Boltes Berliner Steakhaus — Restaurant in Berlin

Tucked away on a cobblestoned lined side street off Spandauer Straße is Boltes Berliner Steakhaus. One of the many reasons I love Berlin is the seamless blending of modern and old world. One moment you’re taking in eclectic street murals and the boisterous hum of urban life, and in the next you’re taken back to Northern Germany’s Gothic and Romanesque roots. After a full day of walking, my wife and I found ourselves at Boltes both tired and very thirsty. The servers were most welcoming and offered us a table outside to enjoy the nice weather. A bachelorette party was celebrating at the bar across the street and engaging its patrons in song and tradition. We ordered a number of drinks to include mineral water, beer, juice, etc. (it was very hot and we were very, very thirsty). My wife ordered their spätzle special which came smothered in fresh cheese and butter. Delicious. The atmosphere was jovial and relaxed. The servers were kind to a couple of weary American travelers. If you’re in the area and need a tall cold beer and a perhaps a bite to eat then look no further...

On October 30, 2015 me and my wife and two children visited Bei Bolte Berlin. The service was terrible. We got the idea that both waitresses had absolutely no desire to serve. They could barely give us or other guests a smile. When I ordered a cuba libre from the menu the waitress told me that there was no lime. I suggested that a lemon would also do. The waitress looked at me if she saw water burning and said to me in a nasty tone, okay, with lemon, that's obvious. My wife and I looked at each other and it seemed to us if we were on candid camera. Later I saw a group sitting outside on the terrace getting drilled by the same waitress. The waitress wildly gesticulating and telling her guests not to other through eachother but wanted to start with the first guest sitting on the right side of the table. The second guest that could please a order should sit on her right side. Conclusion: very unfriendly service and we felt we were totally not welcome as guest. I certainly would not recommend...

I’ve lived in Germany for several years and have dined at many restaurants, but my experience at Boltes was one of the worst.

We sat down with our dog, as we’ve done countless times elsewhere, only to be told, very very publicly, that dogs weren’t allowed in restaurants and that we should’ve called ahead. She said that we were in Germany and here pets aren’t allowed by law in restaurants.

Funny facts, nobody told us this before we sit on the table and one of my friends is German.

There was no sign on the door stating this, and the reasoning kept changing—first it was about allergies, then potential dog fights.

The whole situation felt unnecessary and unwelcoming, especially since we’ve never had this issue in other restaurants. We ended up leaving and had a much better experience just down the street at Block House, where the staff even brought water for our dog. The food here might be spectacular but we won’t be...