Welcome to the wonderful world of Spätis: a slice of lo-fi Berlin culture
Some cultural phenomena are rooted in ancient history and tradition, others are the by-product of art, politics, and literature, and others just seem to spring up and arrive out of nowhere.
Welcome to Berlin’s wild, wonderful and spontaneous world of Spätis – a patchwork of independent retailers, selling drinks (especially beer, soft drinks, and spirits), snacks and sweets, vapes and cigarettes plus a few basic groceries, newspapers, toiletries, top-up phone cards, and even postal services.
The Späti culture in Berlin is a unique and cherished part of the city’s urban life. “Späti” is short for Spätkauf, which translates to “late purchase” — small convenience stores that stay open well in to the night, often 24/7, and serve as much more than just places to buy snacks or beer. What sets them apart is not just what they sell, but how they function in the social fabric of Berlin.
Social Hubs: Spätis often have benches or crates outside where people gather, especially in the evenings. They serve as informal meeting points — a place to start a night out, take a break during a walk, or just hang out with friends.
Community Feel: Many Späti owners know their regulars by name. Some even host events like small concerts, poetry readings, or art shows. They’re often seen as neighbourhood institutions.
Freedom and Flexibility: Berliners revel in the freedom Spätis offer — you can grab a cold beer at 2 AM, or a snack on a Sunday when most other stores are closed. This reflects Berlin’s laid-back, non-conformist spirit, even though some boroughs are less flexible and apply the nation’s Sunday-trading laws. This, in itself, is a source of controversy, as many Berliners see them as bastions of resistance to overregulation and gentrification.
Whilst the Berlin original is usually open late, has something of a community vibe and is often alcohol-focused, seasoned travelers will probably argue that Spätis are not entirely unique.
Indeed, a ”Tekel”, the not too distant cousin of the Späti found in main cities in Türkiye, is a fine pit stop for a ridiculously strong glass of tea before taking your black carrier-bag stash of booze back home or onwards to a party. Or there are New York’s Bodegas which are comparable in function, but our Spätis are more about hanging out than just shopping.
Why Späti Culture Matters
Späti culture is a reflection of Berlin’s identity: open, diverse, spontaneous, and a little rebellious. It’s about accessibility and community, not just commerce. In a city where nightlife is legendary and rules are often bent, Spätis are the glue that holds the rhythm of the streets together.
They also represent a kind of urban resilience — many are family-run, owned by people with a migration background, and deeply embedded in their neighbourhoods. As Berlin continues to change, Spätis are often seen as guardians of the city’s soul.
Fight for your right to Späti?
Mega-Spätis are beginning to spring up – especially in Kreuzberg’s Oranienstrasse – which, even the casual observer might conclude are little more than al fresco party-pubs, dedicated to wringing every possible cent out of younger tourists. Not surprisingly, they can quickly become the source of anti-social behaviour, excess noise, and the inevitable result of not having toilets. Not nice!
Meantime, the true, independent Späti sector is under relentless attack from rising rents. That pressure is becoming increasingly responded to by, for example, creating an activist political identity – try the L5 Spätverkauf in Neukölln’s Lenaustrasse for their splendid array of t-shirts and libations. Others share our collective love of spontaneous beats, such as Späti: Schönhauser Allee 62 in Prenzlauer Berg.
Die Fabrik Hostel Hotel recommends…
Everyone has their go-to favourite Späti, and that includes us. Come out of reception, bear left and there is a perfectly serviceable outlet just two doors along from us. The Google reviews suggest that some customers might have had rather higher expectations (no, it’s not an Amazon depot), but it is usually open all hours, it’s cheap, and it is as good a baptism into Berlin Späti culture as you’re likely to find.
Further afield, on the corner of Wrangelstrasse / Eisenbahnstrasse, is a cracking establishment which is blessed by long, enjoyable sunsets from spring through until late-autumn. Their prices are also keen, and the clientele is both laid-back and welcoming. There are plenty of street food options in the immediate area, too.
Fancy a pizza? Then Kiez-Net in Reichenberger Strasse is the place to be. It actually started life as an internet café (hence the name) but, once demand began to wane, half the premises were converted in to one of the finest and best-value pizza destinations in the entire city which is even largely staffed by real-life Italians. Again, there are a few not particularly recent and sketchy reviews on Google, but, hey, the phrase “some people …” springs to mind.
A last one before bed? Barely a 2-minute walk from Die Fabrik Hostel Hotel is the Kult-See U Späti on Falckensteinstrasse. They are not open quite as late as some shops, but they have an extensive range of beers, coolers, and an uncommonly wide selection of ice-creams.
We hope that we have been able to introduce you to a slice of lo-fi Berlin culture which is otherwise hidden in plain sight. If you love Spätis as much as we do, feel free to joint us over on Instagram or share your experiences and own recommendations with us on Facebook.
