The Best Coffee Shops in Berlin: Coffee and Sustainability Combined
Berlin is a city full of creativity, history, and a thriving café culture. It’s no surprise that coffee lovers find Berlin to be a paradise for exploring unique coffee shops. Not only is the coffee scene rich, but many of these coffee shops also focus on sustainability, ensuring their practices are good for the planet. In this blog, we’ll explore the best coffee shops in Berlin where you can enjoy delicious coffee and support eco-friendly initiatives. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, these spots are worth checking out.
1. BrewBox Berlin
Located in the heart of Friedrichshain, BrewBox Berlin is a small and stylish café that takes coffee seriously. They focus on quality, using beans sourced from sustainable farms around the world. Their brewing methods highlight the complex flavors of coffee, making it a great stop for anyone interested in the art of coffee.
What stands out about BrewBox is their commitment to sustainability. They avoid single-use plastics and encourage customers to bring their own reusable cups. They also work with Fair Trade-certified roasters, ensuring that farmers are paid fairly and practices are environmentally friendly.
What to Try: Their pour-over coffee is a must-try!
2. Five Elephant
Five Elephant is a favorite among Berliners and visitors alike. Located in Kreuzberg and with another location in Mitte, this coffee shop combines a warm atmosphere with excellent coffee. They roast their own beans, and you can even see the roasting process in action at their Kreuzberg shop.
Beyond coffee, Five Elephant is serious about sustainability. The shop sources beans responsibly, ensuring that growers are treated fairly and farming methods are eco-friendly. Their packaging is biodegradable, and they are always looking for new ways to reduce waste.
What to Try: Pair a flat white with a slice of their famous cheesecake—it’s one of the best in Berlin!
3. Silo Coffee
If you’re exploring Friedrichshain, Silo Coffee is a great place to savor a cup of coffee and enjoy brunch. This café prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients in their food menu. For coffee, they work with some of the best roasters in Europe and prioritize ethical sourcing.
Silo’s dedication to sustainability includes using organic products and minimizing single-use plastics. They also support local suppliers, reducing the carbon footprint of their menu and fostering a stronger community. The stylish minimalist décor, combined with their eco-friendly attitude, makes it a great place to relax.
What to Try: Their oat milk cappuccino is perfect alongside their delicious avocado toast.
4. The Barn
Known internationally, The Barn is one of Berlin’s leaders when it comes to specialty coffee. They have locations across the city, including Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg, and Charlottenburg. The café is famous for its meticulous approach to coffee quality; the owners work directly with farmers to source beans from sustainable farms.
As a pioneer in sustainable practices, The Barn avoids quick fixes like disposable cups, preferring to focus on long-term environmental solutions. Their coffee bags are compostable, and they actively educate customers on reducing waste.
What to Try: Treat yourself to an espresso shot for a pure coffee experience.
5. Bonanza Coffee Roasters
Bonanza Coffee Roasters is another top name in Berlin’s coffee scene. Their café and roastery in Kreuzberg are impressive spaces worth visiting. They specialize in light roasting, which brings out the nuanced flavors of coffee beans.
Bonanza ensures that its beans are ethically sourced and emphasizes transparency in its supply chain. They also take steps to reduce waste in their operations, such as using reusable packaging and offering discounts for customers who bring their own cups.
What to Try: Their cold brew is wonderfully refreshing on warm days.
6. Refinery Coffee
Refinery Coffee in Mitte is the ideal spot for both coffee enthusiasts and sustainability advocates. Refinery uses beans from transparent supply chains, supporting farms that prioritize environmentally friendly practices.
This café also has a zero-waste philosophy. They use washable and reusable containers, and you’ll find plenty of plant-based options on their menu to reduce environmental impact. Refinery feels cozy and modern, making it a great place to work or unwind with a good book.
What to Try: Try their matcha latte or a seasonal special.
7. Kaffee Karamell
Kaffee Karamell is one of the hidden gems in Berlin. Located in Neukölln, this café focuses on serving high-quality coffee in a welcoming setting. They partner with roasters who prioritize fair wages and eco-conscious farming.
The café runs on a sustainable model by minimizing waste and using energy-efficient methods. Plus, the staff are always happy to chat about their coffee and sustainability initiatives. It’s a neighborhood favorite that feels like home.
What to Try: Their vegan hot chocolate is delicious and comforting.
Coffee and Sustainability in Berlin
Berlin’s coffee shops don’t just offer expertly brewed drinks—they strive to be part of the solution to environmental issues. By supporting cafés that focus on ethical sourcing, waste reduction, and sustainable practices, you can enjoy your coffee guilt-free.
Each place mentioned in this article brings something unique to the table: whether it’s their roast style, atmosphere, or delicious food menu. So, next time you’re looking for a coffee break in Berlin, make it a sustainable one by visiting one of these amazing spots.
Happy coffee-drinking!
