Have you ever stepped into a place where time seems to stand still? Welcome to the Metzer Eck in Berlin. This isn’t just any pub. It’s the oldest pub in Prenzlauer Berg a family-run establishment since 1913.
The Metzer Eck has witnessed a century of history. Clara Vahlenstein opened it in 1913. She used her lottery winnings to start this legendary Berlin pub. The area was dramatically different then. It was largely undeveloped called Windmühlenberg. It was a popular destination for Berliners. By the time Clara opened her doors it was densely populated with tenement buildings and the nearby U-Bahn rumbled past.
The Metzer Eck thrived. It became a haven for workers intellectuals and artists. It weathered the storms of World War I. Inflation and the Great Depression didn’t break its spirit. Even during the Third Reich people continued to meet at this beloved corner pub. In 1926 the Windmühlenberg savings club was founded here. Members saved their pennies. They could then enjoy outings together.
Heinrich Zille a famous artist who captured Berlin life in his drawings was a regular. He couldn’t attend a ball in 1927 because of his “Beenkins” legs. You can still read his letter on the wall in the back room.
After World War II the pub was renamed Metzer Eck. Clara’s daughter Charlotte and later her granddaughter Bärbel continued the tradition. Bärbel’s partner Alex Margan unearthed treasures from the cellar. These included old documents savings books pictures and more. They displayed these in the pub. Today Bärbel’s son Horst’s wife Sylvia Falkner runs the Metzer Eck.
Famous faces have graced the Metzer Eck’s tables. Udo Lindenberg Otto Waalkes and Sergio Leone were regulars. In 1989 the premiere party for the banned DEFA film “Spur der Steine” was held here. Many famous actors including Manfred Krug celebrated there.
The Metzer Eck more than a pub. It’s a living museum. It’s a testament to Berlin’s resilience. Look around. You’ll see photos and letters that speak volumes. The Metzer Eck is a piece of Berlin history and a warm inviting atmosphere. Enjoy a beer a Hackepeterstulle or a Bulette. This is a place where stories are told and memories made.