Here is Berlin, a place to party all night and has one of the biggest bar scenes in the world. Besides the trendiest, upmarket places, there are plenty of places where you can go for a pint — or a cocktail — away from the glitz and glamour. Dive bars come in, in that case. In this guide, we’re going to guide you through what might be some of the best dive bars in Berlin, where you might get the best glimpse into the culture, whether it’s foreign culture, or, you know, Berlin.
1. Hangover Heaven
If you’re a no frills, unpretentious dive bar guy, Hangover Heaven is your place. This dive bar has a laid back atmosphere, with prices that are very reasonable. The retro decor and friendly staff makes you feel at home while you sip on a cold beer or one of their signature cocktails. Just don’t forget to order a plate of their famous loaded fries to nibble on while you take in the music from local DJs.
2. Dad’s Basement
Dad’s Basement is a rock music for lovers of vintage vibe hidden in Friedrichshain. Step into this comfortable basement bar, and listen in the background whilst you are transported back in time to the era of vinyl records. Craft beers are impressive and the brewers are friendly, attentive bartenders. Great for chilling out with some friends, soaking up some great music.
3. Madame Claude
Madame Claude models dive bar to an extent we’ve never imagined. The bar is in a former brothel in the Kreuzberg district; it is filled with upside down furniture up in the ceiling making for a surrealist and quirky haunt. The drinks are practical prices and they often feature live music performances from experimental electronic to jazz. Watch out for their schedule of events to see an interesting and entertaining night.
4. Möbel Olfe
Möbel Olfe is a tragically great dive bar in the middle of Neukölln. It’s an LGBTQ+ friendly bar known for it’s eclectic decor: a hanging bathtub and a disco ball chandelier. It’s a great place to meet new people, but the crowd is very diverse and very welcoming. The prices are low, they tend to have themed nights and DJs that play electronic and pop music! There you prospected will take a look at their specific cocktail creations and dance the night away in this odd establishment.
5. Das Hotel
Das Hotel is a twist on a dive bar in a lively district, in Kreuzberg. This bar inhabits a disorganized East Berlin hotel with mismatched furniture and not much to no lighting at all. They have a long list of cocktails and beers from around here and the friendly bar help will be more than eager to guide you to the hidden jewels in their extensive drink menu. Regular live music nights that you shouldn’t miss are where you can hear some up-and-coming local bands play.
Conclusion
A little taste of what the best dive bars Berlin has to offer. So while they may not be pretentious about it, these bars certainly have a character and authenticity that often comes at the expense of a slightly less flashy interior or more extensive drink menu than some of its more upmarket counterparts. These hidden gems will transport you to a new welcoming atmosphere, affordable prices and parties, where you’ll be able to meet locals and fellow travelers alike. If you’re ever in Berlin, be sure not to drop by the mainstream and the dive bar scene is quite lively there.
