Schwarzes Cafe in Berlin

Food here is great. Have English menu. The portion is big too. Highly recommend. It’s 24/7. Came in the morning around 730am

I don’t recommend this place. The waiter did not inform us that payment was cash only until after we had already placed our order, at which point it was too late to cancel. When we raised the issue, he did not take any responsibility and simply said, “Sorry, it’s already ordered.” This was very unprofessional. He only started informing other customers after our situation, which shows a clear lack of accountability. Additionally, the menu is only in German, so a person from abroad would not understand that payment is cash only.

It's actually a pretty nice café, but when I hear that they only accept cash payments, I wonder what century the café's owners live in. Hopefully, our future government will make such a thing impossible. The coffee was too hot and therefore bitter.

It was 15 years ago that I often visited Berlin and got to know and loved the Black Café For the extremely delicious food, the friendly service and a feeling of having arrived in a shabby chic, unpretentious and relaxed atmosphere. It's nice that I felt the same way today as I did back then. Bravo to everyone who works there and thank you.

Good place to eat with fruits and natural juices. Nice option on the patio. Greetings

I think it's really crazy that in 2025 there will still be bars where you can't pay with a card... actually a really cool atmosphere, the music is actually really chilling too, but you can't pay with a card? It's crazy

The best customer service we had worldwide, big shoutout to Deyan! The most polite, fast and friendly server. Everything was perfect, the food and the drinks and especially the service. Great staff!

I have known the Black Café for at least 30 years. If you want to spend a romantic or quiet evening here, you're in the wrong place because it's always very loud. The ambience is not my thing because the ceilings and walls are crumbling, but that seems to be the trend. It's not my taste. And yet I visit this café for one reason: the Kaiserschmarrn here is usually incredibly tasty. Mostly because he's not always great. Not only is it incredibly soft and fluffy, but it also has a caramelized base! Even in Vienna I couldn't find a better Kaiserschmarrn. Since the portion is very large, I recommend sharing it with another person.

A beloved institution in Charlottenburg for decades! Unfortunately it's no longer open 24 hours during the week...

Unfortunately, apparently very understaffed that evening. Waiting time for a beer was sometimes 40 minutes. Otherwise super nice 👍🏻

It is always a joyful experience to be here. The service is top class, friendly and attentive. Also big compliments to the kitchen.

I really like the concept of this bar/café. They serve food until late, which pairs well with their reasonably priced cocktails. The interior has a cool, slightly vintage feel, and the space is big enough for groups if you reserve ahead. It stands out from other spots in the area, making it a great place to hang out!

I was pretty disappointed when we just had breakfast there. The service was OK. We (two) were asked from one larger table to another. A few minutes later there were only two people sitting there. There's something different about being friendly. Otherwise the omelet was very straightforward, but tasted good. The baguette that came with it was rather soggy and had three small slices. All in all, in my opinion, too expensive for what is offered. And the fact that only cash payment is possible should at least be stated somewhere these days. I haven't seen it.

Schwarzes Cafe is open 24/7, presumably to ensure there’s always somewhere to overthink in public. It’s full of vaguely artistic types, people networking without calling it networking, and someone sketching in the corner for dramatic effect. The food exists. But that’s not the point. You’re here for a coffee, a glass of wine, and the chance to feel culturally relevant at 3am. The staff are hot, polite, and speak English — a rare and powerful combination. It’s chaotic, iconic, and slightly exhausting. Just like Berlin.

The service ordered mistakenly another round of drinks for us and we told them it was a mistake and they took it back. In the end, they still charged the bill with that additional round, even though we didn’t even get those drinks in the end. Unfortunately, we only noticed the mistake in the bill the next day. Would definitely recommend to check the bill twice while you are there!

I went to Berlin to visit a friend and ended up stopping by this cafe. The vibe was super chill and cozy, I absolutely loved the atmosphere plus their food is really nice!

It's really great and you feel comfortable, I can recommend it to everyone

Great cafe. Great ambience, very attentive and nice staff, great food. Recommendation!

The atmosphere is simply magnificent. I only drank coffee. it was very nice. A preferable cafe.

Yes, Schwarzes Cafe is an institution in Berlin. Looks quaint and weird, but is also inviting and has flair. I haven't been there for a long time, but when I came in I immediately felt like I was in good hands. Service is great. The price/performance ratio for food and drinks was perfectly fine.

Incredibly competent lady in service

unfortunately only cash payment toilets dirty

Please be aware that the place only accepts CASH - reason enough for me not to come back. The food was good, generous servings. The place is quite lively and noisy. Service very Berlin.

