Berlin Nightlife

Joseph Roth has been a writer of essays, novels poems. He lived from 1894 to 1939. He left Germany 1933. His works show an exceptionel sharp skill of watching people and the world. In a way he was a tragical figure, having alcohol problems and missing his home in Germany, dying early.

The bar and restaurant "Joseph Roth Diele" is full of pics and books commemorating Roth. They serve typical German an dBerlin food and nice beer. Sometimes there is life music. It is an ideal place to hang aorund after an exhausting working day.

Dress Code: No dress code

Don't let the 1970's exterior fool you- you are entering Weimar era Berlin at the 'Rum Trader': one man's world of civilized cocktails, conversation and stiffened conviviality. The imperious major domo greets you, makes and serves you impeccable made cocktails (just tell him sweet or sour- no need to name the drink) and enforces the rule that gentlemen take their hats off in the presence of ladies! There is only one table so go early or be prepared to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the somewhat glitterati in this microscopic bar.

Dress Code: Upscale. The most dressy bar I saw in Berlin.

named after Louis Bunuel’s film, where wealthy people are invited at a dinner party in a villa. The guests eventually find themselves mysteriously unable to leave the room. An inexplicable force subjects them to their lower instincts...

the bar sign hangs from the fourth floor. Its red-plush furnishings and glass ceiling in 1950’s style is surprisingly true to the period. great music, too...

open from 19.00

An ever popular choice is Weekend Club in Alexanderplatz, spinning house, electronic and pop tunes, whilst The Watergate in Kreuzberg specialises in House and Drum and Bass. Another favourite is Berghain in Friedrichshain, boasting a hard techno and electro style, whilst electro, acid and industrial music dominate the decks of Tresor in Mitte.

But there is also a range of alternative clubs...

check out the full article at Visit Berlin

Dress Code: None

This is a great little club that specialises in indie music. It was pretty cheap to get in to and the drink prices were reasonable. I'm not sure what time this place closes. I went twice and the the second time the sun had come up before the club had closed.

Live acts and/or DJs play classical music at various nightclubs. This the main idea of Yellow Lounge.
Yellow Lounge is also a selection of recordings distributed by a major classical label.

One could wonder if playing classic music at clubs really "works" or if DJs are really keen on playing Fauré or Beethoven. But, yes, it does work.

So far, among a lot of other artists, you could see French master pianist Helene Grimaud soloing, or Claudio Abbado's Mahler Chamber Orchestra - live at small nightclubs, and all at a bargain for 5 Euro.
Mike Oldfield introduced his new classical piece (albeit it wasn't played live), and Rufus Wainwright recorded a compilation album for Yellow Lounge.
Various DJs, usually more familiar with electronic music, were happy to contribute.

Since dates and locations are changing, you need to check Yellow Lounge's website for upcoming events.

Dress Code: None!

2 more images

Kulturbrauerei, the former Schultheiss brewery, today accommodates a couple of clubs - some for dancing, some for live music.
In the close proximity there are numerous bars and restaurants.

On top of that, Kulturbrauerei offers a nice flair on warm summer nights.

The clubs:

Frannz Club:
The legendary Frannz was probably the best club in East Berlin if not the entire GDR.
Pop, Rock, Funk ...
http://www.frannz.de/

nbi - Neue Berliner Initiative:
A cosy 2-story club with a beer-garden.
Mixed program, mixed (young) audience.
http://www.neueberlinerinitiative.de/

Alte Kantine
Pop, Rock, Dance, readings
Really a nice location with a somewhat mediterranean atmosphere.
http://www.alte-kantine.de/

Kesselhaus
A big black hall for readings, theater and music.
http://www.kesselhaus-berlin.de/

Maschinenhaus
The smaller, brighter issue of Kesselhaus.
http://www.kesselhaus-berlin.de/ (yes, same URL)

Soda Club
Mostly R'n'B, Soul, Top 20 or 50
Young audience
http://www.soda-berlin.de/

Club 23
Mostly Dance and House, 80style.
The smaller sibling of Soda Club, hence the same URL:
http://www.soda-berlin.de/

Dress Code: None

This is one of the main centres for nightlife in Berlin, there are numerous outdoor restaurants in the summer and lots of bars lining the street, including Silberfisch, Ambulance Barr and Lounge 808.
It stretches for a mile between Friederich Strasse and Hackesche Markt, just north of the Spree.
You'll know you're there when you see the New Synagogue looking down on you.
Be aware after dark there are likely to be sex workers hanging around.