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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

4.7
4.7
2174 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 13 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
  • 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

Experiences

  • Bavarian Brunch

    $54.00 per person

    Sep 17 - Oct 15, 2023
    Celebrate Oktoberfest with our Bavarian Brunch in our picturesque biergarten or in our cozy dining rooms! We will feature a special menu of traditional German breakfast dishes alongside Cafe Berlin's creations. Enjoy live German folk music and don your lederhosen or dirndl for a chance to win the title of Best Dressed! The price includes your choice of an appetizer or dessert, brunch entree, coffee or juice, N/A or alcoholic brunch beverage, live German Folk music, and all taxes, fees and service. A children's option will also be available at a lower price point. Music will be outdoors (weather permitting) but is able to be heard indoors as well.
    Bavarian Brunch Photo
  • Oktoberfest Pig Roast

    $83.45 per person

    Sep 16 - Oct 15, 2023
    Spit roasted pig with choice of two traditional sides, apfelstrudel and 1L of Oktoberfest bier. We will start welcoming guests at noon, the pig will be served around 1pm with the last entrees served at 2:15. We will be offering a small appetizer menu along with the Spanferkel but will not be offering our a la cart menu. We will do our best to accommodate those wishing to stay longer than the special seating, but will be accepting reservations for and beginning our regular dinner service at 3pm. Please plan your arrival time accordingly. :-) Price includes spit roasted pig with choice of two traditional sides, apfelstrudel, 1L of Oktoberfest bier, surprise amuse bouche from the chef, and all taxes, fees and service.
    Oktoberfest Pig Roast Photo

What 2,174 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
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Washington, D.C. Area

    Great for outdoor dining

  • District of Columbia

    Great for outdoor dining

2,174 Reviews
  1. Laura

    Baltimore

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

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

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    Kansas City

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    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?

  3. TinaP

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    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?

  4. Napoleon

    Washington DC

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

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

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  5. JonathanE

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    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

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  6. AttilaB

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    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...

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  7. Dean

    Minneapolis

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

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

    Is this helpful?

  8. AlphonsoH

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Excellence in dining! Food is authentic and tasty!

    Is this helpful?

  9. 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?

  10. 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?

  11. Notpickyatall

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful food and service!

    Is this helpful?

  12. Diner4

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Have not been in years, it is still as great as before.

    Is this helpful?

  13. RuthM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service in a beautiful atmosphere. I had the cod which was amazing.

    Is this helpful?

  14. BethesdaBob

    Washington DC

    40 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    The Jaegerschnitzel wasn’t as good as it usually is.

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  15. MattJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 21, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Good place to eat. Would eat there again. Great atmosphere

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  16. DirkH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Meal was awesome. Of you like German Food you will Love it. Go and Taste it

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  17. Elizabeth

    Seattle

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It is always nice to go to Cafe Berlin for some classic German food and a beer!

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  18. JasonJeremy

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Café Berlin was amazing as always. Highly recommended

    Is this helpful?

  19. mikeindc

    Washington DC

    36 reviews

    4.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    I do not give out 5 stars unless a place is REALLY exceptional. Cafe Berlin is very good but not a 5 star. The food was very good as always. The service got off to a rocky start (problem trying to order sweet tea) but improved as the meal went on. It is hard to rate any restaurant on value. Prices are increasing and it is hard to keep up. That being said, prices at Cafe Berlin seem to be inline with other places. One disappointment I have always had with Cafe Berlin is that there are a lot of hard services which make it a bit loud (but again not as bad as most places). I know this comes off a bit negative but it is still one of my favorite restaurants, I just know what I like and want.

    Is this helpful?

  20. DennisD

    Baltimore

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    wonderful food and drink. Service was great and we all had a fun time.

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  21. RodgerFromDC

    London

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall4food5service2ambience3
    We had the fried Brie & the trout, & both were delicious. Our waiter was very good. However, we were at the restaurant for more than an hour before our entrees arrived. The time seemed particularly long because the metal chairs were very hard—they need cushions. We ate outside, which would have been lovely if we hadn’t been sitting next to a table if people who made so much noise we could barely hear each other.

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  22. MichaelJ

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great place to spent a summer evening outdoors with friends. The food is delicious, and well prepared. The German Beer was nice and cold. I will skip the dessert the next time, at $19 a piece - way too expensive, better to drink another Liter of beer.

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  23. TomG

    Charlotte

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Good traditional German fare. Very authentic. Reminded us of Munich

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Had several appetizers and the wiener schnitzel, all of which were great. All the cocktails our party had were very good too

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  25. DCfoodies

    Washington DC

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful spot for our 21st anniversary! They gave us complimentary champagne and candles with our desserts. We love this place!

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 29, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Beautiful evening. Outside dining was excellent. Food was basic German and starchy but that’s German. Met my expectations.

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  27. MCats

    Washington DC

    136 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    136 reviews

    Dined on June 29, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    An enjoyable early evening dinner at Cafe Berlin. Food, service, and setting were good. Good selection of German beers (five). Four of us had the wiener schnitzel, one the wurst selection. All the mains were good. Personally I thought the sides were not as good as the mains although I don't know what my companions thought. Service and food were timely.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 22, 2023

    overall3food3service1ambience2
    We made a reservation which was a good idea because the dining room is small. Our service person was polite and our orders were correct. However, service times were very long and there was NO service once food was delivered. Food was mediocre. We are native Germans and believe the menu selection was small but good. Nothing outstanding here but nothing to complain about either. Tschüß

    2 people found this helpful

  29. RickM

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, great service, great setting. One of my favorites in DC

    Is this helpful?

  30. Love2eat

    Washington DC

    34 reviews

    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this German restaurant. Always order the Apple strudel when ordering dinner, and save room by taking half your dinner home in a carry out container to enjoy the next day. Also love the asparagus soup. A favorite place for many years for me.

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  31. AlysiaC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cafe Berlin never disappoints! It’s hard to find a spot that’s not only super delicious, but also doesn’t give you a hard time bringing younger children. The patio is absolutely lovely, and the folks there make it so inviting. Never change Cafe Berlin!

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  32. DavisF

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place, great food! I have visited numerous times over the last 25 years.

    Is this helpful?

  33. BiljanaM

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 9, 2023

    overall3food4service5ambience4
    Given its location and price one would expect to see vegan options on the manue. Very disappointing.

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  34. Paulie

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 4, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    The food at Cafe Berlin is always outstanding; the service is warm and attentive. Overall this is one of my family's favorite places in DC, not just on Capitol Hill

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  35. Jill

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience2
    Food was wonderful. Wait staff seemed overwhelmed. They were very busy. Took 2 1/2 hours for dinner

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  36. bobdindc

    Washington DC

    26 reviews

    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Another great meal at Cafe Berlin! Try the asparagus ice cream--unusual, inspired, delicious.

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    I’m German and have lived in the US for only 1.5 years and I love coming to this place. Super fresh and tasty food, sweet atmosphere, great staff

    1 person found this helpful

  38. Jason

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and location.

    Is this helpful?

  39. WilliamH

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience2
    Was not exactly what we expected. Not much on decor. Kinda limited menu. Did not have several menu items. That was disappointing. When I go to a German place I expect to get a potato pancake.

    1 person found this helpful

  40. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience4
    Overall great food. It could have just been the specific waitress we had but the service was poor. Very poor

    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
  • 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 2174 OpenTable diners.

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 13 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
  • 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.
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