My partner is very particular with his German food (especially growing up with his Oma's cooking). So to have this tough critic enjoy his meal was amazing. We were so happy that we were able to find this hidden gem near Capitol Hill. The ambiance of the restaurant is very intimate. It looks like a great place to take someone on a date. Everything was so yummy. The service was also amazing. The food came out pretty quick for a sit down restaurant. We for sure will be coming here for our next DC visit. read more

Cafe Berlin - German Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Schmeckt lecker!! As someone born into a German family and who has visited Germany often, it is rare to find a place in the US like Cafe Berlin that has good German food. And the food isn't just good here--it's amazing. My pretzel tasted like it was freshly baked, and the mustard accompanying it was fantastic. And you can tell the sauerbraten has been marinating for a long time. It is so tender and bursting with flavor. Lastly, the chocolate cake is the perfect way to end the meal. My only regret is I don't live in DC. But I visit often and will be back. Bis bald! read more

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I had the most beautiful Sunday afternoon date at Cafe Berlin with my boyfriend, and it was exactly what I needed. I was craving something that felt like home, and this place delivered beyond expectations. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere transported me it genuinely felt like I had left the U.S. and landed in Germany. Every bite was rich, comforting, and full of authentic flavor. You can really taste the love and tradition in the food. The service was amazing attentive, warm, and made the whole experience even more special. Overall, I absolutely loved it. The food, the vibe, the experience everything was 10/10. I'll definitely be coming back 100%! read more

Cafe Berlin - German Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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My husband and I made a reservation to celebrate my birthday on Sat, August 15, 2025. Our third trip and was quite disappointed. We had the Wiener Schnitzel and wondered where the veal was, it was literally pencil thin and I inquired whether it was pounded and waiter assured us it was and that it depends on who cooks it. Really? And the 'roasted potatoes' were actually fried not roasted. Last summer it was a completely different dining experience and wondered whether ownership had change. read more

Cafe Berlin is a great little German restaurant that my family and I enjoyed thoroughly while we were on vacation in the D.C. area. The Schnitzel was amazing, and their beer list is more than adequate for a venue like this. We all had a great meal, and the wait staff were all very friendly and welcoming. Recommended! read more

The food was absolute extraordinary. Great selection of beers. Love the sausage plate. The staff were incredibly kind and gave us some amazing recommendations for the dessert. Probably one of the best lunches I've had out in the last year. read more

Cafe Berlin - Kaisersxhnarren. Thank you Astrea! - German Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Quaint and casual atmosphere, okay service, and somewhat disappointingly mediocre food. I had high hopes when we arrived based on other reviews, but the food simply did not live up to the hype. read more

Not what it once was. Schnitzel was dry and almost flavorless! No schwartzwalder kitsch torte. Very disappointed to see this place fall so far .Schnitzel read more

We love the staff here, and the outdoor seating is lovely! Their lunch deals are great, definitely try the sauerkraut balls!! read more

Cafe Berlin - Schnitzel Sandwich - German Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

A small group of us came for an early dinner after another event in DC. We got several apps, which were all great. I was pleasantly surprised to see flammkuchen on the menu. I hadn't had one since I was in France, so of course I had to get it. It small (it was an app so I should've seen that coming) but I'm happy I tried it. The cocktails were good. Wines by the glass were limited but it's a smaller restaurant so I can't be surprised. Our entrees we're all amazing. Truly. The trout was some of the best I've had and even better than we expected it to be. The apple strudels crust was a bit too crunchy/thick, so I wouldn't get that again. The bread pudding, on the other hand, was wonderful. It was a pricey meal in the end but definitely worth it for a special occasion. read more

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Outstanding food, staff, and experience. Have had multiple items on the menu and everything is great. Not a place to enjoy a 'light meal' but worth a visit if you are in the area. read more

It's a very nice and quiet, out of the way place. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and outdoor seating is on a quiet residential style street. It is on the more expensive side, but if you know that going in, you'll see that it is very quality food that will leave you full and satisfied. The decor was cool too. Our only gripe was the $10 potato pancakes were small (and you only get 2 of them), but the rest of our lunch was very good and filling. Definitely check this place out! read more

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Like taking a few hour holiday to Europe. Authentic German food and drink (great fresh German beer on tap). We went at 3pm for a late lunch and it was perfect. Dog friendly outside so our pointer could join too. The sauerbraten was on point, with savory gravy and delicious semolina dumpling. The schnitzels were also terrific. Dessert was fantastic. Friendly service and points for the waitstaff in German traditional dress. read more