Young and black, that's how it always was, that's how it still is

The perfect place to drink some wine and read a book in the afternoon and taking in the gorgeous architecture of the cafe

Very quaint and charming. It has existed for over 35 years.

Nice coffee. Good service. Very nice vibe.

Nice and quiet cafe near Zoologischer Garten. It's a little pricey. The cafe is good. The hot chocolate is ok. The cakes are ok, but not extraordinary and are kinda expensive. The service is nice and the atmosphere is very calm.

The drinks were good, but the food was subpar. Had a Camembert beforehand. This came in a half-raw dough coating, but tasted of absolutely nothing. We also had some pretty good, seasoned hummus. The main course was salmon with spinach and mashed potatoes as well as a Wiener schnitzel with fried potatoes. Both were ok but - following the trend - completely unseasoned. The fish was also fried to death and, as with the pounding, there was no pepper or salt. The schnitzel consistently followed the taste trend, but could already be described as a work of art. It was as thin as a tissue. Respect to the chef for this, but eating it without seasoning is still no fun. Of course, you could only pay in cash. Unfortunately, when we asked if everything was “ok”, the waiter didn’t let us know for safety reasons. Oh well.

Super nice coffee, great ambience. Good service. Everything great.

No matter what or how, Black Café rocks!!!

A must Old Berlin facility A refuge for Berliners

I have visited this cafe a few times, and my personal experience was great in each and every one of them. Hence, I would like to send my appreciation to chefs and staffs in this cafe.

Could definitely see David Bowie and Iggy Pop chilling here. Amazing ambiance and food. Want to go in the early hours of the morning for a desert.

What connoisseurs. Great food, really expensive, but the shop is open 24/7.

We walked past and thought at first that it looked a bit shabby from the outside, but after taking the step inside we were greeted by a pleasant staff who were very friendly and service-minded. The food was incredibly good and the atmosphere was warm and cozy. We will definitely come back here!

If you want a gastronomic journey back in time to Berlin in the 80s, this is the right place for you. A bizarre place for me, but it has its justification. A piece of Berlin.

I've known them for decades and always enjoy coming here.

I’ve heard David Bowie used to crash here in the late 70s. And he was right. Great food, great vibes, a piece of history. I will always come back here when in Berlin because this is exactly the type of place that should exist forever.

We visit the Black Café when friends visit us in Berlin. The reactions to the 70s ambience are mixed, we like it. The audience is always well mixed. It is open 24 hours on Saturdays and until 3 a.m. on the other days. It's great for a late meal and a few drinks.

A real space miracle that you wouldn't expect from the outside.

One another overhyped place. The food and the service were totally okay, but not for this price. I really expected everything to cost maximum half the actual price, it's just one step before entering the fine dining territory price-wise (and definitely not food-wise). The place looks like an old big shabby flat, nothing too bad, just a matter of preference if you like it or not. Other guests are very very loud. It wasn't packed, not even close to it, but people were SCREAMING, and it wasn't just one annoying group, rather most of them. The service was polite and reasonably fast, but being cash only in 2025 is ridiculous. Especially if you are already heavily overpriced.

It is a very nice place, fresh and tasty ingredients, friendly service.

Best place to go after intense techno club experiences in the middle of the night

Despite having a reservation, we had to wait at the table for over 35 minutes to order. The food arrived cold and with the wrong sauce. At first the service was very friendly - in the end our food was thrown away, even though we specifically said we wanted to take it with us. No solution was offered after that. Unfortunately, incredibly disappointing. We used to be regular customers, but we won't be coming back. Quality has suffered extremely and is absolutely no longer recommended for the prices. Especially not for €90 worth of food that is simply thrown away.

The Black Café is one of the few remaining places where the flair of old Berlin in the 1980s can be felt - a real highlight, especially for students. The decor with worn walls, chairs and tables has its own charm that you have to like. However, the breakfast is excellent and the service is attentive and friendly. Anyone who appreciates a diverse West Berlin crowd and is looking for inexpensive but good quality food has come to the right place. An authentic place with history that is definitely worth a visit.

Cool vibe. Eccentric decor. Good, basic dishes. Great breakfast. Open late.

After a friendly welcome and the successful search for a place on the upper floor, things unfortunately only went downhill from there. The hot milk I ordered was mistakenly delivered with honey (I hate bees). And there wasn't a single piece of meat floating in the lentil stew with sausages. When the service team asked the service team to deliver the dead animal pressed into an intestine, this was promised, but never done. All in all, unfortunately only 3 stars.

