Firstcrack Coffee Roasters & Cafe Pakolat Berlin

Firstcrack Coffee Roasters & Café Pakolat: When the Roaster is in the Next Room

Since 2010, Firstcrack Coffee Roasters & Café Pakolat has been at home in the heart of Prenzlauer Berg. What started as a small delicatessen is now one of Berlin’s most renowned specialty coffee destinations. For each specialty coffee blend, Firstcrack develops its own roasting profiles to specifically bring out the aromatic characteristics of each bean. The green coffees come from the best growing regions in the world – including Ethiopia, Colombia, and Brazil – and are sourced through direct, transparent trade relationships with coffee farms. So, whoever orders a cappuccino here is not drinking a faceless blend, but a cup with origin and attitude.

Instead of a modern, sober design, the founders have furnished their café next to the drum roaster in a charmingly nostalgic retro look. The decor includes historical pieces that are still in use today – such as a hundred-year-old cash register or a slicing machine from 1924. Nevertheless, nothing feels museum-like. The café simply feels honest.

Buying Coffee, Cakes, and Courses – More Than Just a Café

Finest tarts, cakes, and macarons leave the bakery in Prenzlauer Berg daily and make their way to Berlin’s cafés. Everything is made fresh daily, traditionally by hand, and entirely without convenience products. Furthermore, beans can be ground on-site upon request, and freshly roasted coffee beans can be purchased for take-away. For those who want to delve deeper: Firstcrack also offers courses and brew guides for anyone looking to expand their brewing knowledge. Thus, a visit to the café quickly becomes more than just a coffee break – it’s a real entry into the world of specialty coffee.

Particularly noteworthy is how accessible the café remains despite its serious commitment to coffee quality. The team gladly shares recommendations, whether you’re just starting in the world of specialty coffee or have been a long-time enthusiast. Additionally, there is a second, smaller location: At Senefelder Straße 1a, you’ll find hand-roasted specialty coffee, selected chocolates, and other coffee accessories.