Cafe Sorgenfrei

Goltzstrasse 17
Ubahn Eisenacherstrasse or Nollendorfplatz
Gotta love this cafe! With a name like Sorgenfrei (care free) you know you're in for a real, relaxing treat. This cafe, presumably run by a gay couple, the presumption being that they are a couple, not that they are gay, is a sweet wholesome trip back to yesteryear. It's sort of a 50's and 60's themed cafe/ antiques shop that mixes the decor with the merchandise. In fact, check the chair you are sitting in because it is probably for sale. The men behind the counter run everything with a sort of sweet, simple, elegance. All the baked goods are homemade everyday and the coffee comes with a giant lady finger instead of a measly tea cookie like in most cafes. This place is does kitsch really well and I think it's safe to say that any time you pass here, whether chatting with friends or reading alone, will be whimsical...and gay.

Cafe Bilderbuch

Akazienstrasse 28
UBahn Eisenacherstrasse

This is a unanimous favorite among friends here. It's probably the coziest of all the cafes I've been in and is best experienced at night. There is a front parlor area with tables and a few sofas that is perfectly acceptable but the back room, just past the kitchen and the bathrooms is where it's at. It's decorated like a cross between your grandmother's sewing room and your tenured professor father's study. There are doll houses and comfy sofas, mismatched chairs and tables, and walls of bookshelves filled with books free for the taking, reading, and putting back. There is usually some sort of live band performing on a small stage at the center of the room and sometimes, if the stage is free, one of the regular guests will seize the piano bench and the spotlight to play an impromptu something. Sometimes it's magical, sometimes it's annoying. It really just depends. Bilderbuch offers some great breakfast options, all fairytale themed, and nice daily specials and soups (the lentil soup is always nice). My favorites are their dessert options. They offer several daily and revolving cakes to choose from, an ample ice cream menu and really great apple strudel.
Warning: Never get the nachos.
If you like jazz music, go to Bilderbuch around 9pm on Wednesday nights to see The Live Jazz Trio. It's like watching the cutest live action gnomes you've ever seen "slappin' that bass". They're really entertaining and it's just a great atmosphere.

Cafe Sur

Akazienstrasse 7
UBahn Eisenacherstrasse
Berlin has a huge cafe culture. Going to a cafe and reading a book or a newspaper or chatting with friends for a while is a completely acceptable way to spend a morning, afternoon, or evening here. One of my favorite cafes is called Cafe Sur. You'll begin to notice that most of the places I mention are on or near Akazienstrasse because it's really near where I live, and like most people here, I'm staunchly loyal to my own neck of the woods. I've spent many many hours in this cafe for several reasons.
A. The staff. The staff is incredibly friendly which is sometimes a commodity here. I've never once been "Englished" there and there is one waitress in particular who is always jolly and generally good natured. Nina and I have a theory that she used to be a dancer of some sort because she has a certain posture and a graceful way of moving that reminds us a bit of a ballet dancer. She also wears this totally sick straw cowboy hat when it's sunny out. I want to be her best friend.
B. The ambiance. Ambiance is always one of my top priorities and this place is just really cozy and inviting, especially in winter. It's something about the lighting I guess and maybe the dark wood furniture.
C. The food. Obviously, this should be the number one draw. I always order a normal cup of coffee which is a strong, tasty Italian coffee or the cappuccino. If you order the cappuccino, you can order it with a piece of dark chocolate on the side for like 10 cents more and it's definitely worth it. They've got really nice wines from France, Italy, and Germany and, though I've never tried the beer, my friend Sam has and he usually gets their Spanish beer because he says it tastes the best. Their cakes are delicious and if you're interested in a Kaffee und Kuchen experience this is a great place to have it. I like the lemon tart and the chocolate cheese cake best. Finally, and most importantly, GET THE CHEESE PLATE! This is the best deal and greatest thing on the menu. A large cheese plate is enough for three people and has something like five or six different cheeses on it that change all the time, marinated veggies, roasted nuts, and comes with a great variety of breads all for 5 euros.
Seriously, this is my personal favorite and I'm sure if you make a trip to Cafe Sur you'll won't be disappointed.