You can work up quite an appetite in Berlin. Trust me – it’s a big, big city with tons to do. Unlike many of its fellow cities in country, it covers a fair bit of ground, too. Like any big city, it has its fair share of tourist trap cafes (and, somewhat ironically, Dunkin’ Donuts franchises). You’re likely to be had at meal time at least once.
The first time I was in Berlin, my son and I walked from one end of the zoo and back again in search of the famed polar bear, Knut. It was exhausting work – and one that an ice cream from the zoo kiosk was not going to help. We needed a good, hearty meal – STAT. At the time, we passed Joe’s Wirthaus zum Loewen – it has prime location near the zoo gates. But looking at its sad, empty outside biergarten, I assumed it was just the type of cafe I wanted to avoid and walked on. I ended up – you guessed it – at the worst little tourist trap ever.
This trip, I didn’t choose Joe’s. My kid, did. And I’m so glad. Despite the empty and somewhat delapidated outdoor cafe (why would it be full? It is winter after all), he headed straight for the front door demanding some french fries. And we were all pleasantly surprised by what we found on the other side.
First, the place is big. Huge, actually – and reminiscent of an American sports bar type restaurant. For a place its size, you might expect a huge menu. But no, Joe’s keeps it simple. It makes only a few dishes – including wiener schnitzel and a thick, hearty potato soup with wurst – but what it does make it makes well. (The thickness you feel when the waiter hands you the menu? That would be the extensive beer list featuring Loewenbrau brews).
We enjoyed a lovely, warm lunch at Joe’s. So when walking in Berlin, be aware that not all tourist cafes are equal. And, of course, Eat at Joe’s.
———–
Joe’s Wirthaus zum Loewen
Hardenbergstrasse 29
10623 Berlin
Tel.: +49 30 / 262 10 20
———-
Photo courtesy of Kayt Sukel.
Related: Day Trips to Concentration Camps; Zum Domstein in Trier, Germany.
