Nightlife - a short list!
Berlin Nightlife - Part 1
-clubs, pubs and lounges - a short list!
In response to some of your inquiries~
Over the last two months of experiencing some of what Berlin has to offer in the way of nightlife, I've realized that there is a constant and endlessly overwhelming amount to do, see and hear. Every two weeks, publications like 'Zitty' and 'Tipp', try to offer an overview of all that is happening in the ways of theater, music, movies, television, sports, parties, galleries, exhibitions, events, and more. However, thousands of events are not publicized and it is through the ancient word of mouth, that one must find out about some of the more exclusive happenings in Berlin.
Now! Before I begin, let me just say that I personally am not a big clubbing fan. My reasons are many, but the idea of laying down 10Euro to bob at what is considered to be a sexually appealing beat, while knocking into people and trying not to spill beer all over my now exhausted, broke and deaf self, sounds like the lamest notion of a good time to me. That said, I've been pleasantly surprised with Berlin's clubs, as they seem to have found a comfortable medium between dancing and lounging, providing for an all encompassing good time.
Berlin nightlife doesn't restrict itself to the weekends and there is generally something to do, regardless of time, or day. A night out can mean anything from a trip to the Opera and dinner, or stuffing down a Doener Kebab at 5am, after having danced the night away on the 18th floor of a skyscraper.
Music of every genre cascades through the many Berlin back-streets and lures curious bystanders into packed clubs and lounges. Bar-tenders serve up inspired cocktails from a list of 150 and aren't shy about suggesting a second cocktail to go with your first. Often times, Bars have excellent kitchens tucked away in the back, serving up the latest dishes in fusion cuisine.
In warm weather, cafes, pubs and restaurants spill their guests out onto the sidewalks and boring side streets by day, turn into boulevards of excitement by night. In the winter, guests battle the cold, only to melt inside cozy locales, where they can be guaranteed a drink to warm them up. The Berlin 'nightscape' is what you make it and any effort one makes in finding the right place to match one's mood, will reward generously in return.
Perhaps before laying down my top 10 list of places to hang out in Berlin, I should describe my notion of a good time. While this depends on what I'm looking for in a given night, I generally enjoy having good conversation over varied drinks, while zoning out randomly to appreciate whatever down-tempo music ISN'T imposing itself on me. A good night is one that keeps me excited without exhausting me. If I wanted to feel physically exhausted, I'd go to the gym, or go for a run. I guess my short-list is a compilation of places I've enjoyed repeatedly. Nights have successfully either started, ended, or been spent in their entirety here.
1. Julep's - probably one of my favorite places in Berlin. Excellent New York style decor, friendly and attentive staff, and a cocktail list that goes on and on. Their food is incredible, serving up everything from seared, soy-glazed Tuna with Wasabi mashed potatoes, to Fajitas and Nachos. I always have an excellent time at Juleps and am actually planning on enjoying Thanksgiving dinner there with my special someone. Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie in Berlin! Who knew?
2. Solar - Amazing views from this 17 & 18 story lounge. The food is okay, but the drinks are great and the view is pretty incredible. Going and coming is made easy with its neighboring subway stop. I'd recommend taking the glass elevator, but for those of you afraid of heights, there's an interior elevator for you to take.
3. Felix - Great multi-level restaurant and club just a few steps away from the Brandenburg Gate and smack in the middle of Berlin. A little pretentious and somewhat pricey, but what the hell.
4. An einem Sonntag in August - Very laid back lounge with a grungy, but trendy attitude in the middle of Prenzlauerberg's "happening" scene. If you're feeling generous, buy a copy of the local homeless man's biography. An apparently interesting read and excellent way for you to practice your German.
5. Greenwich - An upscale cocktail lounge in the middle of Berlin. If you can deal with the occasional lofty personality, you'll greatly enjoy this place, as the decor reminds of the golden 20's.
6. The Pony bar - a bar in Prenzlauerberg that tailors largely to the authentic Berlin crowd. Try some of their home-made brew and kick back to some relaxing tunes. Very unpretentious and all walks of life are welcome.
7. B-Flat - Excellent jazz nights and cocktails. B-flat generally has live Jazz on weekends. Big bands and intimate trios perform here regularly. Expect a full house and an excellent atmosphere. Students pay a reduced cover charge.
8. A-trane - Another superb Jazz house. Some of the world's best have played here. Great ambiance and in my district of Charlottenburg.
9. Weekend club - a full on club in a skyscraper. Great music and some casual lounging. You'll have to deal with a selective bouncer and some "hot-shot" types, but still worth checking out. Not too many clubs like this around.
10. The Watergate - another major Berlin club. If you're looking to dance like a maniac- this is where you'd want to go.
There are countless other worth while destinations to visit, but I have relied on these places more than a handful of times and have rarely been disappointed.
Cheers!
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