Berlin Schöneberg And Wilmersdorf

Schöneberg is still Berlin's unofficial gay district, full of GLBT nightlife. We've picked some of our favorites, but the neighborhood is full of outrageously popular bars and clubs that serve a vibrant gay community. From what we can tell, there aren't happier partiers in all of Berlin.

Hafen, Motzstr. 19 (www.hafen-berlin.de), Nearly 20 years old, this bar has become a landmark for Berlin's gay community. The sign outside may only specifically invite “drop dead gorgeous looking tourists,” but you'll find plenty of locals all along the spectrum of attractiveness. The mostly male crowd spills out onto the streets during the summer. The weekly pub quiz, Monday at 8pm, is wildly popular (first Monday of the month in English), and every Wednesday features a new DJ. On April 30th, Hafen hosts their largest party of the year, in honor of the Queen of the Netherlands. They promise us that the “Queen” makes an appearance. U1, U3, U4 or U9: Nollendorfpl. No cover. Open daily 8am-4am. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. GLBT
Prinzknecht, Fuggerstr. 33 (www.prinzknecht.de), Prinzknecht serves a mostly male clientele from a huge central wooden bar. Even with so many bar stools and couches, the bar fills up way past capacity on event nights, and people begin to resemble waves on the street. Check the website for upcoming events, including an incredibly popular T ABBA night. U1 or U2: Wittenbergpl.” No cover. Open M-F 2pm-3am, Sa and Su 3pm-3am. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. GLBT
Slumberland, Goltstr. 24 So normally we like a little more authenticity in our bars, but we're not going to pretend that we don't appreciate this island escape in the middle of land-locked Berlin, and the locals aren't either. So what if you didn't come to Germany for the reggae and palm trees? Try a mixed drink (€5) on a sandy floor, with rotating African art exhibits on the walls. U1 , U3, U4 or U9: Nollendorfpl. Most drinks €2-5. Open M-Th and Su 6pm-2am, F 6pm-4am, Sa 11am-4pm. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Begine, Potsdamer Str. 139 (www.begine.de), In a neighborhood dominated by male gay clubs, Begine is a welcome retreat for women. Named after a now-defunct Lesbian WC, Berlin's biggest lesbian community center has a popular, low-key cafe/bar with comfortable sofas, live music, and readings at night. U2: Bülowstr. No cover. Open M-F 5pm-late, Sa 3pm-late, Su 7pm-late. Serves alcohol. GLBT
Alt Berliner Biersalon, Kufürstendamm 225 The Alt Berliner Biersalon may cater to an older crowd on most nights, but from October to May, this is one of the best spots in Shöneberg to watch a German football match. For all its West Berlin wood-paneled opulence, the atmosphere is far from stuffy. With rowdy crowds and plenty of TV screens, you'll be right in the middle of the action, or just living vicariously through athletes while chugging down beer. U1 or U9: Kufüstendamm. Beer €3-4.50. Open 24hr. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Helle Welt, Motzstr. 5 Even with the addition of two enormous, quiet sitting rooms, the 20-something clientele still pack the bar and take over the street. The fur-covered wall, chandeliers, and well-directed mood lighting don't keep this sophisticated-looking club from being relaxed. Though it has a mostly male crowd during “prime time,” more women show up in the early evening, on weekdays, and in the morning. U1, U3, U4, or U9: Nollendorfpl. No cover. Open daily 6pm-4am, sometimes later. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. GLBT
Xara Cafe and Lounge, Maaßenstr. 7 In an area dominated by high energy nightlife, this bar offers up mellow with a hookah side. Serving inexpensive crepes and baguettes by day, this cafe turns into a relaxed lounge at night, with outdoor seating overlooking a popular street. Comfortable chairs are grouped around tables with hookah, popular with a younger crowd. U1, U3, U4 or U9: Nollendorfpl. Crepes from €2, baguettes from €3.20. Hookah €8 per pipe. Cocktails €6.10-8.80. Beer €2.60-3.50. Shots €2.90-5.50. Open daily from 9am-late. Happy hour Su-Th 7pm-10pm, cocktails €4. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating. GLBT
Maxxx, Fuggerstr. 34 (www.maxxx-berlin.de), A smoky, dark-green interior with a simple bar draws a mostly male, leather-clad crowd for some unexpected chill-out conversation. Maxxx has inexpensive drinks and ready-to-talk bartenders. During the day, the bar doubles as a cafe. U1 or U2: Wittenbergpl. Beer from €2.50. Open daily noon-3am. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. GLBT