Public transit
Union Station on the red line is only 2 short blocks away.
Additional
Beer, Beer Garden, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wine

Experiences

Valentine's Day Liebe
$66.00 per person
Feb 14, 2023 only
Along with our a la cart menu, we will offer a special 3-course menu featuring pate, venison Wellington, and smoked trout. Dinner can be enjoyed in our cozy dining rooms or al fresco with blankets and fire pits in our romantic biergarten.

Popular dishes

Kerbissuppe$10.00
Kabocha squash, roasted mushrooms, crème fraiche, pumpkin seed oil
Pikante Goulash Suppe$5.00
hearty beef and vegetable soup seasoned with paprika
Vesperplatte$28.00
leberkäse, German salami, Schwartzwalder Schinken, bierschinken, leberwurst, Emmentaler, Saxon, Alpinekäse, Obatzter, house pickled veggies, Bavarian-style pretzel, pickled red onion, cornichon
Bretzel$11.00
two Bavarian style pretzels with a trio of mustards or Obatzter (bier cheese spread made with beer, Camembert, butter, toasted caraway and smoked paprika)
Kartoffel Pfannkuchen$8.00
potato pancakes, house made applesauce, sour cream
Sauerkraut Bälle$9.00
sauerkraut and cheese, breaded, fried, with whole grain mustard aioli
Currywurst Appetizer$8.00
grilled sausage, curry sauce
Herbstsalat$16.00
arugula, figs, Pink Lady apples, beets, goat cheese, hazelnuts, apple cider vinaigrette
Bayerischer Wurstsalat$18.00
fleischwurst, salami, bierwurst, red onions, bell peppers, radish, watercress, lemon vinaigrette, rustic bread
Spaghettikürbis$16.00
fairytale spaghetti squash, brown butter vinaigrette, sage, hazelnuts, Saxon Aplinekäse, brown beech mushrooms

Entrees

Wiener Schnitzel$28.00
veal top round, pounded thin, breaded, pan fried, choice of two sides
Jägerschnitzel$24.00
pork loin, pounded thin, breaded, pan fried, bacon and mushroom gravy, spätzle
Sauerbraten$29.00
red wine marinated braised beef roast, potato dumpling, & red cabbage
Hühnerschnitzel$23.00
chicken breast, pounded thin, breaded, pan fried, mushroom-bacon cream gravy, spätzle
Forelle Mullerin$24.00
whole trout, almond butter, fennel, apple and cucumber salad, grilled lemon, Yukon gold-potatoes
Bayerisches Bier Goulasch$24.00
dark beer & paprika seasoned stewed beef, spätzle, red cabbage
Wurstfeast$29.00
bratwurst, knackwurst, bauernwurst, debriziner, Nürnberger, choice of two sides
- Half Order$24.00

Spezialitäten

Jager Jager$28.00
venison schnitzel, lingonberry cream, pretzel Serviettenknödel, Brussels sprouts
Reh Steak$32.00
venison backstrap steak, creamed savoy cabbage, celeriac puree, port wine jus
Wildschweine Goulasch$25.00
root vegetables, braised wild boar, schupfnudeln
Fasan$29.00
chicken fried pheasant, mushroom risotto, sage-brown butter, parmesan
Kabeljau$24.00
grilled cod filet, Gigantes beans, Fava beans and Sea Island red peas, Swiss chard, lobster Fond, parmesan breadcrumbs
Maultaschen$25.00
mushroom filled pasta, sauteed mushrooms, shallots, garlic, cream, herbed parmesan breadcrumbs

Sides

Sauerkraut
fermented cabbage, stewed with bacon
Bratkartoffel
roasted potatoes, onion, bacon
Spätzle
rustic egg noodle
Käsespätzle
German-style mac and cheese
Kartoffelknödel
potato dumpling
Gemuse
seasonal vegetable
Ghurkinsalat
cucumber, dill, sour cream
Rotkohl
braised sweet and sour red cabbage, apples and onions
Kartoffelsalat
German style potato salad made with cucumbers and shallots

Dessert

Apfelstrudel mit Vanilla Eis$18.00
pink lady apples and raisins baked to order in cinnamon specked pastry; served with house-made vanilla ice cream
Schokoladekuchen mit Vanilla Eis$12.00
warm chocolate cake, salted caramel, house made vanilla ice cream
Eiskaffee$9.00
house-made vanilla ice cream topped with coffee or the boozy version with Cold Brew Jagermeister
Kalter Hund$13.00
shortbread cookies layered with chocolate semifreddo with a white Glühwein poached pear (our take on a German home no-bake classic)

