Where do locals drink coffee in Berlin?

Locals drink coffee at specialty roasters and their attached cafes, not at chains. The most established circuit runs through Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg, and Neukölln: The Barn has multiple locations and is the benchmark for precision espresso, Bonanza Coffee in Prenzlauer Berg draws a loyal neighborhood crowd, and Five Elephant in Kreuzberg doubles as a roastery with particularly good filter coffee and a cheesecake that regulars treat as non-negotiable. Kaffee 9 in Friedrichshain is smaller and less photographed. Berliners generally drink their coffee sitting down, at a slow pace, and a flat white or Filterkaffee runs roughly 3.50 to 5 euros depending on the spot. Laptop culture is accepted but tables rarely reserved. On weekends, the queue at Bonanza moves, so arriving before 10 a.m. or after 2 p.m. skips most of the wait. Avoid anything on Hackescher Markt aimed at tourists.

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