I go here a few times a month on Sundays after a regular weekly event in Capitol Hill. I love the german food I can't get anywhere else in town, especially the käsespätzle (cheesy flour noodles) with rotkohl (red cabbage), and the potato pancakes. The waitress is always wonderful and I wish I remembered her name. This last Sunday I heard someone in the room behind the bar loudly berating an employee. "It's not that f@cking hard! Do your f%cking job!" she shouted several times. I'm ashamed I didn't leave then and there and let them know why. No one deserves to be spoken to that way, ever, especially by an employer or fellow staff. I'm not sure I'm ever going to go back. I'm going to miss it terribly. read more

The food was great, and the table side service was good, but the hostess was perhaps the worst experience I've ever had in DC. Our reservation was at 7:15 pm, they didn't seat us until 8 pm. Multiple times we asked an estimated time to be seated and the hostess just started ignoring us. Was a truly terrible experience and nasty attitude. I really love this place, but we haven't gone back since because of her. read more

Wonderful evening out for my son's birthday. Staff was attentive, food was amazing. Best appetizer platter ever, according to my son (first time he had liverwurst-apparently I have deprived him). Loved the schnitzels and the marinated red cabbage. Well executed typical German food--not bougie. We order drinks, appetizers, entrees and desserts for a table of five, so yes, our bill was high but the prices are clear and we expected that. Staff added a sparkler and sent around a finishing round of shots. read more

First time trying German food and it was pretty good ! My palette prefers a a different flavour profile but I enjoyed the restaurant experience. Service was quick and polite and it's a cute cozy shop that has a homey feel. The pretzel appetizer was my favourite, very soft and fresh, and the sauces /butter they provide to complement it were fun to experience read more

Cafe Berlin - Wiener Schnitzel - German Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Cafe Berlin is a good choice if you like quality meat served in big portions. Prices are high but you can easily share an entree between two (or more) people. Vegetarians won't find any obvious choices on the menu, but they'll prepare one of the hot "salad" dishes without the fish, and it's actually quite good. read more

Cafe Berlin - The hot salmon "salad" served without the salmon -- an actually very good choice for vegetarians, but pricey at $25. - German Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Finally got to try Cafe Berlin after wanting to do so for a few years. My wife and I went for lunch for my birthday. We had the Kartoffel Pfannkuchen to start and then the Butternusskurbis Suppe and Wiener Schnitzel (with Spatzle and Germuse), and Schokoladekuchen Mit Venilla Eis to finish. Everything was very tasty. The standouts were the Kasespatzle and dessert. All of the food tasted very fresh. It was a great "stick to your ribs" sort of meal. The restaurant is a cozy throwback and was very busy for lunch. Astrea took care of us (and about a dozen other tables!) and really added to making it a quality experience. read more

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Cute little cafe tucked away not far from the capitol. Authentic German schnitzel (expensive though). read more

Cafe Berlin - Schnitzel! (I took a few bites before snapping the pic.) - German Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Love this place. Got the meatloaf sandwich and it didn't disappoint. Such a good flavor and cooked perfectly. Loved the crunchiness of the bread. I got it with the gholaush soup and it also had great flavor and enjoyed it thoroughly. The carrots. Potatoes and meat were delicious and flavorful. The pretzel was also very good and the beer cheese spread it was served with was great. Loved the potato pancake as well perfectly crispy and probably one of the best potato pancakes Ive had in a long time. The side of sour cream and the applesauce was just like my grandma used to make!!! I could have had a whole bowl of it!!! I didn't try the fish sandwich but my boyfriend said it was very good and he enjoyed it. I didn't care for the potato salad. It was a little more sour than I'd like since it was cold but I love my German potato salad more sour when served warm or hot. I would totally eat here again. Service and ambience were great!! read more

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I came with my bf who loves German food. I'm not a big fan of German food but if I did, this would have been 5 stars. I had the pretzel and beer cheese. The pretzel was good and not overly salty. The beer cheese is a spread rather than a dip. It has slices of onion which I thought was a bit odd. The fish sandwich was excellent. I had the remoulade sauce on the side since I don't like horseradish. But after tasting it it's was just a hint of horseradish so I did like the sauce. The meatloaf was good and different. It's lighter in color which I found out was due to the more pork than beef ratio. The potato pancakes was one of the best I have had in all German restaurants I've tried. Love that sour cream. My bf devoured that apple sauce since he said it was like his grandma's dish. So never did like the German potato salad since it has a vinegar flavor. I thought my bf would like it but he didn't. So this was the only dish we didn't like. Service is great - although they asked us twice if we had reservations. Seems like there were plenty of tables available that it would have not mattered. read more

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To paraphrase Sgt. Schultz: 'I taste nothing!' Except for the beer and sauerkraut the meal was insipid. My wife had the 'mild bore' and I ate the jagerschnitzel. After coming from the Folger Shakespeare Library I had the urge to scream 'Horseradish! Horseradish! My kingdom for some horseradish!' read more

