Summer’s finally here, and along with the leafy trees and visits to the lake on sunny afternoons comes the start of the ice cream season.
Germans take their ice cream very, very seriously. Imagine a giant waffle cone, piled high with multiple scoops of ice cream, topped off with a mountain of whipped cream and chocolate sauce – and that’s just for one person! Of course, most folks go for a simple scoop on a hot summer’s day, if only so that they can return the next day for another without feeling too much guilt. But if you’re riding around town, guilt is not that much of an issue anyway – you’re earning your ice cream by burning calories on a bike. So go ahead – treat yourself to a sundae at one of our favorite Berlin ice cream shops. Note: all opening hours apply only to ice cream season, which is typically over when October ends. So get your ice cream while it’s hot! (Hot out, that is.)
Ademir Eis
Falkensteinstr. 7, U-Bhf Schlesisches Tor (U1)
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am-midnight
The rotating roster of ice cream at Ademir Eis is usually at least 25 flavors long and includes creative concoctions like Gorgonzola, Ricotta Strawberry, and Ginger. Served up by young ladies in straw hats, Ademir Eis is so popular that they have had to put up signs requesting that ice cream fans keep the sidewalk unblocked. The sundaes are costly at 5.90€ a pop, but here’s my tip: order 3 or more kid’s scoops (0.60c each) to get a complimentary fresh butter waffle cone. Add a half-portion of whipped cream (0.60c), and ta-da! You’ve basically got a sundae at half the price. A great way to end a visit to the East Side Gallery
Eis Manufaktur
Auguststr. 63, U-Bhf Rosenthaler Platz (U8)
Weserstr. 6, U-Bhf Hermannplatz (U7, U8)
Karl-Marx-Platz 17, U-Bhf Karl-Marx-Str. (U7)
Neue Gärtenstr. 33a, S-Bhf Ostkreuz (S3, S5, S7, S75, Ringbahn)
Graefestr. 7, U-Bhf Schönleinstraße (U8)
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, Noon-9pm
Located in several places around town, this local chain serves up the best salted caramel ice cream this side of the Atlantic. Ordering an Eiskaffee (coffee float) with this flavor instead of the usual vanilla will give you a pick-me-up like none you’ve ever experienced before. Eis Manufaktur also makes great vegan sorbets, for those looking to avoid dairy. Their multiple locations make Eis Manufaktur a very convenient choice.
Eis Piraten
Grünbergerstr. 85
Opening hours: Monday – Friday from 2pm on, Saturday and Sunday from noon on.
If you can beat the out-the-door line that starts forming here every day around 3 o’clock when school gets out, you’re in luck. The Eis Piraten (ice cream pirates) offer a host of quirky ice cream sundaes made from their own ice cream, and the whole place sports a fun maritime theme. On weekends, you can take your ice cream treat to nearby Boxhagener Platz and enjoy it as you walk around the outdoor market (food market on Saturdays, flea market on Sundays).
Tanne B – Das Eis vom Lausitzer Platz
Eisenbahnstr. 48, U-Bhf Görlizter Bahnhof
Opening hours: Monday -Sunday, 9am-8pm
Located in a charming neighborhood location, this ice cream shop offers a lot more than just ice cream. Cake, bagels, Belgian waffles, fresh squeezed juice, espresso – this cafe has it all. Complete with ample seating in front of the shop. Vegan options also available.
Cuore di Vetro
Max-Beer-Str. 33, U-Bhf Rosa-Luxembourg-Platz (U2)
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday from noon on.
If you are around Alexanderplatz and are looking for a great scoop of ice cream, look no further than this little Italian place on Max-Beer-Straße. The owner, a tall, skinny Italian man named Guido, speaks a funny little mix of English and German, but what he lacks in language skills he makes up for in charm and fabulous hair. He has named his café ‘Cuore di Vetro’, which literally means ‘Heart of Glass’. The flavors here are strange and wonderful. The dark chocolate sorbet has won several awards in Berlin and beyond, and the pistachio is to die for. You can pair your ice cream with an espresso drink or, if you’re looking for something more hearty, a homemade panino. A great place to come on a chilly day, as they offer indoor seating upstairs.
