Freischwimmer

As far as I can see, one of the best burger places in Berlin. The only thing keeping me from giving it the 5 stars is the big number of not so small spiders you can find above your head.
Anyway, the location is perfect. Go there with your date and enjoy the sunset (tip: don't get a table under the porsche).

As my friend Leonie and I was served by the waiter, we looked at him intensely. Leonie had just pointed out the duck that shook its head to the music and we were laughing about the floating animal that had a head-shaking party on the lake. We had started laughing and both noticed that the waiter had also eyed the duck. He had been at our table twice before. Both times he had an air of someone desperate to quit his job and join the circus of sullen poets. Would the duck make him smile. It seemed as if it would. A small draw by the corner of his mouth suggested a smile, while Leonie and I held our breath. Would this be it? Would he pour his joy out into the world? Would we be lucky enough to see it? Alas, no. We should not be so lucky. The waiter lowered his gaze as the duck headbanged away from us.

And that was the saddest thing about Freischwimmer. Not that the food was suspiciously quick or that that Leonie saw a spider, which caused her to scream and feel embarrassed for the rest of the evening. No. The saddest thing about Freischwimmer was that the employees all looked like the joy was suckered out of them the moment they entered the place.

But we got drunk, the food was just above mediocre and the water was beautiful.

Location and venue are fantastic but the menu leaves a lot to be desired.
Best for summer as lots of the seating is outdoors

I had the pork roast it was amazing. Nice locale. Read other people's comments, my food was stellar. Also had the guacamole cream cheese dip. To die for so good. Get these two things I promise they won't disappoint!

Went here for brunch today with family. We got a seat in the shade along the canal (perfect spot). We placed drink orders and went to the buffet (14€). The server said maybe 2 words the time and brought us the 2nd water we asked for as we were already trying to pay and leave. The food was great though, tons to choose from like pastries, salads, meats and mushroom ravioli. The iced espresso macchiato was great. The toilet didn't have any toilet paper, tons of random writing on the wall and was very crammed. Also the lighting above our table was covered in spider webs which really grossed me out!

I am reviewing this place based on an early spring evening indoors.
During March they are open only inside and the inside is just the most comfortable place one can imagine.

The prices are a bit higher but one can still find a good deal. I had a red wine (the cheapest on the menu), which was pretty tasty and just fit the mood. And towards the end of the night, I ordered a standard coffee serviced with a pot of milk. It was nice and creamy.

It is rustic, wooden and very intimate. The windows are large and one can look out at the water. Even on a rainy day this place becomes just so charming because of the rain hitting the water and the window and the fireplace is lit.

During the summer this area that we have been to, is closed and only the open area is open. According to the waitress, the outdoor area provides about 500 spaces to sit. This place also has brunch during the weekend and summer months.

I will be coming back in the summer to see the other side of this place.

I don't think I've ever had a more disappointing dining experience. We went to Freischwimmer for an event they were having with Barb's Soul Food. It started at 3.

- We arrived around 3:15, and they were still setting up: no music, no food. They said it would be another 15 minutes or so, so we waited.
- Around 4, we were able to order food.
- Around 4:15, the music started.
- Around 4:30, others, including others who arrived around 4, started receiving food. We did not get any of the food we ordered.
- Around 4:45, we were ready to go, having waited an hour and a half without any food. However, a manager came up to us and apologized. He offered to comp our food and drinks and gave us some bread and tapenade. Still frustrated, we accepted this and decided to stay, figuring it couldn't be much longer.
- Over the next hour, people arrived and were served food. We did not get anything.
- At 5:45, we left, having waited two and a half hours without receiving any of the food we ordered.

Don't make our mistake. Don't go and wait hours, never to get food. Just don't go.

What an incredibly bizarre experience. Booked a table for 7 based on reviews we read. Walked through the sketchy gates into an almost abandoned wood structure. Man told us to go back the way we came and up the stairs, which we did only to be admonished that he had no idea why we were going that way. Then when we were seated in a freezing restaurant, we were told that they were only serving the first 3 pages of the menu and maybe later would serve more (it was 6:15). The first three pages were light appetizers. We walked out. Don't bother.

It would be a great plan, to come here to chill out with some friends, then hit "Club der Visionäre" across the corner, for some dancing and fun.

I have not tried the food yet, but i doubt i am going to. The plates on our neighboring tables did not look like cooking pieces of art.

For a couple of beers and an amazingly nice carribean view, it is the perfect place.

Is being a waiter a horrible job in Berlin? I'm getting used to the service staff in Berlin not exactly being the sharpest tools in the shed and/or they just really don't like working/thinking. I thank the dull eyed hipster staff at Freischwimmer for setting a new bar which is now exceptionally low. I can rest assured that it would be difficult to get worse service than here, and will likely enjoy future experiences in Berlin more knowing the service couldn't be as bad as at Freischwimmer.

The actual space is amazing. Really beautiful spot to be at dusk in the summer. Just, wow, oh wow, has management checked on who is running the place in years?