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Tue / Jan 26
Party Earth Review Asking Parisian owner Emmanuel Girondin why he opened Manouche back in 2008 elicits a simple answer: “Berlin needed a crêperie.” Apparently he was right, because since then French expats, budget-conscious families, and... ... read full review
Grimmstraße 23
10967 Berlin
8: Schönleinstrasse
Tu–Su 1pm–late (hours can vary)
Tu–Su 4pm–late (winter hours, hours can vary)
Kreuzberg / Neukölln, Berlin –
Asking Parisian owner Emmanuel Girondin why he opened Manouche back in 2008 elicits a simple answer: “Berlin needed a crêperie.”
Apparently he was right, because since then French expats, budget-conscious families, and hip young Berliners have all been crowding in to enjoy one of his large variety of original crêpes.
The spare outdoor patio is full most days with area professionals lunching on savory galettes or kicking their diet in the pants with a Bella Ciao lathered in chocolate – or whatever other delectable creation Girondin has come up with – while on rainy afternoons the three small rooms inside provide a cozy environment to listen to soft jazz and sip coffee.
The décor has a distinct French flea market feel, replete with old leather sofas, antique brass candelabras, chipped wooden furniture, and small tables that just might still smell of the ever-popular Pomme D’Adam, a decadent crêpe smothered in caramelized apple, cinnamon, ice cream, and mangos.
In the evenings the venue takes on more of a bar vibe as families clear out, the electronic music goes on, and a youthful alternative crowd gathers to enjoy a few long drinks, a meal, and some French liqueurs.
The revelry continues into Sunday, too, when musicians gather for occasional jazz sessions.
Whether young or old, hungry or thirsty, the satisfied customers in Kreuzberg all seem to agree: while one can take the man out of Paris, they hope no one will take the man’s Manouche out of Berlin.
French expats, budgeted college kids, hipsters, older couples, musicians, creative types, jazz lovers, and young families. All ages during the day, 20s to mid-30s at night.
Sunday jazz sessions feature impromptu jams, though like most of Manouche’s schedule, times/days can vary. Jazz, rock, blues, and funk on the stereo during the day, transitioning to electronic music at night.
More than twenty original crêpe dishes, from savory to sweet and diet-friendly to gut-busting. Patio.
Crêpes/galettes €3+, salads €5+. Beer €2+, wine €4+, long drinks €3+, spirits €2+, coffee/tea €2+.
Casual: white t-shirts, jeans, untucked dress shirts, knit caps, golf shirts, sundresses, flip-flops.
Right when they open to avoid the wait, Friday and Saturday nights for the biggest crowd of young locals, or Sundays for the live jazz.
Restaurant Avril (Graefstrasse 83) has a larger menu of French-style entrées and a similar crowd of Kreuzberg alternatives.