photos: Amanda Artiaga
I once described Berlin as an apotheosis of the proverbial sex, drugs, and… well, mostly techno. As a self-confessed Elvis worshipper, I find that last characteristic slightly regrettable. Personally, I try to do my share in maintaining Berlin’s legacy as the erstwhile home to Iggy, Bowie, and Nick Cave – but even cranky me can’t constantly live in the past and/or Johnny Cash lyrics. Saddened by the recent demise of the Bassy Club, we decided to put together a list of joints that still spice up the nightlife with some rock’n’roll spirit, be it punk rock, new wave, post-punk, blues, or whatever else to float your barman’s boat.
8MM
The legendary 8MM bar in Pberg owns the gritty vibe of a rock’n’roll establishment and hosts plenty of live music gigs.
8MM, Schönhauser Allee 177b, 10119 Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg
Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday: 19:00 – 04:00, Friday – Saturday: 20:00 – 05:00
photo: Anastasia Coito
Tiki Heart
Your number one choice for punk rock kitsch. Brimming with the most curious artifacts including a statue or two of Virgin Mary, this place will satisfy many needs of your rock’n’roll spirit. Whatever your heart desires – they got it! Yummy burgers, handcrafted cocktails, and even some punk rock merch. Check out Wild at Heart next door – a live concert venue with regular gigs.
Tiki Heart, Wiener Straße 20, 10999 Berlin-Kreuzberg
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday 12:00 – 02:00, Friday: 12:00 – 03:00, Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 – 03:00
Wowsville
One look at the wall and you’ll know you’re in the right place. Getting drunk is way more fun when you have the young and dangerous Iggy Pop himself staring at you from a framed photograph. The groovy Wowsville is a whole thing – they have a record store and even a pizza place right across the street that will restore your energy in a moment of crisis.
Wowsville, Ohlauer Str. 33, 10999 Berlin-Kreuzberg
Opening hours: every day 14:00 – 05:00
Trinkteufel
The devil might wear Prada, but he still gets wasted in Kreuzberg. Trinkteufel on the corner of Naunystraße and Adalbertstraße truly captures the rock’n’roll vibe starting with their interior decorations – a few guitars and a skeleton greeting you at the entrance. Watch out for their handcrafted Schnapps and come by when they’re hosting a live gig!
Trinkteufel, Naunynstr. 60, 10997 Berlin-Kreuzberg
Opening hours: every day 14:00 – open end
Franken
A stone’s throw from the hot mess of Kotti you’ll find the punk rock haven known as Franken. Expect a laid-back atmosphere, an eclectic sonic mix including post-punk and 80s vibes and a decent choice of booze to keep your glass full as you watch the night go by.
Franken, Oranienstraße 19A, 10999 Berlin-Kreuzberg
Milchbar
As soon as you enter, you’re captivated by the bar’s marvelous nautical theme complete with fishnets at the entrance and various kinds of aquatic animals painted on its walls. It is an authentic Berlin location that’s been around for 30 years and therefore attracts many original Kreuzberg characters. Don’t get fooled by its innocent name – their beverage offer is not dairy based at all.
Milchbar, Manteuffelstraße 41, 10997 Berlin-Kreuzberg
Dream Baby Dream
This classy new place on Greifswaldstraße is said to continue some of the NEU and Melloch’s bar legacy – they aren’t going to relinquish the new wave vibes or handcrafted cocktails, and some awesome DJ sets will still be happening on Saturdays. The upstairs area instantly makes you feel all intimate and cozy.
Dream Baby Dream, Greifswalder Str. 218, 10405 Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg
