Buck and Breck

Love this indie bar so much. Try the grapefruit bitter for start, then twisted manhattan (maraschino), then the Don shadow (kinda like oldfashion) soooo good ❤️ anyway drinks name might be incorrect, didn't take the photo of the menu and a bit drunk. But yeah order something like this, the bartender probably gets the idea 😁

It will be really honest review with no hard feelings just as it is… so we were company of 8-9 people just after business dinner in Italian restaurant, we are all from HORECA industry and after BCB exibition. Many bartenders said that we should visit this nice bar and its a top place. so at about 11pm we went there on wednesday night. host said that he can not let us all in because they do not accept companies of more that 4 people, we said thats no problem we can split or other half can wait, he said no no bar is full and we do not accept more than 4pax at once. no problem, 4 of us went inside. we sat, got the menu, there is writen “cocktails from 16€, and thats it” . ordered pisco punch, mezcal cocktail and another drink. then head bartender came to us , still smoking a cigarette and holding it in the hand, that was awfull. He explained that no way he will let our friends inside, we asked maybe please let them in the bar but they can seat anywhere else, not even near to us, because bar was half empty (max 9 people were inside when we came), he said there is no way they will get inside what so ever, and it was explained in quiet a rude way, i honestly was shocked… and just so you know we were not drunk, unkind or anything like that. Later we recieved the drinks, they were awful, and not awful because of the service quality etc., but just not balanced. after we drunk cocktails they didnt asked if we liked the drinks and didnt even offer another one, seemed like they just wanted us to go away. interior is also just plain, not minimalistic, just weird. with all the respect and no any kind of hate this is one of the worst places i have been. It could be a totally different expierence if way of they communication with guest could be little bit nicer. I hope nobody will get such service as we did. 🙏🏻

Cocktails are solidly executed and the space is nice but too pretentious. Most of the cocktails are pretty straightforward variations on classics presented as something novel. The “speakeasy” elements (“closed” sign, cash/phone policy, general air of superiority) held water 15 years ago but aren’t something we have to put up with for great cocktails anymore.

If you are chainsmoker — this is a perfect place for you. The thing I don’t get though is that the taste of the cocktail shouldn’t matter after a couple of cigarets, why would you spend 16€ on a pretentious drink? For everyone else I would advise against going. Drinks and service may be great, but it is not possible to enjoy them because of someone constantly smoking around you.

It's a great speakeasy, with great cocktails and ambiance.

I really enjoyed this place! Great service and nice cocktails + it is rather quiet so no need to yell when talking to someone, but note that it is allowed to smoke inside and there are basically no windows so if you are someone who is bothered by cigarettes this is not a place for you. Drinks are not the largest, but this place is more about enjoying the drink and the atmosphere rather than just getting wasted.

The only Berliner one at World’s 50 Best Bar list. Meant not to be found occasionally. The only sign by the door is a led flashing sign “CLOSED”. Ring the bell. Head bartender doesn’t want to be smiley or friendly upon you. Expect to drink 5 star and high class stuff, not to have a nice conversation with him nor make a good friend. PS: Try to touch your phone for any reason in here and you will get severe and cranky staff telling you they prohibit you to use your own phone in their place. 🤷🏻‍♂️

I broke the rules and took a photo for you guys. Really well-made cocktails. I hate the cigarette smoke and despise the cigar smoke but somehow it adds to the atmosphere. Don’t be fooled by the lit “closed” sign which means this place is open. Not open on Saturdays.

Super good cocktails! Cool little speakeasy. We went with 6 people and got told no, so my wife and I came back later after the others left and we had a ton of fun. Super small inside and cash only. Worth it

Buck and Breck was the only Berlin bar to make it onto the 2014 list of the world's 50 best bars (http://www.worlds50bestbars.com/) which explains how it made it onto my Berlin to-do list. Admittance requires that you ring a doorbell and, assuming there's available space you'll be ushered inside to one of 14 available seats. Upon first ring there was no space and I was told I that I could try again in 30 minutes which I did. Again, there was no space and I was beginning to have flashbacks of standing behind velvet ropes at Manhattan nightclubs circa 1986, waiting to be selected for entry. I was told I could try back in another 30 minutes then a better offer was made: The gentleman inserted my phone number in his cell and said he'd call when a seat opened though he couldn't be certain when that would be. Off I went again, to wait for the call that I was beginning to think may not come. I was already at my 3rd bar of the night and I hadn't yet made it into the one bar I wanted to drink at. Then my phone rang. The bar is low lit and patrons keep to themselves and those they came with. A cocktail menu is proffered (most cocktails 10.50€) and skews heavy towards drinks with gin and whiskey. I opted for a cocktail with absinthe as, in addition to this bar, absinthe is something I wanted to sample. The magic begins with the mixologist, the first one I've seen who I believe deserves that title, for what he did was half theatre, half alchemy. He was engaged in a ritual of rapid but deliberate movements as he created the cocktails, spraying things into glasses, swishing things, sampling, all as orchestrated as a beautiful dance. I got my absinthe drink and it was great but the magic was what happened next. Round two. I'd read somewhere that this was a place where you could tell the bartender what you liked and let him create from there. I told him I liked citrus flavors and he asked what I liked with the citrus, "bitter, _____, or floral" (I have tried my best and cannot recall what that middle flavor was). My friend answered "bitter" but it was my drink and I thought very deliberately before answering "floral". And then my citrus-floral drink (called "Aviation") was laid before me. The heavens parted and Jesus reached down through the clouds. I have never before tasted something that so exemplified these flavors, citrus and floral, and it was icy and smooth, too. I gasped, then slid it to my friend to taste and we actually lost it a little. This was the perfect drink; I think we might've even high-fived one another and I'd like to apologize about that right now but a perfect drink is a pretty wonderful thing. At least this one was. I don't recall much else about the evening and the next day was best summed up by this line from a Knitters song: "I must've had me a good time 'cause I'm feeling so poorly today". I think I might not be able to tolerate absinthe or at least that's the story I'm sticking to. Buck and Breck is a fun place to sample one of the best drinks you've ever had. Just be prepared to wait for the experience. * Smoking is supposedly not permitted in bars but there was plenty of it happening in here. Chalk it up to some uber ventilation ducts: I could see it but I couldn't smell it. * Cameras are strictly verboten. Put your phone away and leave it there.

Cool place, and the door is what you'd expect for a Berlin speakeasy. Our server had a chip on his shoulder, but he tried to make up for it when the bill came. Funny how when it's tip-time, they're suddenly all smiles. But it's worth a shot. My German friend was impressed, and he's a Berliner from the start. Stop by if you're in the neighborhood.

This place was great!! The drinks were amazing (although very pricey), the staff was kind and attentive and the ambience was very cozy! Definitely recommend

I felt like this place was a bit too pretentious but it was still pretty cool, I mean what do you expect from a speakeasy? To get in you click on a doorbell that says Bar (they have a sign above it telling you the hours which kind of makes it a little less special...) and wait for a doorman to let you in. The place is a bit bigger than I anticipated it has bar seating as well as some booth seating in the back and a tinier bar. The cocktails here are pretty good but I've definitely had better. Would recommend coming to this place if you want to show off to your friends that you know a place like this, but other than that the drinks are pretty pricey and it is again, a bit pretentious.

I was seriously surprised about the bad reviews here - but now on reading them it's clear that most seem to have a problem with the entry policy rather than the drinks. Don't be fooled, folks: it's the best bar in Berlin I know if you want drinks made to your personal taste. I've fallen in love with cocktails there, and started to appreciate different bartenders' styles (ask for a Polish Gimlet). Word of warning: don't come with more than four people. Now that they have extended the seating possibilities, it's not as likely anymore to not get a place at all, but the group policy still stands. Do come if you just want to sit and chat and enjoy your heavenly drink in a cool atmosphere.

I went on my own on a Sunday. There is a neon sign saying "Closed" but it is more of an ornament than anything pretentious as some reviews seem to say. Bartenders Andre and Q were very engaging and even took time out to converse with me. Q even suggested another bar to go out, rang them to tell them I am coming and came out and got me a Taxi. Admitted that it was very quiet night at the bar, nevertheless appreciate their warm gestures. It's not your typical watering hole. They clearly want a discerning clientele and they do create and maintain the standards for such clientele to enjoy. Atmosphere inside is fabulous. Typical speak easy bar - dim lit, pipe music just about you can hear, chit chatter, no phones and apparently no client is allowed to stand. Bar can hold 35 - 40 people - seating capacity and that is that. So get there early. Dress up well. Don't go in big groups. Respect their business model and they will reciprocate. Drinks are top notch too.

I've given this place a second chance, but I am far, far from sold. It might be all the rage, but for me: 1. it's too pretentious and 2. the drinks are below average. I must say I'm quite dissapointed, as I have heard such great things about the place. It's not the 'no sign, ring the doorbell thing' that I found pretentious, i actually quite like that (depending on how it's done) but the fact that the bartender slipped me a note saying: 'please hide your phone, enjoy your cocktail.' I couldn't believe it, what a whatever. When the drinks were below par, and 12 euros a pop, I don't see a reason to go back. Also, the interior is too modern and cold for my liking, but I'm a speakeasy kinda gal..

Not my normal kind of place, but I really enjoyed Buck and Breck. Cocktails were good. Atmosphere is high end. Limited seating. There are only 14 seats at the bar, and if they are full, they don't let anyone else in. Very intimate.

A little secret hide away where you have to ring the buzzer and hope they're not busy! Overall I think it's one of the better cocktails in PB and well worth a visit. It does get full quickly but the service is impecable. Be prepared for around 10 euros per drink but there are some on the menu that you can't get anywhere else and the atmosphere once your in is subtle, and suave! Give it a go!

