You’ll find them all over: Spätis in Berlin

In various cities, they’re known as convenience stores or bodegas, but in Berlin, the small late-night shops that are ubiquitous are called Späti, playing a vital role in the city’s daily rhythm.

Spätis, short for Spätkauf (which translates to 'late-night purchase' in German), are small, independently owned shops that offer snacks, alcohol, beverages, and tobacco. As their name implies, they stay open late into the night (often 24/7), well after supermarkets have closed. This makes Spätis a key part of Berlin's nightlife: the go-to spot for pre-drinks before heading to clubs and bars, late-night munchies, and grabbing beers on the way to the afterparty.

Some of my favorite memories from my ten years in Berlin are on Späti steps, whether it was sipping inexpensive wine outside during the pandemic or the unforgettable night of DJing at a Späti rave (before the police showed up, of course).

Here’s everything you should know about the culture of Berlin’s Späti.

History

Spätis aren’t just for nightlife enthusiasts – these local gems are woven into the fabric of everyday life for Berliners. It’s where we grab packages, prepare for picnics, and catch up with friends. The key to appreciating their significance lies in the city’s history.

The origins of Spätis can be traced back to the Cold War and Spätverkaufsstellen (“late shopping outlets”) in East German cities like East Berlin, Leipzig, and Dresden. These privately-operated shops served shift workers outside the hours of state-run retailers. Over time, the term became linked to Berlin’s vibrant, round-the-clock nightlife and its anti-capitalist subculture. In a city bursting with creativity yet facing economic challenges, Spätis have remained lively hubs for students, musicians, and artists to connect effortlessly.

Today, Späti is a culturally distinctive and uniquely Berlin term. Nowhere else does it hold such a casual yet significant place in local language. In fact, other parts of Germany refer to convenience stores by different names, like Trinkhalle or kiosk.

Spätis embody the city's free spirit

Spätis capture the essence of Berlin's urban culture. They reflect the city’s spontaneous, lively, and often hedonistic character, tempting everyone with a cold Wegbier (a beer to enjoy on the go) at every corner.

Once a hallmark of classic Berlin, Spätis are evolving. The era of Späti internet cafés is behind us (a wild tidbit: in 2012, serial killer Luka Magnotta was apprehended in one when the owner recognized him Googling himself). While a recent law mandates that Spätis remain closed on Sundays and public holidays, some choose to live on the edge, like my old corner store that had a lookout for the authorities on Sundays.

Usually small, double-aisle shops are becoming larger and more glamorous. The rise of new “super-Spätis,” offering pricey imported snacks and CBD-infused products, reflects the city’s growing gentrification and hipster trends, along with pop-ups like Germany’s first sober Späti featuring alcohol-free wine and gin.

Overall, Spätis embody the city’s relentless spirit in building vibrant communities while grounded in individualism. Locals enthusiastically support these family-run small businesses. In multicultural areas like Neukölln and Kreuzberg, they serve as gathering spots for Turkish and Arab communities, enhancing cultural visibility through food and local goods.

This is precisely where Späti culture adds allure to Berlin. These are not your typical Kwik-E-Mart chains – each shop is distinct. The aesthetics and maintenance can differ drastically, and Google often gets phone numbers and opening hours wrong. In Germany’s capital, where the local culture leans towards stern formality and trivial chatter is overrated, it’s these neighborhood gems that foster a sense of community.

Now you give it a try

The most popular Spätis often grapple with gentrification, feature memorable decor or quirky products, and, in true Berlin style, host the best parties. However, in my opinion, the ultimate Späti experience isn’t sought out; it’s the delightful hole-in-the-wall you happen upon by chance.

The signs of a great Späti include a street-facing bench for people-watching and a lively atmosphere. It has a functioning cooler and a bottle opener that hasn’t been pilfered from the register. It’s all about the joy of simplicity, affordable fun, and low expectations. At its best, it’s a blissful haven, just within reach, where thirst can be quenched – even at the most ungodly hours.

For an unforgettable experience, check out a Späti rave. A party where DJs, speakers, and sweaty dancers try their hardest not to topple over snack racks is simply a good time. These events are spontaneous, seldom advertised, and, well, technically illegal (thanks, German bureaucracy), which only adds to their appeal.

The prime time to witness Späti raves in full swing is during the May Day public holiday when the streets of Kreuzberg are alive with them. From October to April, the collective ear-sight organizes parties at various Spätis, and local spots like Volkan’s Party Späti and Spätkauf 178 transform their sales areas into dance floors.

Take it with you

Keep the Späti vibe alive by grabbing a selection of late-night, questionable German snacks to take home: chips with flavors like peanut, paprika, and bacon are strong contenders, alongside Haribo gummies in a rainbow of colors and shapes (and salty licorice if you’re feeling adventurous). My personal favorite Späti impulse buy is Berliner Luft (literally “Berlin Air”), a delightful peppermint schnapps that’s popular with visitors – think mouthwash but way more enjoyable.