Cheers, Berlin! Why you should stop ignoring Georgbraeu
For a long time, we considered Georgbraeu in the Nikolaiviertel to be a classic tourist trap—a big mistake! During our visit, we discovered an authentic brewery with excellent beer, hearty cuisine, and one of the most beautiful locations right on the Spree.
Summary
What: Brewery, restaurant
Where: Berlin, Nikolaiviertel
Highlight: Freshly brewed beer
Ideal for: Beer lovers, Berliners, visitors to Berlin
Idyll on the Spree: The Nikolaiviertel as a Backdrop
Georgbraeu can be found at Spreeufer 4, nestled in Berlin’s oldest residential area, the Nikolaiviertel (Nicholas’ Quarter). The Nikolaiviertel is a reconstructed quarter, as it was almost completely destroyed in World War II. Today, you can stroll through medieval-looking cobblestone alleys surrounding the Nikolaikirche (St. Nicholas’ Church). Right on the banks of the Spree, you’ll find a large square with an equestrian statue of Saint George, the dragon slayer, in its center. The brewery owes its name to this statue.
In the warmer months, the Georgbraeu’s beer garden is set up around the monument. There are about 350 seats, you sit right by the water, and you can enjoy the passing excursion boats and the panorama of Berlin’s city center with a cold beer. The ideal place for a break.
Upon entering the brewpub, you are greeted by a rustic and cozy atmosphere. Dark wood, shiny copper brewing kettles, and the aroma of hearty German cuisine immediately create a feeling of comfort. The interior is spread across eight thematically designed rooms, which can also accommodate larger groups.
The Transformation: How the “Spree-Büffet” Became a Brewery
The history of today’s Georgbraeu brewpub at this location is more recent than its historic facade might suggest.
Before the political ‘Wende’ (the reunification), the Nikolaiviertel was in East Berlin, i.e., in the GDR (East Germany). At that time, the premises were used by the “Spree-Büffet,” a self-service restaurant.
After the Wende, in the course of the redesign and revitalization of the historic Nikolaiviertel, the idea of a traditional in-house brewery at this location was born. The aim was to reconnect with Berlin’s old brewing tradition. In October 1992, Georgenbräu finally opened its doors.
In this family-run business, value is placed on craftsmanship and tradition. The brewmaster produces about 1,500 hectoliters of beer per year, which is served exclusively on-site.
Secret Revealed: The Shiny Kettle is Not a Prop!
In the middle of the dining area, unmissable and gleaming, stands the copper brewing kettle. It is not purely a decorative object, as many guests initially assume. This is where the so-called ‘Würzekochung’ (wort boiling) takes place – one of the central steps in beer brewing. The finished beer is stored in the cellar. The serving tanks are located there. From these tanks, the unfiltered, naturally cloudy beer is piped directly to the tap without any long detours. You can hardly get your beer any fresher.
Helles vs. Dunkles: Our Taste Test
Georgbraeu is known in the beer scene for its in-house, unfiltered beers, brewed according to the German Purity Law of 1516 (Reinheitsgebot). Two classics are always on tap: a Helles (light) and a Dunkles (dark).
Georgbraeu Hell
I opt for the Georgbraeu Hell. Even if it always sounds a bit strange, it’s an “honest” beer. No frills, no experiments – classic and good.
In the glass, the beer presents itself in a naturally cloudy, sunny golden-yellow. A stable, fine-pored head sits enthroned on the beer.
Even before the first sip, I notice a subtle aroma of fresh grain and a light note of hay. Hallertau aroma hops were used here, which exude a light, fruity note. The initial taste is lively and soft. I taste only a subtle bitter note. The beer is incredibly quaffable (süffig). I like it.
A perfect beer for beginners and anyone looking for an uncomplicated, quaffable companion for a sunny afternoon in the beer garden.
Georgbraeu Dunkel
Patrick opted for the Georgbraeu Dunkel. It shimmers in the glass in a rich chestnut brown with reddish reflections.
Dark beer is often very sweet due to the roasted aroma of the malt. With this beer, too, the intensive smell of roasted aromas, reminiscent of dark bread crust, caramel, and a hint of dark chocolate, suggests this. But the taste is excellently balanced. The caramel sweetness of the roasted malt dominates but is well-balanced by a fine spiciness and a gentle bitterness in the finish. It is a full-bodied, but not too heavy, beer.
The Georgbraeu Dunkel is ideal for lovers of malt-forward beers who are looking for an alternative to a classic Pilsner and appreciate a beer with character.
Seasonal Offers
In addition to the year-round classics, Georgbraeu Hell and Georgbraeu Dunkel, the brewmaster brews special seasonal beers that are only available for a limited time. Offerings include, for example, a Märzen, a Summer Wheat (Sommer-Weizen), or a Bock beer.
Hearty Accompaniments: Pork Knuckle and Boulette in the Taste Test
Hearty German cuisine is offered to match the beer. A look at the menu showed, for example, Eisbein (pickled pork knuckle), Sülze (head cheese), Haxe (roasted pork knuckle), and Bouletten (Berlin meatballs). For us, these are the typical dishes that visitors to Berlin expect when they are in the city. So we decided to try two of the dishes and see if they are really typical.
It must be noted that the prices are surprisingly reasonable for the area and the clientele. We have experienced completely different pricing elsewhere, which has often made us skip a restaurant visit. When the food was brought out, the second surprise followed… the portions were really large! The price-to-quantity ratio definitely deserves a plus.
Patrick’s choice falls on the crispy pork knuckle (Haxe). At Georgbraeu, this is served with dumplings (Klößen) and sauerkraut. The meat was excellent and cooked to perfection. The crispy crust cracks when you bite into it, and the side dishes complemented the dish perfectly – what more could you want?
I opted for Bouletten (Berlin meatballs) with potato salad. A truly typical Berlin dish that many families used to have regularly on Sundays. Here, the crucial point is the preparation of the Boulette. Every family has its own little subtleties. From the choice of minced meat to the spices, there are countless variations. These Bouletten were, of course, also made according to an in-house recipe and tasted good. The “but,” of course, relates to my personal taste and my “Boulette experience.” I would have preferred slightly coarser minced meat and a few more spices. But then they wouldn’t be Georgbraeu’s Bouletten anymore. The potato salad exceeded my expectations – well-seasoned, fresh, and “schlorzig” (pleasantly moist) – simply perfect!
A look at the menu: Those who prefer to eat less hearty food can order baked potatoes or Käsespätzle (cheese spaetzle), for example.
Our Conclusion: A Must for Berlin Fans and Beer Lovers
If only we had stopped in here sooner! Georgbraeu convinced us all down the line. Anyone looking for honest, craft-brewed beer, hearty German cuisine at fair prices, and an unbeatable spot on the Spree is in exactly the right place here. The friendly service and the cozy atmosphere did the rest – a clear recommendation, and not just for tourists!
By subway
The subway stations “Klosterstraße” (U2) and “Rotes Rathaus” (U5) are just a few minutes’ walk away. Alexanderplatz is also within walking distance.
Opening hours
Opening hours
Daily from 12:00 noon
Table reservations can be made online or by phone.
Money
Payment
Card payment (EC, Visa, Mastercard, Amex) is possible.
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