Elsken — Restaurant in Berlin

Despite amazing location and good food, I don’t recommend Elsken Cafe, because the owner of this place is extremely unpleasant. I live in the neighborhood, and I am always supporting local businesses, but this time I got very disappointed. As a freelance designer I am used to working from different cafés and I never have problems because of that, specially because I buy coffee and food at the place. This time the owner was angry that I dared to ask him if he could open the place 20 min before so that I can check if his place has fast internet enough (it was an emergency situation because my router at home has died, and I had to work, had scheduled a couple of online meetings). I said: I just check, then leave and if your internet is OK I will come back later when u open. He said in an angry way: I have stuff to do, and we are not open yet. Seriously! This dude said just that!!! Instead, being welcoming and empathic to a local customer in an emergency situation, he just wanted to kick me out!!!! After some convincing that I am really just checking the internet and don’t want to steal anything from his café, he eventually let me check his internet. As I said, I came back 20 min later when he opened. YES! He didn’t let me stay 20 min to opening!!!!! I came back, thinking he will apologize for being rude (as a normal person would). But no. HE DIDNT! He just stood behind the counter with a very angry face making passive-aggressive noise with a clutter. I spent there the whole day (I had to work), he didn’t smile at me once! The only moment he smiled was when he was taking photos for social media. YES!!!! I bought their food/wine, coffee (I spent there over 40 euro in total and gave him a tip), he didn’t even ask if I liked the food and of course NO SMILE!!!!! Today I am working from “Passenger” Café, where everyone is very friendly and relaxed! So people, better avoid Elsken and go to Passenger or Zimt&Milch.

So Elsken, jeg elsker dig...

I actually never write comments, but this place is so great I had to: If you're looking for the perfect spot to unwind with a great cup of coffee, look no further: Café Elsken is the place. The atmosphere, food, and service, making it my go-to place for a relaxed and enjoyable experience with friends or just alone.

The place is build by the owner, hence the inviting atmosphere. The background music is at the perfect volume, not too boring but not annoying. Also the food and drinks are made from selected ingredients and local businesses. !!! The service is also nice and prompt, even during busy times. So, if you happen to be...

An unassuming and cosy café. At lunchtime, they serve shakshuka, a meal of the day and a sandwich. Everything is vegetarian. The selection is very small, but I think it suits the place.

The male waiter was rather unfriendly. He seemed willing to greet only people he already knew, ignoring me completely while I stood in front of the counter for a few minutes. He was busy, but acknowledging me with a "Good morning, I'll be with you soon" would have been better than avoiding eye contact.

It's a pity, because the atmosphere is...