What 2,106 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

Filters

LA
LADR
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Cafe Berlin is a charming, quiet, restaurant with exceptional service and delicious German inspired cuisine! Love the cozy bar, variety of beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. We've dined inside, outside on the beautiful patio, and attended special catered events in their large dining room. We've never been disappointed and will continue to return. I highly recommend Cafe Berlin!
C
Carls
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of Capitol Hill's true gems. Never disappoints. Tim, the bartender, is an absolute rockstar. Rest of the staff friendly, efficient, and welcoming.
SA
SavannahA
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Had a lovely dinner here, great food at a great price, even looking at other tables their food looked delicious as well. Will definitely be coming back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall1food5service4ambience5
Went for restaurant week, the restaurant didn't end up having half of the options, and they were no not willing to substitute. Moral of the story. We paid a lot of money just to be told we can't have anything.
J
Jeff
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place! Love the chicken schnitzel.
RF
RichardF
Washington DC
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience3
It’s always a pleasure to come here..great food,comfortable seating, easy noise level..it’s consistently a great time
MS
MSB23
Washington DC
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent German food; friendly service; good ambience.
WU
WilliamU
Miami
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 4, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
Food and service were OK, but not nearing excellent or very good in any way.
I
Intleater
Cincinnati
69 reviews
vip
4.0
69 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
A true classic! If you have a yen for true German food, this is the place to be.
ZT
ZToto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had reservations at 9:30 exact time when the kitchen closes, to be on the safe side we called them and made our order. When we got there the waiter was very nice and welcomed us and our food was ready Excellent service and excellent food !! We had a great time
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We hadn’t been to this old mainstay in >10 years and we’re glad we came back! Very cozy, very German and great food! Astrea was excellent, witty, fun and knowledgeable - a server you wish was at every eating establishment!
PL
PariL
Chicago
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall2food2service3ambience2
Food was just”ok”. Waiter was great. Owner/manager unfriendly and rude. Will not go back.
G
Ginkgofan
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
We made a reservation for Christmas dinner. Our party of was seated promptly, but at a table situated almost inside the doorway of the back dining room. One of our party was sat at the end of 2 smaller tables pushed together, and felt jostled every time a waitstaff or guest passed through to the other dining area. Seating was too tight to be entirely comfortable, however, the food and experience overall was excellent. The one in our group that ordered venison received a very small dinner portion of steak conpared to the portion sizes of our other dishes ordered, but it was cooked very nicely. Christmas goose was worth the trip from Leesburg.
DC
DCFeline
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic food and service.
S
Schmerzer
Washington DC
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Cafe Berlin for Christmas Dinner. What a delight! The venison was excellent.
S
Sandy
Washington DC
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on December 25, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
Potato pancakes and sauerbraten meet the standard. The holiday serving team was above and beyond. We were first to arrive for the Christmas dinner crowd, so we got my favorite table and had time to confirm our menu choices. The food overall was very good. The host was focused and professional. Can see going back to Cafe Berlin fro another special occasion.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect Christmas Eve dinner!
DF
DavisF
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place for a special occasion, or a date night, or a place to bring the family, or a dinner with friends, or an average Wednesday. You get the idea. This is a nice establishment, with authentic German food, nice ambience, and friendly servers. The menu changes regularly, and there are often specials. Christmas Eve dinner was terrific.
TH
ThomasH
Washington DC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 24, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
It was our Christmas present to each other, and we came for the special Christmas Eve goose - served with Farina dumplings, rotkraut, chestnuts and a marzipan stuffed apple. It was a delicious, home style german Christmas feast that was worth the cab fare into DC and back! The atmosphere and friendliness of the staff was great; they let us in early when our ride dropped us off 30 min too soon, even though they were not open for service yet. Danke Schoen!!!
EE
EricE
London
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food …the best German fare in the DC area
L
Lindsay
Hawaii
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We tried to make reservations for the next night but they’re closed Mondays! Def coming back to DC just for the food here, the pheasant was out of this world & schnitzel amazing.
GR
GnoRules
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful time at Cafe Berlin. The food was great and the staff was really friendly and attentive. I would definitely come again.
DH
DanielH
Washington DC
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Cafe Berlin does not disappoint! Outstanding food, great service, and a nice atmosphere. Have been going here for years and will continue for years to come!
b
bobdindc
Washington DC
24 reviews
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on December 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
Friends and I went to Cafe Berlin for our annual Christmas dinner and had another great meal!
MW
MichaelW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
When we travel to Washington, D.C., Cafe Berlin is the very first place we dine at!
WG
WilliamG
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on December 15, 2022
overall2food2service3ambience3
The food quality has dropped off significantly. Have been going there for years but will not be returning.
HH
HollyH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food Service was friendly and knowledgeable
EK
EKZoo
Washington DC
89 reviews
vip
4.0
89 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
We always enjoy our meal. Veal schnitzel & potatoes & red cabbage.
M
Marilyn
Richmond
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious, authentic German cuisine. We started with the Bretzel and the mustards served with it were unique and delicious. Members of our party had the venison, trout, and half-size Wurstfeast. The venison was the best we had ever had – cooked perfectly. Polite and helpful wait staff. The value was excellent and we will be back!
MJ
MichelleJ
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great meal options and the staff were amazing! Will be back!
RK
RaK18
Washington DC
1 review
vip
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 8, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Fantastic service, yummy drinks!! Food was very salty though.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful dinner with our guest who is an exchange student from Germany. She was thrilled to be able to order her favorite foods and give her stamp of approval!
AS
A2Schnitzel
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 2, 2022
overall4food5service2ambience1
The food was absolutely delicious and still true to German standards (a lot of German restaurant’s “Americanize” their meals to appeal to their customers). Unfortunately the service and the ambiance were very disappointing. There’s no telling how old the carpet is and the seating arrangements are antiquated. Our waitress must’ve been new so that’s understandable but still sad… For German Standards this restaurant should be way cleaner and better staffed. The first time we went there we sat outside and it was literally perfect. Highly recommend simply for the food 🇩🇪 but take it to go or sit outside 🤷🏼‍♀️
JS
JacklynS
Phoenix
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
This dinner was delicious! We started with the bretzels with mustards. The mustards were varied and tasty! Followed up by a half order of the wurst fest and a schnitzel dish. Both were highly satisfying. The spatzle and kasespatzle were both good.
GB
GretchenB
Tampa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
Our meals were excellent, the beer was authentic and the service was good. The only small complaint was that the room was cool. The restaurant is quaint and fun.
T
Tori
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I came on Thanksgiving and had the pumpkin soup (amazing!) and the mushroom pasta. My friends and I had such a good time and were pleased with service. They enjoyed the potato pancakes and Brie, and the wild boar and Thanksgiving meal. The custard and pecan pies were wonderful and satisfying.
c
cwmndc
Washington DC
100 reviews
vip
5.0
100 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
With German-speaking friends, my wife and I had dinner at Cafe Berlin last night for the first time since Covid. It was terrific. The night was very cold so we ate inside in their cozy, friendly large dining room. On a Thursday night, the bar and both dining rooms were near full when we arrived but the noise level was pleasantly low with conversation easy. The service was friendly and knowledgeable -- although we waited 45 minutes between appetizer and main course. The choice, quality and taste of dishes were excellent with a "home made" appearance that works well here. We live nearby and will continue to order takeout from time to time but definitely will return soon to dine-in. Highly recommended.
DF
DavisF
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful place to enjoy good, hearty food. Their menu changes regularly, with a core selection of delicious German food.
L
Letty
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 14, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Great food, nice ambiance, terrific service even when a problem occurred. When dessert didn't get baked as promised the staff corrected the error with an alternative dessert and snappy on the house. very gracious and tasty.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always excellent food and service! Real authentic German cuisine in a cozy Capitol Hill home. Top recommendation!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Extra space between tables