The doorman's attitude is a bit annoying. he would always send you away at first place, because it's too crowded, which is just not true. the phone number writing down is a waste of time, you would never be called. You just have to insist and you'll make it in. If you are willing to pay 15€ for a drink.... well go for it. Place is not special, drinks are not special, so no... not my place

Not a place to go in a group. The cocktails are of superior quality and taste and served at the perfect temperature. The menu consists of pretty classic but still somehow extraordinary cocktails.

Pretentious bar with overpriced cocktails! Went there with my husband for a drink before dinner. We almost walked past it if it hadn't been for the display of stacked champagne boxes greeting us through the window. We realized we needed to ring the bell to be let in. Rather than just buzzing us in someone actually came to open the door. I wonder if here people actually end up getting turned away or if it's just for show. The dark modern interior is nice and simple. Despite sitting at the bar the barman didn't even make an effort to recommend a drink or ask what we like. Fair enough - the drinks menu is big so there's plenty to choose from. Cocktails are served with no fuss which I guess is part of the concept. The taste was decent but for 15€ nothing special. When we wanted to pay we were told in a very rude manner it was cash only (how dare we assume that a bar that sells expensive cocktails takes card!!) - we must have missed the sign. (Turns out the "sign" is a ridiculous sticker on the door that shows no guns, no cards, no food etc. allowed) The unfriendly guy escorted me outside and pointed to the späti next door where I could get cash out (paying a 4,99€ fee of course). Should have headed straight to dinner.... never again!

This place is HEAVEN for alcoholics. You won't get here a fancy glass with stupid straws full of juice. The staff is attentive and it's a speakeasy. Ambiance is sexy and laid back. Good luck with getting a seat! I'm drunk.

Über cool hang out. Very trendy if you get in, which is not always the case. You'll be asked if anyone is joining you. We said "no" and he let us in. (We were only 2). Don't try and take pictures. That really pisses the barman off. Great cocktails and low key atmosphere. Recommended as part of Berlin culture.

First of all, I rate a bar highly based on the total experience. I really didn't want to think this place was pretentious like previous reviews, but I'm sad to foreshadow the rest of my review. Lets start with the positives. The cocktails at Buck and Breck are well deserving of their #50 best bar in the world rating. My bartender, who had a shaved head crafted two excellent and complex cocktails. I forgot their names because I was starting to feel the alcohol by then. But there lies the problem. I dont know the bar keeper's name because there was barely any conversation. I'm terrible with names, but there was barely an attempt to connect at all. All I can't tell you is he had a shaved head, and was stoic when there was no need to be. I'm a big fan of exploring the cocktail scene in different cities, and most of all tasting and experiencing the art of the cocktail each bar keeper can bring. The cocktails are like great dishes to me. I love experiencing the complexity and story behind the cocktail. This place definitely delivered on a wonderful complex cocktail. But unfortunately, they didn't deliver on the story. Each craft cocktail usually has a story behind it, a vision or inspiration behind it. Unfortunately, at Buck and Breck the staff failed to elaborate on what that was with the cocktails I ordered. The bar keeps were attentive in offering me a drink, but they were dry on their hospitality. And in a bar like this, hospitality is what usually puts it over the top. The skills, on creating a great cocktail, of their bar keeps are top notch. Unfortunately from my experience, their ability to connect and share that with the customer was not top notch. It wasn't like they were incapable, because they were having a wonderful conversation with another patron, who was looked like a regular. And seeing that is what added to the feel of pretentiousness. I understand if it was a busy night. But it wasn't busy when I went, and there was barely an attempt to conversate about the cocktail or in general about the inspiration behind the cocktail or bar. It felt like going to an art gallery, where the artist felt too good to explain their inspiration. It was sex without the connection. I will give this place it's just due, that their cocktails are amazing. 4 and half on cocktails, but 2 and a half on hospitality. I've been to many highly acclaimed bars in SF, LA, San Diego, Denver, Portland, Chicago, Paris, Milan, Zurich, and New York. I really wanted this to be favorite bar in Berlin. Unfortunately, the hospitality prevented that from happening. Its a speakeasy bar, and they tried hard to model themselves after the best speakeasy bars in New York and else where. Unfortunately, they lacked the charm that puts those bars over the top. I hope Buck and Breck learns that they can have that exclusive and accomplished feel, at the same time be charming and welcoming. No need to present yourself as the "too good for you" bar. Even at a top 10 bar like Employees Only, in New York, I never felt that vibe. In fact I can't wait to be able to go back and visit Employees Only, because they treated me like it wasn't for "employees only." After all, Buck and Breck should still be a bar where your patrons matter. You are rated the 50th best bar in the world, but it's best to take a page out of the book of the higher top 49 bars, and work on customer experience. Cocktail wise, you deserve all the praise you have been given. For the every day cocktail fan, work needs to be done to live up to your rating. It's actually a 3 and a half star rating in my book. But unfortunately Yelp does allow you to give 3 and a half ratings, so I'm going to round down for pretentiousness.