This has such a great vibe. During the day it's more relaxed and in the evening it gets packed. I can see why it's been going as long as it has!The staff were friendly but super busy. It has plenty of non alcoholic options as well which is great. It's a fun place to be but it does get full up later in the evening. Please note: it's cash only

Not the best service, waiters with attitude

Ended a wonderful evening here with some exceptional company. I've not been many places where you can enjoy red wine and delicious cheesecake at 2am in the morning, it was very memorable for sure. Food, service and atmosphere all top notch, a lovely place to spend time and definitely recommended as part of a trip to Berlin!

We were here for breakfast. Very pleasant, relaxed atmosphere, nice service. Everything was fine. Gladly again.

A real gem! At Café Schwarz you feel as if you have been transported back in time. The service is warm, the atmosphere is unique, and the highlight: the music is played on a cassette deck with real cassettes! It's fascinating how this café combines nostalgia and cosiness. A perfect place to escape from everyday life and enjoy the special atmosphere with good coffee. Definitely an insider tip in Berlin! 🎶☕

I went in as a customer and came out as a fan of this place! My group and I had breakfast, and to our surprise, every single dish was absolutely delicious. The portions were also quite generous, making it a truly satisfying meal. The ambience has a slightly old and rustic charm, giving off a classic old Berlin vibe. Moreover, the staff were very friendly, though the service was a bit slow. However, it was well worth the wait for such a great meal. ⚠️ They only accept cash for payment, which can be a bit inconvenient.

Cozy, wonderful food - we were even able to share a meal, very attentive service. Unfortunately it's a bit loud, but that's probably normal given how busy it is.

Yes, in the meantime you have to make a reservation or wait (we waited about 10 minutes). Cozy inside as always. Food: good and not overpriced, special requests: no problem. Service: on point and very friendly. Always my pleasure!

Unfortunately only with reservation and you have to wait outside for 40 minutes

Lots of choice on the menu around the clock. Unfortunately, staff often only speak English, as is the case everywhere in Berlin

We came with a group of 19 people and were received very hospitably. The service was courteous, competent and quick. The food was obviously freshly prepared and very tasty. The price-performance ratio is right. Overall, highly recommended.

Cult pub with recommendations for political reading on the menu <3

Cellar ambience with suitable clientele

A rustic location with the (positive) charm of a train station bar. But well attended with good service and good prices. Address, noted.

Very cozy café restaurant with delicious cakes or food. Since the last increase, the food prices are no longer available for students. It is often loud, the café is only two. The service is always relaxed and quick.

wonderful bar with delicious beer

Cash only old school Berlin restaurant. Wiener Schnitzel and Fassbrause is no-brainer :D

I ate a very delicious crepe (at 9pm). For those who say it's not right, lie. Recommended 100%. There is no photo because I ate it very quickly 🫣🤣

Honestly, this place has a great atmosphere! Of course, the wine and beer were delicious, but the atmosphere was really cozy and nice. The tiramisu wasn't very good, but the wine and beer were still delicious. For beer, I recommend Dju Dju mango!

Saturday medium Nm. totally full, upstairs sober and crammed with tables, high noise level, downstairs also simple but less hectic, sometimes loud music at the bar. Service very well organized, friendly, short waiting time for drinks and food, Czech draft beer, affordable, food impeccable, the Black Café is worth a visit, perhaps better not on a Saturday during rush hour.

Well attended, always very full, the food is good, the walls there need a line.. No card payment.. Otherwise it's ok, familiar corner.⭐⭐⭐.

Our visit to the café for breakfast left a predominantly positive impression. For the drinks we chose a cappuccino with oat milk and a latte macchiato, both of which tasted convincing. For dishes we chose the “Love on the Run” and the “Green Velvet Vegan”. Both breakfast options tasted appealing and the ingredients used were of good quality. Nevertheless, the ratio of toppings to rolls was negative: the toppings were significantly too generous compared to the amount of rolls. Here an additional bun or a reduced amount of toppings would have provided a better balance. The staff was extremely friendly and attentive, which made the stay pleasant. The café itself scores with an interesting ambience and offers enough space to comfortably find a seat even at peak times. Conclusion: Despite small weaknesses in the presentation of the food, the café is a clear recommendation. The quality, the ambience and the service justify a visit.

The food is beautifully prepared and very tasty. You don't have to wait long for service and the customers are very friendly. Special requests are also catered for! A very nice coffee that I can definitely recommend.

the incentive to make a late working coffee place is great and very much needed in berlin but asking tips for awful service is not great

Arrived in Berlin and had a delicious lunch. The menu includes a large selection of food and drinks. A café for everyone, pleasant atmosphere, ambience (a bit outdated) and super friendly service. The cappuccino is fantastic!

black & yet lively, with careful entrance management & yet still hopelessly overcrowded at 0100, a lively place in the dead C-Burg (youth language): What more could you want? Especially since the Absinthe Sour tastes good.