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

Cafe Berlin offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 543-7656.

Cafe Berlin is rated 4.7 stars by 2106 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 7, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 14 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

322 Massachusetts Avenu, NE, Washington, DC 20002

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Between 3rd & 4th
Neighborhood
Capitol Hill
Hours of operation
Wed, Thu 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Wed–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–9:30 pm Sun 3:00 pm–8:00 pm
Cuisines
German, European
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
We are located in a residential neighborhood where street parking is typically ample. Alternately, Union Station is just 2 blocks away and has a large parking garage.
Public transit
Union Station on the red line is only 2 short blocks away.
Payment options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Rico Glage
Additional
Beer, Beer Garden, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wine

Website
http://www.cafeberlin-dc.com/
Phone number
(202) 543-7656
Catering
Pick-up catering is available in the DC area. Contact us for more information.
Private party facilities
Our private dining room can accommodate up to 45 people sit-down dinner and up to 60 people open buffet, cocktail etc.

This restaurant now offers Takeout

Cafe Berlin

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Valentine's Day Liebe

Hühnerschnitzel

Wiener Schnitzel

Jägerschnitzel

Starters

Kerbissuppe$10.00

Pikante Goulash Suppe$5.00

Vesperplatte$28.00

Bretzel$11.00

Kartoffel Pfannkuchen$8.00

Sauerkraut Bälle$9.00

Currywurst Appetizer$8.00

Herbstsalat$16.00

Bayerischer Wurstsalat$18.00

Spaghettikürbis$16.00

Entrees

Wiener Schnitzel$28.00

Jägerschnitzel$24.00

Sauerbraten$29.00

Hühnerschnitzel$23.00

Forelle Mullerin$24.00

Bayerisches Bier Goulasch$24.00

Wurstfeast$29.00

Spezialitäten

Jager Jager$28.00

Reh Steak$32.00

Wildschweine Goulasch$25.00

Fasan$29.00

Kabeljau$24.00

Maultaschen$25.00

Sides

Sauerkraut

Bratkartoffel

Spätzle

Käsespätzle

Kartoffelknödel

Gemuse

Ghurkinsalat

Rotkohl

Kartoffelsalat

Dessert

Apfelstrudel mit Vanilla Eis$18.00

Schokoladekuchen mit Vanilla Eis$12.00

Eiskaffee$9.00

Kalter Hund$13.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Screening

FAQs

Does Cafe Berlin offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Cafe Berlin restaurant rated?

Is Cafe Berlin currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information