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  2. United States
  3. Washington, D.C. Area
  4. District of Columbia
  5. Capitol Hill
Our cozy front dining room - Cafe Berlin, Washington, DC
This restaurant now offers Takeout

This restaurant now offers Takeout

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

Cafe Berlin

4.8
4.8
2201 Reviews
$30 and under
German
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

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 19 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Experiences

  • Christmas at Cafe Berlin

    $1.00 per person

    Dec 24 - Dec 25, 2023
    3-Course Prix Fix Menu Our special Christmas menu will feature traditional goose, wild game, and some of your German favorites!
    Christmas at Cafe Berlin Photo

What 2,201 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • District of Columbia

    Best Overall

  • District of Columbia

    Great for outdoor dining

2,201 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing fresh food. Great service, quiet little gem in DC. We'll be back.

    Is this helpful?

  2. CraigB

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cafe Berlin is the best restaurant I’ve been to in DC. Great food and ambience! Absolutely recommend this place to anyone

    Is this helpful?

  3. BrittW

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Wonderful food, with extremely friendly service. A great spot for some excellent German food.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Angeman

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    It is always enjoyable to dine at Cafe Berlin. I am German and to me it’s like a little piece of home.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Jassie

    New Orleans

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Was here for Thanksgiving, nice selection and cozy atmosphere. Judt what we wanted

    Is this helpful?

  6. TonyTheTiger

    London

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect Thanksgiving dinner. Great service, delicious food and drink. Not much more to ask for.

    Is this helpful?

  7. DavidHH

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great food less than 1 mile from union station. It's in the basement of a row house but you feel like you are eating at a friend's house. Food is well cooked and you can tell the chef put a lot of thoughts into the menu

    Is this helpful?

  8. SarahR

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great choice for a Thanksgiving family meal! Delicious and delightful environment.

    Is this helpful?

  9. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Meal was excellent. Service was good. Seating area is a bit tight.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Love2eat

    Washington DC

    35 reviews

    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always perfect in every way! Thank you! Best German food around.

    Is this helpful?

  11. meebo

    Greater Boston

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Went for lunch. Staff short but did not effect service, everyone pitching in. food,as usual, was excellent at very reasonable prices.

    Is this helpful?

  12. MattK

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and service, a must if you live, work or visit the area.

    Is this helpful?

  13. Kinkajou

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The kasseler was truly superb! Jaegersnitzel also excellent -- and reliably consistent. The Hugo cocktail was a very pleasant surprise. The currywurst did not disappoint. And the Eiskafe was perfect. Everything perfect!

    Is this helpful?

  14. saito

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent experience. The food was good and the place was quiet, so I could talk to my friends. I’m planning to come back

    Is this helpful?

  15. KarenM

    Greater Boston

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great gem! The staff is super friendly and they work as a team! Food and beverages are amazing. Relaxing fun spot, grab a seat outside if you can! This is always on our list when we are in DC and a quick walk from the Capitol.

    Is this helpful?

  16. LaurieB

    Kansas City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cafe Berlin is an exceptional dining experience with authentic, delicious meals and the best apfel strudel outside of Europe! Great service, outstanding chefs, beautiful place to dine!

    Is this helpful?

  17. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Interesting menu. Good food. Service was friendly.

    Is this helpful?

  18. ViennaMike

    Washington DC

    52 reviews

    5.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our favorite German restaurant in the DMV. No question.

    Is this helpful?

  19. kjgardner

    Baltimore

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a lovely lunch on a beautiful afternoon on the patio. A hearty Reuben sandwich was a fine accompaniment to the Hacker-Schorr and Paulaner Oktoberfest beers.

    Is this helpful?

  20. PaulineS

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 8, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    Outdoor seating is very nice and provides a garden atmosphere

    Is this helpful?

  21. CathyN

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good authentic food, great Apple strudel. Good beverage menu. Took us back to our time in Austria.

