Cafe Chagall - Berlin

I'm conflicted when writing good reviews for neighborhood places I love. I certainly want my favorite places to do well, but not so well I can no longer get a table. Cafe Chagall is totally magic...it feels like it's been there offering great food and great service since before the war, although I'm betting it wasn't Russian food before the war. I could be totally wrong but I have a memory of drinking in this space on my first trip to Berlin in 1994, but it's a total throw back to everything that was amazing about east Berlin right after the wall came down. I love this place.

Customer service: A Our male waiter was very sweet and polite. Bartender was also nice, but she misinformed us about the kitchen being open, when they were practically closed (10:30pm). Food: D (1) soup was bland. Only tasted a hint of tomatoes. Lack of spices and flavor. (2) chicken nachos. A huge bowl of tortilla, a few sprinkles of cheese on top and 4-5 pieces of thinly sliced chicken...dry chicken. (3) Russian dumplings with a side of salad. Meat was flavorful and tasty, but only wished that it was fresh. Lastly, they said only cash AFTER you've eaten everything and ready to pay. Luckily we had barely enough cash to cover dinner.

Super coffee the food was so good and even really cheap. I had an oven potato with quark and salmon and a salad for just 8.60 euros. it was all fresh. My wife had a drink and talked to the owner about alcohol and he gave her two drinks for free. It is a super atmosphere and great operation!! !

Came after a long visit to the Pergamon museum. Feet aching, in need of a good meal. Found this quaint little place. Service was very attentive. I had a delicious chanterelle flammkuchen and my friend the Scandinavian salad that was chock full of salmon. Wonderful place!

On my trip, I've been back more than once. It's just a really friendly place, great decor, and interesting food. The russian specials are well worth trying. The staff are very friendly as well.