What to look for

Cheapos with an appetite are well served by a number of low-cost eateries in the central district of Mitte, where most major sights are located, that turn out big, warm meals at surprisingly low prices.

Unless you’re in an adventurous mood, be sure to avoid Berlin’s more unusual specialties, including Eisbein (pickled knuckle of pork), Hering nach Hausfrauenart (pickled herring), and Gekochte Eier in Senfsauce (boiled eggs in creamy mustard sauce). Stick instead to filling classics like roasts, schnitzels, sausage, and vegetarian-friendly casseroles.

Where to get home-cooking in Mitte

Follow procrastinating Humboldt University students to Deponie No. 3 (Georgen Str. 5, U-bahn and S-bahn: Friedrich Str.) for a budget-friendly meal that will keep you fueled for hours. Near the pricey Friedrich Strasse and stately Museum Insel, this wood-lined, pub-like eatery is adorned with a hodgepodge of hokey antiques. Find a wooden table and peruse a huge menu of classic German meals like mama makes. Most entrees, including stuffed cabbage, big schnitzels, and vegetable Aufläufe (casseroles), cost less than €10.

Decorated with antique movie posters, cozy Sophieneck (Grosse Hamburger Str. 37, U-bahn: Weinmeister Str.) is steps from Hackescher Markt’s pricey boutiques and Sophien Strasse’s exclusive art galleries. Luckily, prices for dishes such as roasted pork, Bratwurst, and Boulette (meat patties), aren’t out of reach. Even with a beer, you can dine for about €10. Stop by for lunch to take advantage of the daily specials, which always include a vegetarian option (€5.90).

Quick eats that will still warm you up

If you’re in a rush or about the catch a train, head to the food court on the ground floor of the Friedrich Strasse Bahnhof (train station, U-bahn and S-bahn: Friedrich Str.) to find German classics served with speed at Damisch (across from the Edeka grocery store). Dishes like stew, schnitzel, Bratkartoffeln (fried potatoes), and a plus-sized Currywurst usually go for €5–7. With a meal like this, you won’t notice the brisk temperatures outside.

The post Berlin Cheap Eats: Warm up with classic German food appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

These days, you can’t throw a stone without hitting a Currywurst stand in Berlin. Just follow the sweet smell of a deep fryer and you won’t be disappointed. But if you want an extra special experience, here are a few picks:

Krasselts
Steglitzer Damm 22
Web site

Leave the likes of Konnopke’s to the amateurs. Get off the tourist circuit and get yourself to Steglitz. If not for the Turmkunst, a stop at Krasselts is well worth the trek to the residential district. Instead of the common ketchup, the owner uses a tomato sauce made from a “secret” recipe.

For those of us who like to eat on the go, there’s also a far less messy option: pork on the stick. If there’s a line, it’s not because the place is conveniently located (it’s not). It’s because Krasselts’ Currywurst really is all that.

Bier’s Ku’Damm 195
Kurfürstendamm 195

When you’re done sweeping through the department stores and boutiques of Charlottenburg, head down to Bier’s. Better yet, go there late at night—and you might see society folks in tuxedos and evening gowns. Don’t act all surprised. It’s Kurfürstendamm—naturfürlich you can order champagne with your Currywurst or shish kebab. (This being Berlin, of course, everything’s still affordable.)

Curry 36
Mehringdamm 36
Web site

I know, I know, every guide book mentions this place—and for a good reason. Open into the wee hours, this snack bar, nay, “legendary institution” serves up fresh-off-the-grill sausages smeared with plenty of sauce. The brusque Berliner service is part of the charm.

A magnet for club-goers and bar-hoppers, this lively joint is the perfect place to eat, chat with strangers and watch the sun rise after a long night out. Don’t forget the sauteed onions and fries. You need some veggies and carbs for a balanced meal.

Currywurst Museum
Schützenstraße 70
Web site

Just steps away from Checkpoint Charlie, this compact museum is perfect for the diehard fans. While the admission fees are steep (€7-€11), they do include a complimentary serving of Currywurst. You can watch a documentary called “The Best of Wursts” (rim shot, please), listen to Herbert Groenemeyer’s 1982 rock tribute, browse a 3-D map of Currywurst stands in the city, or trace the history of snacking back to 4,000 BC (popcorn, if you must know). It’s Teutonically thorough fun.

Mobile Wurst

It’s technically not a Currywurst place, but this innovative business model deserves a mention. Men sporting a grill like a backpack hang out on the street, serving pipin’ hot brats for around €1.20. You’ll see them moving about across Mitte, but you can always count on running into one outside the Friedrichstrasse and Alexanderplatz stations.

The post Berlin: The best Currywurst in town appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.