Aufsturz
Aufsturz stocks over 120 beers and takes that seriously. The back room hosts live music most evenings from Wednesday through Sunday, and a €3-5 cover applies on concert nights. Beer runs €2.60 for a basic German lager to €7 for something imported and interesting. The kitchen is open during the day for breakfast and lunch before the evening crowd takes over.
What to Expect
A beloved neighborhood institution that functions as café, beer hall, and live music venue simultaneously. Beer geeks, local families at lunch, and music fans on weekday evenings all share the same space without any friction.
Mellow by day, lively by night, excellent beer selection, community pub energy
Live jazz, folk, indie, rock depending on the night; DJ on weekends
Casual
Beer enthusiasts, live music lovers, all-day casual drinking, lunch on Oranienburger Straße
Cash and card
Price Range
Beer €2.60-7, wine €3.40, cocktails €5.90-7, food €3.50-9, live music cover €3-5
Beer $2.80-7.50, wine $3.70, cocktails $6.40-7.50, food $3.80-10, live music cover $3.20-5.40
Hours
Daily noon-2am
Insider Tip
The beer menu is worth reading. ask the bartender to point you toward something German and regional you haven't tried. Live music nights fill up; arrive before 8pm to guarantee a seat.
Full Review
Aufsturz takes beer seriously enough to stock over 120 varieties and takes itself lightly enough to remain a comfortable neighborhood pub that anyone can enjoy. The main room works as an all-day cafe and bar, while the back room hosts live music most evenings from Wednesday through Sunday. A EUR 3 to 5 cover for the music nights is fair for what you get: jazz, folk, indie, and rock depending on the schedule.
The beer menu is the main attraction for daytime visitors. German regional varieties that you will not find at the tourist pubs, Belgian imports, and craft options that rotate regularly through the taps. The bartenders know the list well and will steer you toward something interesting if you ask. Beers run EUR 2.60 to 7, wine EUR 3.40, cocktails EUR 5.90 to 7, and food EUR 3.50 to 9.
On Oranienburger Strasse, Aufsturz fills the gap between the tourist bars near the S-Bahn and the more hidden spots deeper into Mitte's side streets. It is visible enough to attract walk-ins but rooted enough to keep regulars coming back. The lunch crowd includes local families, the evening brings beer enthusiasts and music fans, and the overlap creates an atmosphere that is social without being forced.
Live music nights fill up, so arriving early is practical if you want a seat. The noon opening means you can start with lunch and a beer and accidentally stay for the evening set. The food is pub fare done well: filling, affordable, and designed to accompany drinking rather than compete with a restaurant meal.
The Neighborhood
Aufsturz sits on Oranienburger Strasse in Mitte, serving as a natural bridge between the tourist-facing bars clustered near the S-Bahn station and the more local haunts deeper into the neighborhood's side streets. Its exceptional beer selection draws enthusiasts from across Berlin.
Getting There
S-Bahn to Oranienburger Strasse station, then a one-minute walk east. The bar is directly on the main street and easy to spot. Tram M1 and M5 also stop within a short walk.
Where to stay in Berlin
Compare hotels near the nightlife districts. Free cancellation on most properties.
Other Venues in Oranienburger Strasse
Clärchens Ballhaus
Historic dance hall dating back to 1913 with a grand ballroom, live bands on weekends, and a courtyard beer garden. One of Berlin's last original ballrooms still in operation.
Bar Tausend
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Hackbarth's
Old-school neighborhood bar that's been a Mitte fixture for decades. No cocktail menu or pretension, just cold beer, simple drinks, and late-night conversation.
Zosch
Basement venue in a converted cellar hosting live bands, open mic nights, and DJ sets. The ground-floor bar serves cheap drinks to a mixed crowd of locals and visitors.
Buck and Breck
Tiny speakeasy on Brunnenstrasse with just 14 seats and a strict no-standing policy. The bartender crafts each drink to order based on your flavor preferences. Reservations recommended.
Kaffee Burger
Scruffy two-room club on Torstrasse that blends live bands, DJ sets, and the famous Russendisko party. The crowd is international, the cover is cheap, and the dance floor gets sweaty.