Berlin's premier third-wave coffee roaster with multiple locations. Exceptional single-origin coffees, minimalist Scandinavian design, serious baristas. For coffee purists - no sugar or flavor syrups available.
The Barn is Berlin's most celebrated specialty coffee roaster, with multiple café locations across the city and a roastery operation that has placed the brand at the forefront of Germany's third-wave coffee movement. Founded by Ralf Ruller, the company sources single-origin beans directly from producers in Ethiopia, Kenya, Colombia, Guatemala, and other origin countries, and roasts them in Berlin to highlight the distinct flavour profiles of each lot. The flagship location on Schönhauser Allee in Mitte is the most prominent, operating in a bright, minimalist space that reflects the Scandinavian-inflected aesthetic common to the best European specialty coffee shops. Baristas are trained to high standards and the espresso programme, filter coffee (V60, Chemex, and batch brew), and milk-based drinks are all executed with precision. Crucially, The Barn operates a no-flavoured-syrup, no-sugar policy: coffee is served as the roaster intended it, without modification. This is non-negotiable and is posted clearly in the café. The bean shop sells retail bags of current single-origins for home brewing. The Barn has influenced numerous other Berlin coffee businesses and is a useful reference point for understanding how Berlin's specialty coffee scene developed.
Signature dishes
- Filter coffee — $4.50
- Flat white — $4
Good to know
- Hours
- Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM, Sat-Sun 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Reservations
- Walk-in
Location
Schönhauser Allee 8, 10119 Berlin
52.5297, 13.4122 View on map
Highlights
- Berlin's leading specialty coffee roaster with multiple city locations and direct-trade single-origin sourcing
- Strict no-sugar, no-flavoured-syrup policy — coffee served as the roaster intended it
- Precision barista programme covering espresso, V60, Chemex, and batch brew filter
- Retail bean shop selling current single-origin lots for home brewing
- Minimalist Scandinavian-inflected interior defining the Berlin specialty coffee aesthetic
Tips for visiting
- Order a single-origin filter (V60 or Chemex) to experience The Barn's sourcing and roasting philosophy at its clearest
- Do not ask for syrups or sugar — the policy is firm and the menu is explicitly designed without them
- The retail bean shop allows visitors to take home current single-origins; staff can advise on brewing methods
- Flat white and cortado are the best milk-based options if espresso undiluted feels too intense
Accessibility
The Schönhauser Allee location is at street level with a flat entrance and interior accessible to wheelchair users. Other locations vary in layout — check individual cafés for specific accessibility information.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I add sugar or syrups to my coffee at The Barn?
No — The Barn has a firm policy of not offering flavoured syrups or sugar. The philosophy is that specialty coffee, correctly roasted and brewed, does not require sweetening. This is made clear on the menu.
What brewing methods are available?
Espresso-based drinks, V60 pour-over, Chemex, and batch-brewed filter coffee are all available depending on the location. Staff can advise on which brewing method suits the current featured beans.
Does The Barn sell beans to take home?
Yes — all The Barn locations have a retail section selling current single-origin lots by the 250g bag. Online ordering is also available through the roaster's website.
How many locations does The Barn have in Berlin?
The Barn has several locations across Berlin, including the flagship on Schönhauser Allee and outposts in Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg, and other neighbourhoods. The roastery is separate from the café locations.