Newton Bar

Cocktails and Controversy Just Steps from Gendarmenmarkt

In the mood for a cocktail near Gendarmenmarkt? Chances are, you’ll end up at Newton Bar—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The interior is cozy, and there’s even a smoking lounge upstairs.

That said, my last Mai Tai didn’t impress. It leaned too heavily on acidity, leaving little room for the rum or sweeter elements to shine. At €16.50, though, it’s priced about right for the area.

What really sets this place apart is its history: Newton Bar predates the Bundestag’s move to Berlin, and its namesake, Helmut Newton, was known to stop by. The iconic supermodel photos in the ground floor once sparked fierce feminist debates. Open daily from at least 12 PM to 2 AM. Address: Charlottenstraße 57, 10117 Berlin.