Kauf Dich Glücklich Café & Mehr

Oderberger Strasse between Mauerpark and Kastanienallee

Kauf Dich Glücklich sits at Oderberger Strasse 44 in Prenzlauer Berg, on one of the prettiest streets in the district: period facades, trees, cafes and small shops, with Mauerpark at the western end and Kastanienallee at the eastern one. Eberswalder Strasse station on the U2 is a few steps away, the M10 and 12 trams stop there too, and Bernauer Strasse station on the U8 is within walking distance. Tables stand out on the broad pavement, which together with Mauerpark makes this one of the liveliest stretches in the borough. Inside, the origin of the concept is immediately clear: guests sit on second hand furniture from the fifties, the fittings look gathered rather than styled, and art hangs on the walls between the tables. That mix of cafe and living room was the starting point of the whole brand. The street itself is largely car free, which makes the pavement in front even wider.

Fourteen sweet and five savoury waffles

The menu at Kauf Dich Glücklich revolves around waffles, in two directions. On the sweet side there are fourteen versions, from the plain waffle at 3 euros through chocolate and banana to more elaborate ones with cherries or a cheesecake cream at 8 euros. House made sauces can be added, and a vegan waffle is on the menu too, plain or with fruit sauce. Savoury brings five buttermilk waffles, topped for instance with tomato and mozzarella, with smoked salmon or with goat cheese and Serrano ham. Ice cream sundaes, bread and a solid drinks list round the menu off. The brand started in 2002 with exactly this idea, a cafe serving waffles and furnished with second hand pieces. Out of it grew a concept store business with more than twenty locations today, selling fashion and homeware alongside. The cafe on Oderberger Strasse is where the original idea is still most clearly visible, and prices stay remarkably down to earth for the quarter.