We eat club sandwich! Really good! Sure we come again!

The food is really to die for and the staff is really great! Unfortunately it was very loud and the air was bad, so you couldn't stay that long; The toilets were also really not in good condition. But the food was really amazing and you won't forget that in a hurry.

A lovely place with a great atmosphere. Eating, sitting with friends, reading, writing, reflecting, I'll be back.

Disappointment across the board Unfortunately, our last visit did not meet the high standards we were used to from your cuisine. The veal schnitzel was completely unseasoned and tasted disappointing as it lacked any seasoning. The Mosquito cocktail was more reminiscent of sparkling water with lime than a balanced, flavorful drink. The Kaiserschmarren was particularly disappointing, as it neither tasted nor looked convincing. It looked more like an omelette and was far from what you would expect from a classic Kaiserschmarren. We have greatly appreciated your cuisine in the past and regret that the quality could not be maintained this time. I really hope that you find your way back to your former strength, because your restaurant once had an excellent reputation, which unfortunately it is currently not living up to.

The restaurant has a really nice Berlin atmosphere, very authentic! The almond shake was super tasty and definitely recommended. The main courses are generously portioned, but the goose leg was a bit too tough. Overall, a solid visit, worth a try!

The café was something remarkable. The first impression from the outside was rather off-putting. When we entered the café was good for a Monday morning, but not full. The furnishings and the restaurant were simple and yet special. It is partly reminiscent of a meeting place for the alternative scene. The breakfast options were very varied and very nicely presented. The price was reasonable. Only cash payment is possible here. The toilets, on the other hand, smelled very much like a train station toilet and, thanks to the many stickers and Sharpie tags, they seemed like one. The seating area in the men's toilet was difficult to lock, and the construction of the toilet cubicle unfortunately offers insight for the "curious". When we wanted to take a photo of the outside facade as a souvenir after the visit, we were insulted by the staff. I will therefore avoid this location on my next visit to Berlin.

Smoke-free large dive bar (yes that is contradictory) with a young clientele, but older customers are not looked down upon. Did not try the food, just had a beer.

A Berlin institution, but one that sadly refuses to modernize. While the servers were friendly, the service was very slow, and card payments aren’t accepted. The food was fine, but nothing to write home about

Great staff. Fantastic atmosphere. Really enjoyed the place. Really Really busy.

Tiffany... best breakfast! At all times 24/7. All age visitors.

I have never eaten such delicious Kaiserschmarren, fresh and fluffy. Nice service, great ambience. We were there for the first time and would love to come back

A lot of space! Good for conferences and large events

We're still waiting, sitting at the top of the stairs, we have geese, two schnitzels, bruschetta,

First coffee latte was almost like hot milk. Second attempt too. Ordered a large bottle of still water, after 20 minutes we were told there were no large bottles left. After that it took another 20 minutes until we had two little ones. The young waiter with slightly longer hair around his head was super nice and friendly, but a colleague of his wasn't, she gave us an eye roll because we complained that we had been waiting half an hour for water. Then only cash payment possible... So… everything mediocre. Cleanliness ok, outdated furnishings.

A place for everyone. Young, older, young at heart, families, couples, friends,...

Crowded, loud, simple… but somehow iconic and it was fun to spend an evening there.

Quaint café, I only had a coffee there, but I'll definitely stop by again.

Kaiserschmarren was delicious and nice and fluffy and apple pie was tasty but a bit cold.😊

Dirty , unfriendly and unprofessional

Schwarzes Café is not just about the food—it’s about the atmosphere and the sense of timelessness. People come here as much for the quirky, artsy setting and the community feel as they do for the food. If you’re visiting Berlin and want a place with character that’s open late (or early), it’s worth a visit. Perfect for those who like an unconventional dining experience or are exploring Berlin’s nightlife, Schwarzes Café is an iconic spot that offers an authentic slice of the city’s vibrant culture.

I love this cafe, especially early in the morning for breakfast because it's still quiet then.

Nice place to eat and drink. Amazingly good waiters.

Nice cafe that is still stuck in 1978 as they don’t accept card payments

The Kaiserschmarren was very tasty and I can only recommend it.

Always new and yet tried and tested: The Black Cafe, my favorite since the 80s ;-)

Typical Berlin hipster place: old, run-down, dirty. I have no idea what would bring me there again.