    Is this helpful?

  22. EricE

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great OktoberFest menu selection!!! Thoroughly enjoyable expeience.

    Is this helpful?

  23. OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    4th time here-never disappoints. Great food and great service.

    Is this helpful?

  24. DaisyC

    San Francisco

    21 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall4food4service2ambience3
    Octoberfest offered a good menu selection, great pretzel n schnitzel n spatzel-nicely prepared n yummy. Service was ok, busy with kitchen slow given the crowd in Sat eve. A must go-worth the visit!

    Is this helpful?

  25. AlphonsoH

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent and authentic German cuisine. A great meal will always be had by eating at Cafe Berlin!

    Is this helpful?

  26. Susan

    Washington DC

    45 reviews

    4.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on September 28, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Had dinner on the outdoor patio with 2 old friends. Our server Najayah was wonderful, attentive but not intrusive. She was also very helpful in rearranging our table when rain started so we could avoid most of the rain. Apparently the kitchen was understaffed the evening we were there. We had asked for a little time to have drinks before getting our food, so the timing was fine. Unfortunately, when our food was served our appetizer and entrees were only lukewarm although delicious. We enjoyed ourselves and look forward to returning. Note to management: yes, it was Octoberfest, but the uniforms required to be worn by the servers are ridiculous.

    Is this helpful?

  27. ChristianW

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 28, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The food was very good. Everyone had some good time. Germany has a number of food traditions, so make sure you read the description on the menu (although the staff are pros and will do what they can to adjust the dish).

    Is this helpful?

  28. bobdindc

    Washington DC

    27 reviews

    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on September 27, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience4
    It was another delicious Oktoberfest meal! We had a great time.

    Is this helpful?

  29. Laura

    Baltimore

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love Oktoberfest at Cafe Berlin. The food was delicious, the music was lively and the service was impeccable.

    Is this helpful?

  30. MarianneW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food, sons birthday, he asked to go to Cafe Berlin

    Is this helpful?

  31. PatriciaG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a wonderful time, great wait staff, and the food was excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  32. OpenTable Diner

    Kansas City

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience! We arrived earlier than our reservation but were seated promptly. The service was wonderful, and the food was very authentic. We will definitely be back!

    Is this helpful?

  33. TinaP

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Went here for my partner’s bday, the food was sooooo good here. Got the sauerkraut balls, pretzels, jagerschnitzel and apfelstrudel, all were delicious! The jagerschnitzel came with spatzle, I’m not usually the biggest fan of spatzle, but it had this mushroom gravy was divine and ate it all up! And the service was great as well, shout out to Astrea was taking care of our party of 7 on a Friday evening and had us laughing throughout the night. Opted for some Oktoberfest beer that did not disappoint. Will be back for another special occasion for sure.

    Is this helpful?

  34. Napoleon

    Washington DC

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and fantastic service as always. One of our favorites in DC!

    Is this helpful?

  35. JonathanE

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience. Makes you forget you are in the USA. The Oktoberfest beers are awesome. Best bratwurst I’ve had outside of Germany and better than many I’ve even had in Germany

    Is this helpful?

  36. AttilaB

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cafe Berlin did it again. We had a great dinner of traditional German food on in the outside garden area. It was nicely appointed an cosy. The strudel was the authentic article, right out of Vienna or Munich. ANd I am not even talking about the beer...

    Is this helpful?

  37. Dean

    Minneapolis

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good experience overall. Great authentic food. Loved it.

    Is this helpful?

  38. AlphonsoH

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Excellence in dining! Food is authentic and tasty!

    Is this helpful?

  39. RickM

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service, always a fun experience and server was extra nice

    Is this helpful?

  40. Mike

    New York Area

    14 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The food was very good. The entire staff was very very good.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • 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 4.8 stars by 2201 OpenTable diners.

Cafe Berlin does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 19 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Cafe Berlin

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
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • 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
  • 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.
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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