So, you've caught some feels for this cutie. And you've been writing with them for what feels like ages, but have yet to actually meet up with them in person, in real life - maybe it's a long distance thing, maybe they've been out of town over the holidays, maybe you're just taking it extra slow. Doesn't matter - you still want to impress them and make them feel welcomed and cozy and eat and drink some delicious things together. It is TIME to break the seal. And you can't bear another second not sitting across the table or on the bench next to them. But, there's only one problem. You're a little strapped for cash this month, but want to have a great experience nonetheless.
That's our inspriration for creating this list for you today - what are The Best Budget Date spots in Berlin? No, we're not going to recommend the wet benches outside the Späti down the street from your house - you've got that covered already.
Instead, we're proud to give you this list as an inspiration and opportunity to remember that dating looks different to everyone - special moments can be created over the simplest things, without the steepest of price tags. Take the initiative, give your date-to-be some options (they'll appreciate the forethought and planning, I promise), and go have a grand time, without spending a grand.
Honorable mentions that we don't have pages for quite yet:
P.S. Check out our reel on Instagram to get our insider tips!
Sponsored by Bumble
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Sarajevo
Savor the flavors of the Balkans at Sarajevo, a true neighborhood spot in Wedding. Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of their cevapi, perfectly grilled sausages bursting with savory flavors. The bürek, a flaky pastry filled with various delicious fillings, is particularly excellent - we're pretty sure the potato version came directly from heaven. The team is one of the most welcoming and pleasant in town and you're sure to leave with a smile beaming as big as their own!
When in doubt, get cevapi AND bürek -- no FOMO in this house. Also, potato bürek is the move.
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Burgermeister
If you're craving a burger, look no further, Burgermeister is probably the most famous burger chain in the city and they have earned their crown. It all started in a toilet turned burger shop under a bridge and even then it drew the crowds. Even after franchising they have remained commited to quality and consistency. Clearly they all are about the meat, juicy patties and all but don't dismiss the veggie burger before trying it. It is top tier. We at BFS have fought for the Fleischermeister to stay so you better try that too! Loaded fries, optional.
LONG LIVE THE FLEISCHERMEISTER!!!
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Goldies Smashburger
Goldie's Burger is an exceptional establishment, founded by two Michelin star chefs, and the newer sister restaurant to the original Goldies fry and chicken shop on Oranienstrasse. Located at the head of Gräfestrasse right off Kottbusserdamm a.k.a. one of the most humming corners of Kreuzkölln, you can treat yourself to one of the finest (if not THE finest) smashburgers in the city while taking in the scene. Each burger is meticulously hand crafted with premium ingredients that ensure an explosion of flavors with every mouthful. The Goldies burgers are no-fuss minimalistic creations and essentially higher quality versions of the McDonald's burgers, which means you won't find any exotic ingredients on this menu (we're talking mainly classic cheeseburgers here). From timeless favorites to the inventive throwbacks, Goldies Smashburger presents a diverse menu that caters to all levels of hunger, from a drive-by snack to four hungry bellies creaking on the benches on the sidewalk.
The classic double cheeseburger is the pro move and be ready to wait for up to 45 mins in line (unless you get there early!)
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Piri's
Piri's Chicken, the self-titulated "Dive Bar Diner", is a beloved restaurant, famous for their Aussie-style fried chicken sandwiches. Situated in Berlin's lively Neukölln district, right off Karl-Marx-Straße, the sandwiches come loaded with ingredients and sauces (watch out for the Trauma sauce!). Follow them on their socials for their bevvy of special events (pop-ups and sports related) and practice your two-handed, sauce-dripping stance for smashing their amazing namesake, the Piri Burger.
Look out for frozen margaritas with a short beer on the side and come for one of their Taco nights (especially the Birria one!)