Food is incredible, service is impecable, great atmosphere. Had the Wild Boar and Rabbit! read more

Cafe Berlin - Apfelstrudel - German Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Service was fantastic! Every one at the restaurant was very attentive. Decor was a 7 out of 10. Felt like I was at a persons's 70's vintage living room, not a German restaurant. Food was great! Anytime I can get my hands on German food it is a good thing. We shared the Gamischte Salatplatte, which was light and filling. We both had to indulge in the Sauerbraten. It was excellent. Not too dry or a soggy mess. The only thing we missed along with the Spatzle were potato dumplings which they ran out of. For desert, we shared the Apfelstrudel mit Vanilla Eis. Fantastic and roll me out the front door! read more

Finally got around to giving this place a try after walking by it many times. Went on a busy Saturday evening and it was packed. It is also a smaller place, so would definitely recommend doing a reservation. There is an outside patio for additional seating, so that helps during the non-winter time related to capacity. The service was outstanding and really one of the best experiences in awhile and the food tasted great and was just the right portion size. The drinks were also top notch. The only aspect that didn't work out is the kitchen being out of two or three items on the menu that we planned on ordering from perusing the menu ahead of time. Granted it was late the evening, but we were a little surprised by more than one choice not being available. On the plus side the items we did order were great and we can order the other items during our next visit. Look forward to going to Cafe Berlin again soon! read more

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MANDATORY TIP WARNING! I liked Café Berlin, very beautiful interior, the food was good, the service was good, but I still don't like the mandatory tipping fee. The restaurant is also being a little dishonest, they are not required to charge a percentage, they are just doing so because they don't want to raise prices. I think that's flat out wrong. Raise the prices, and pay your employees what they are worth, don't nickel and dine the customers instead. Otherwise, the outdoor beer garden can be really crowded so just walk under the lighted arch and point yourself towards the middle basement. read more

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Our meal here was excellent! It's been ages since I've had German food so I'm glad that yelp has led me here. This will definitely be a go-to for when I have out of towners. Several of us got the Weiner Schnitzel - I chose the potatoes and sauerkraut for my sides. I mean, I all but licked my plate clean. It was so good. Even our non-meat eater was able to find a couple of items that suited her. The service was great! Our server was so gracious and polite and accommodating. The pace is relaxed so you'll have plenty of time to enjoy apps and drinks before your meal. There's also ample patio with many small fire pits which will be great once the weather warms up a bit. I can't wait to come back here and try the bratwurst. read more

Cafe Berlin - Weiner schnitzel w potatoes and sauerkraut. - German Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

HOW have I never dined here before? This is such a darling restaurant near Union Station. I would have loved to sit outside at the lovely patio space, but alas the 90+ degrees weather prompted me to seek refuge inside. The indoor space was quite cozy and lovely as well. The ambiance transported me to a European restaurant. Our server was so very kind. We had a toddler in our group, and not only did she provide a high chair, but she also provided a sippy cup for the baby! When it was time to pay, she remembered what we ordered and was gracious in providing separate checks. The food! Quite delicious. I had the delicious potato pancakes with house made apple sauce and sour cream as well as the wiener schnitzel. This schnitzel was a WINNER. I think the fry was in a combination of oil and butter because it had such a depth of golden butter flavor to it. The veal was quite tender and crispy. I had the sauerkraut and potato/bacon as sides, and they were soooo scrumptious. I am salivating again as I write this review! I can't wait to come back! read more

This was a terrible meal from start to finish. 20 minutes after we ordered, the server let us know the food would be "delayed", and it then took over 2 hours to bring a single entree. The waitress completely stopped coming to our table and we we're not attended to at all throughout this extremely long wait. I genuinely have never waited this long at a restaurant before. read more

This was utterly disappointing. would not recommend. My partner and I came, ordered one appetizer and one entree. It took 2 HOURS TO COME OUT??? they ignored us the whole time because they knew it was such a delay and half of the tables were empty. the food was disappointing and not flavorful. they did not give us water, the place just seemed like things weren't put together. decided to get the $19 strudel after with high hopes and it came out burnt to a crisp. do not go. read more

Cafe Berlin - apple strudel - German Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

For a special celebration, my partner and I made our way across the city to Cafe Berlin, including paying for an Uber to get directly outside of the restaurant. One of us had come here twice before and was excited to return. The hours were not updated on their website, which stated that they would reopen on August 27th. Apple Maps, Google Maps, and their website all said it would be open but when we arrived, there was a sign saying Closed (and would be closed until September 10th). Paying money and spending time to specifically come to this spot and seeing it Closed, is not only disappointing, but sad that an establishment with good food and service fails at a simple managerial task. We will likely be back, but it's disappointing :( read more

