„ursprung“ - Berlin

It was very busy in the cafe and I simply asked the barmaid if it was table service or if we ordered at the bar. She was quite rude and abrupt and told me there were waitresses. That didn't answer my question do I...asked her again to which she responded sharply to. I waited minutes before leaving. Poor attitude awful service...

This cafe is in the same building as Dussmann's wonderful bookshop and I stopped by for coffee after a little literary shopping. Yes, I am a foreigner and no, I don't speak German which I always assume is my problem not that of whoever I...am trying to communicate with. However, in this case the waiter made it very clear that he would not try to understand anything I was asking and he did so with such contempt that it was obvious he just wanted me to go away. I should note that at this location Dussmanns has a separate English language bookstore ranging over floors so I am very unlikely to be the only English-speaking person that he has to deal with as part of his job. I am staying in Berlin for weeks and while the cafe is just a few blocks from my apartment but I won't be going there again.

I say with a plus because it offers a wider selection and more comfortable seating than the usual bookstore cafes. Good for a hot beverage, light lunch, or even a drink or two. It‘s part of Dussmann Bookstore which in itself is a great place...to browse and shop for books of all kind. We never leave Berlin without a visit to Dussmann and Ursprung Cafe.

You enter the place via the Dussmann cultural warehouse, which is worth a visit in itself if you are a book or music lover. The space is pretty unique with its floor vertical garden yet cosy relaxed. The limited menu has traditional...Berlin dishes in a modern dress as well as contemporary ones, delicately prepared and not at all expensive. All with a friendly service.

I have been to the Ursprung several times already and I always enjoy my stays there. The location in the basement of huge book and music store Dussmann allows to have a break from shopping. Guests can sit by the water pond at the bottom...of a vertical garden that spans over several floors, which is very relaxing. The garden also makes the Ursprung a unique place in Berlin’s centre. Food is generally very tasty and attention is given on the quality of food brands or food components. So, value for money is good even as dishes and drinks are in a higher price range. The staff is friendly and professional. I can highly recommend the Ursprung for a short break from the city. But avoid peak times as tables can become rare, then.