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Tossakan
Tossakan is an authentic Thai restaurant tucked away in the trendy neighborhood of Prenzlauer Berg in Berlin. The menu features classic Thai dishes, bursting with flavors and aromas, all made with high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. From their more 'known' Thai dishes to their show stopping whole fish delights, Tossakan offers a truly authentic taste of Thailand without having to hop on a plane. The restaurant's cozy atmosphere and warm hospitality make it a perfect spot for a casual meal with friends or a romantic dinner for two. Don't forget to try the refreshing Thai iced tea or the delicious mango sticky rice for dessert.
The papaya salad (som tam) brings the HEAT. Be ready.
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Standard Serious Pizza
If you're craving authentic Neapolitan pizza with a modern twist, look no further than Standard Serious Pizza. As the pioneer of the Neapolitan pizza craze in Berlin, Standard, for many years, set the bar for quality pizza in Berlin. With several locations throughout Berlin, this pizza joint offers Neapolitan style pies made with high-quality ingredients and baked in a gas-fired oven. The dough is cold-fermented, giving it a light and airy texture, while the toppings range from classic margherita to more creative options like truffle and mortadella. Pair your pizza with a craft beer or natural wine, and you've got yourself a meal that's hard to beat.
Check out the extensive (natural) wine list and make sure to get at least one pizza from the daily specials
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W Pizza
W Pizza is a popular pizza chain in Berlin, with several locations across the city. Their menu features a variety of delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas, made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. From classic Margherita to creative combos like gorgonzola, raddichio, walnuts and honey, there's a pizza for every taste. The restaurant's modern and minimalist decor creates a trendy and casual atmosphere. With multiple locations throughout the city, W Pizza is an easy option to satisfy those pizza cravings.
If you have to do take-away, don't go far as their pies are best enjoyed immediately. Don't sleep on the sausage pizzas as well - they're some of our favorites.
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Annelies
If you're a foodie on the hunt for the best breakfast in Berlin, look no further than Annelies in Kreuzberg. Annelies is not your average breakfast spot, think of it as if your favourite casual fine dining restaurant only would be serving breakfast - that will give you an understanding of the quality of the food coming out of this kitchen. Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs on Toast and their own version of the Sausage Egg McMuffin (spoiler: this one is better) are stapled, but don't miss the seasonal specials. You may have to wait in line, but trust us, it's worth it. The restaurant's location in front of the grungy Görlitzer Park adds to the overall charm and atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to start your day. Join the crowd and discover why Annelies is one of Berlin's most trusted breakfast spots.
The must-eats for a first time visitor are the pancakes, the eggs on sourdough and the sausage sandwich. Important: Don't skip dessert and this place doesn't take reservations, so expect to stand in line on weekends.
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Masha's Bagels
Masha's Bagels is a Berlin-based Jewish deli and bagel shop in Neukölln specializing in traditional New York-style bagels made from scratch. Their bagels are hand-rolled, boiled and baked in a stone oven, ensuring a bagel experience of the highest level. They offer a variety of classic and modern bagel sandwiches, such as NYC salmon with cream cheese and the BEC (Bacon, Egg & Cheese) but one should not neglect their sandwiches, where the Kimchi Grilled Cheese stands out. Another dish to ortder is the extraordinary Matzo Ball Soup. Masha's also serves great coffee and homemade baked goods, including cheesecakes and rugelach. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack.
After smashing your Matzo Ball Soup and a New York Classic, get some bagels to take home to become King or Queen of the Bagel Empire
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Frühstück 3000
It's practically tradition for the coolest kids in Berlin to line up twice on the weekends, once for the club, and second outside Frühstück 3000 for their knockout brunch offering off Südstern. Creative turns on breakfast and brunch classics are on offer here, as well as some of best people watching in town. Get there, coffee in hand and sunnies on your face, and ease gently into the day. With its inviting ambiance and culinary craftsmanship, Frühstück 3000 ensures a memorable brunch experience where you can savor the enticing flavors of their expertly prepared entrees, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed recovery meal in Berlin.
Don't miss on the French Toast and Chicken and Waffles, the cocktails are class.
