New Yorkers will spend hours talking about how unique and special bodegas like other cities dont have grocery stores
this post was submitted on 05 Nov 2025
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Spätis in Berlin >>> Bodegas in NYC (I've been to both)
Spätis started in the DDR and encourage loitering/drinking/socializing, rather than calling the pigs on you. A späti (translates to "latey") is a 24hr convenience store, usually with benches/seating outside, that's a major part of Berlin late-night culture
It's considered a meeting place like a coffee shop, but for beer/food/snacks at 2am. It's the first place every drunk goes to wind down after clubbing. A lot of them function as basic grocery stores by day and a more laidback party/bar spot by night
Most Spätis are run by Middle Easterners, especially chill Turkish uncs if you're in Kreuzberg (Berlin's "Little Istanbul"). so yes, they often have a store cat like bodegas do