Hirsch (Berlin) 07/01/13

"Schnitz B.E.E.R.S"

Attendees: Ben, George, Bronte, Jane
Price: €3.30 500ml tap beer, €7.50 Schnitzel
Location: Kopernikusstr. 3, just off Warschauer Str. in Friedrichshain, Berlin
Distance: A short stroll from our somewhat un-glamorous hostel digs.
Ambience:  Easy chats 
Character: Shows some age and history with some well worn timber around the place and rendered brick walls.
Decor: Classic beer posters and a vintage wooden cigarette machine add a classic touch with some interesting details like the "power plug & socket" men's & ladies toilet symbols.
Comfort: A smaller closed in area for smokers keeps the dining experience pleasant. Tables or booths let you spread out or take a stool at the bar.
Patrons: None of the grimy Berlin crowd we've become accustomed to, a more presentable mixture of mid-20s and older here. Less of the general "unemployed & proud" scene here. Still relaxed and unassuming though!
Staff: Helpful & cute local gents, they'll charm into an impulse pancake purchase with ease. Prompt table service goes a long way.
Selection: Basic range of good tap beers with plenty of bottled options to round out the mix. The glühwein (mulled wine) on the specials board proved too tempting to resist.
Outdoor Area: Seperate smoking area
Specials: Some food and drink specials available. Full food menu with some great German style options.
L.S.R: A very "jack be nimble" style candlestick holder on each table and some interesting overhanging lampshades made out of tin cans create a warm atmosphere, somewhat offset by the disappointingly obvious pop rock playing on the stereo. Some more careful music selections could compliment the mood better.
Amenities: Standard, clean enough. Ladies' room mirror is not optimally placed for short people.
Top Suggestion: Changing the music to something a little less poppy - maybe some twangy blues - could continue being different enough from the Berlin standard while still complimenting the mood.
Field Notes: Quality schnitz! Slightly pricey as compared with the local kebab shop but well worth a look for the döner-weary traveller in want of some more traditional German-fare.

Memorable Quotes: "They MASH the potatoes" BK
"What's German for schnitzel?" GK

"I couldn't say no!" BK, after ordering pancakes from cute waiter guy

Arbitrary Score: 69
Great service and food, but lacks a certain "ich weiß was nicht" - some kind of memorable quality that makes you want to come back.