Café Berlin was founded by three German-born friends, Irene Khashan, Peggy Reed, and a third partner Maria, who met while working at another German restaurant. They launched Café Berlin amidst Capitol Hill’s Stanton Park neighborhood, personally cooking, cleaning, and serving their early guests.
1989
Establishing a Capitol Hill Legacy
Over the late ’80s, Café Berlin grew into a Capitol Hill institution admired for its cozy ambiance, authentic German dishes, and sidewalk café flair. The Washington Post spotlighted Café Berlin’s spring charm, praising its perfect asparagus dishes, cozy décor, superb Wiener Schnitzel, and delightful pastries—solidifying its reputation as a refreshingly authentic German restaurant.
2006
Continued Acclaim in Washingtonian Magazine
A 2006 review in the Washingtonian lauded Café Berlin’s standout schnitzels (Wiener, Rahm, Jägerschnitzel), smoked pork loin, and zesty sides—highlighting how rare a German dining experience like this was in the DC landscape.
2007
Transition Begins
Rico Glage arrived from Germany to work at Café Berlin for what was to be only a year; a few months later, longtime patron Clytie Roberts joined as a server. Using a pocket dictionary to assist in communicating (this was pre-iPhone folks!) they started dating and married not too long after.
2013
New Ownership Takes the Helm
Peggy and Irene retired, and in February 2013, Clytie Roberts-Glage and Rico Glage purchased Café Berlin, ensuring its authentic spirit continued under familiar and passionate stewardship.
2014
Celebrating One Year of New Ownership
On February 17, 2014, HillRag.com recognized the first anniversary of the Glages’ ownership, celebrating the restaurant’s sustained commitment to classic and modern German cuisine.
2015
Celebrating 30 years of Café Berlin
In 2015, after three decades nestled in the heart of Capitol Hill, Café Berlin celebrated its 30th anniversary. What began in 1985 as the bold vision of three German-born friends who cooked, cleaned and served every table themselves has grown into a gathering place where Congressional staffers, tourists and local friends alike feel at home.
2019
The littlest Café Berliner joins the family—Clarissa
In 2019, Café Berlin welcomed a new member to the family: Clarissa. Her arrival marked more than a personal milestone—it reinforced Café Berlin’s commitment to generational connections, community roots and the idea that this place sustains a family of guests, staff and owners alike.
2025
40th Anniversary and kitchen renovation
2025 marks forty years of Café Berlin—forty years of welcoming welcomes, schnitzels, seasonal menus, sun-drenched patio seats and countless stories shared under the bloom of spring’s asparagus and the glow of winter’s hearty fare.
