The Alchemist — Restaurant in Berlin

We saw this bar mentioned on Instagram and we got excited over finding a place in Berlin that put effort into cocktails (and food). Unfortunately that was not the case. We arrived to an almost empty restaurant with nice interior design, but did not see our waiter for a long time. When we finally got to order, we took cocktails that were “theatrical” to get the whole experience. The waiter suggested the one that was formed like an ice cream with a bubble containing dry ice smoke, instead of ice cream, and one with absinthe in a syringe. The “theatre” was underwhelming to say the least. I guess if dry ice is a really extra experience for some people might enjoy it. For us, the waiter seemed aloof and did not really care about presentation. The cocktails that seemed good in the menu, turned out to be all sugar (and some glitter). I’m honestly not even sure how much alcohol was in them. The experience was more like drinking soda pop/cordial/koolaid. We ordered food with the drinks and took a small starter of cheese-dough-balls which were dry and sad, and then a sharing platter for 22 euro. It’s cheap for 2 people, but unfortunately even for that price, the experience was underwhelming. I’m pretty sure the food was microwaved actually. The service was scarce. We needed another napkin (because all the theatrical stuff got sticky sugar on the table), but got a sour face and no napkin from the staff. We ordered 2 beers but never got them. Several staff members came to our table with food and drinks we did not order. So we decided to leave.

I do understand why some people really like this concept though. If one is not fuzzy about drinking basically grogg, or microwaved deep fried prawn, then this place is probably nice. Honestly though, one will get better (and freshly made) food at any fast food chain available. And just buy soda and dry ice, and you’re all set.

I do think they tried their best, and I hope...

Maybe it was because of the hour or I don’t know what - our bad luck? I really loved the idea behind all that and was really excited to experience the “theatre” but… maybe avoid coming there when it’s really full and there are some organized parties?

So, it was today - Saturday - around 10pm, we didn’t book a table so I can understand getting the only one available next to the toilets with the limit of an hour (which we knew and agreed to it so here I can’t blame anyone) BUT I was expecting magic, the theatre, THE VIBE they are supposedly advertising. In short - I didn’t feel it, I was really happy that as a person who can’t drink % I can still enjoy myself with a friend who likes a good drink but… first the waitress who came to take the orders was just… soulless without any energy and then… the other guy who just gave the drinks to us and told me an instruction of “how to create magic and change the color of the drink” on his way (most of the waiters were in a rush in general)😔 My drink was as I said - nonalcoholic so I wasn’t expecting a lot, but the one my friend had? It wasn’t that great either. That just wasn’t it which surprised me so much as the place has so many good opinions and the other people that came before us really seemed to enjoy themselves I guess… I dunno, maybe I will give it a chance other time, but today? I left The Alchemist disappointed.

To add a positive end to it, at least it was warm inside and wasn’t that expensive in comparison to the other bars/restaurants and the music wasn’t that bad.

*I give 5⭐️ to the waitress at the entrance, she had the vibe and convinced us to stay so sorry the others didn’t share the attitude with her (they showed energy when the song they knew started playing and started singing in the kitchen tho which was sweet, still sorry they didn’t share the...

I’m giving this place an extra star because of the amazing waiters and staff they have. But besides this, there’s lots to be said about this place.

As I am writing this review I am sitting down waiting for my Gin and Tonic after a very disappointing Mezcal Sour that was watery and sad. My friend next to me had a Negroni which was ruby from all the Campari that they poured on it. It was also kind of served in an Ikea glass. I can’t give you the details of the long list of drinks we tried to see if they would get any right, not because I don’t remember but because the music is so loud and cringy that I can’t focus more than to write this review.

I guess that there are 3 main points about this bar:

The ambience gives anyone anxiety because of the light, the music and the random people in Havaianas. Super bright spot lights over the tables that make it impossible to create a cozy atmosphere.

There is no consistency on any of the cocktails, you will get a different version of it each time. Besides this, they got wrong even the most simple of the cocktails (for some reason someone decided to put bitters to a Moscow mule). As I am writing this, another bartender just brought two of the same cocktails that looked completely different even if they were supposed to be the same.

The prices: I don’t mind paying 15€ for a cocktail, but I got a Gin tonic without anything else, not even a slice of lime.

So overall, if you want your night to be a complete failure and to be sad and disappointed for your choice, please make a reservation on...