Who'd want to eat German Food?! Me and it was actually delicious!! #capitalhill #dcfoodsters Appetizers & Drinks Curry wurst -- it was a tasty meat dish with a phenomenal flavor Käsepätzle -- German style Mac and Cheese, very cheesy and extremely flavorful Berlin '65 -- Gin, champagne, herb simple syrup and a lemon twist Main Course Maultaschen -- German Stuff Pasta dish made with meat, spinach and onion. It came with a wonderful side salad. Desserts Ofenschlupfer -- beautifully crafted square bread pudding with homemade ice cream. Schokoladekuchen -- warm chocolate cake, caramel and homemade ice cream. Rating: It was a four star rating 4 stars Review: Cafe Berlin is very professional family owned restaurant with a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. All the staff members were extremely friendly, and knowledgeable to new comers of this cuisine. Loved the appetizers-- the sausage was in this incredible sauce and the German Mac and cheese was so cheesy and creamy. The main course, it was earth and delicious, very seasonal for Fall. It was a perfect pasta dish balanced off with a delicious salad. The cocktail was great as well. The desserts were delicious but my favorite was the chocolate cake, it was so good and tasty. I'd definitely recommend a local trip to Germany. Live and read more

Food is great, service is hit & miss. Staff is highly emotional. Great LGBTQIA safe space.

Extremely underwhelming. I went for New Years. The wait with a reservation was insane. The food wasn't that good for the wait to be so long.

Tonight I made a reservation at Cafe Berlin on Capitol Hill near Union Station. According to Open Table, the only thing available was at the bar, which would've been fine with me, but a table in the dining room had just opened up and they were able to seat me right away. I was very happy! I ordered the Weiner Schnitzle (veal) with sauerkraut and German potato salad, and a Zwei Apfel cocktail: apple cider, German pineapple rum, lemon. No apps or dessert due closing early for hood maintenance in the kitchen. So I had to hurry up and order as soon as I sat down. Which again was fine. I understand as a restaurant manager. No big deal. Cozy restaurant in a basement space of 3 old row houses: the bar and 2 dining rooms, and 2 tables for four tucked into a pair of bay windows. "Private" dining room separated by a pulled curtain in the back. Astrea was my server and so friendly! Since the kitchen closed and I couldn't get dessert, she brought a pair of shots of pear schnapps for us to toast a liquid dessert! I'll go back just for her service! I do have to say, though, that for the portion size, I feel the menu is a little over priced... the picture you see of my meal cost $31... Now, it was all delicious, don't get me wrong! But I'd expect more for the price tag... Definitely recommend for a cute and quiet date spot!! read more

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RUNNN. We had a reservation and got seated quickly. There was a bar indoors but all of the seating is outside under umbrellas. It's so cute with lights and other decorations. The service was relatively quick- we ordered the curry wurst and the jägerschnitzel. The currywurst was excellent. The schnitzel came with spätzle and a mushroom gravy. The pork was very clean and thin with a crisp breading. We would have liked a little more gravy for the spätzle but overall it was very good. Some of the best German food we have found in the US! read more

Cafe Berlin - Jagerschnitzel with spätzle - German Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I don't get German food option, but boy did this place hit the spot. First off, the interior of the restaurant was classy, homey, and cute. The service was also excellent, as our server was attentive and answered all our questions. In terms of food, I was throughly satisfied and sent to Flavortown. For appetizer, I had the Bretzel, Currywurst, and Potato Pancakes. Each appetizer was unique and packed with diverse flavors. For the entree, I had the Sauerbraten, and it was one of the best braised beef roast dishes I've ever had. The red wine sauce was so deep and strong in terms of red wine flavor and the meat itself was so tender and juicy. All the food was heavy and filling, so I was very full at the end and had no room for dessert. Overall, Cafe Berlin was the bomb-dot-com and is a place I recommend trying if you want some good German food. read more

Cafe Berlin - Sauerbraten - German Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Service was top notch and food was amazing! The potato pancakes were perfection! Schnitzel was just right. I grew up in a German family and I was impressed! read more

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We had an excellent meal here tonight. We started by sharing an order of the frie Brie. It was crispy on the outside & creamy on the inside & we loved it. For my entree, I had the trout. One thing that worked really well was that a large medallion of butter came on the top. I didn't want the richness of the butter, so I pushed it aside & just had the trout, which was terrific. Something else that worked well was that I asked the waitress to substitute red cabbage for the potatoes, & she did it. My husband had the jagerschnitzel, which he liked very much. read more

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