Berlin Friedrichshain

When people think of Berlin techno clubs, they're picturing Friedrichshain. You won't find more legendary converted factory or warehouse clubs in any other neighborhood in Germany, and maybe even all of Europe. Most of these raging dance venues are spread out along the river and railroad tracks, between the car dealerships and empty lots on Mühlenstrasse. More low-key, but equally popular bars are clustered around Simon-Dach-Strasse. In fact, even as we've recommended our favorite laid-back and hoppin' bars below, you really can't go wrong with any place along Simon-Dach.

Astro-Bar, Simon-Dach-Str. 40 (www.astro-bar.de), This popular bar gets back to the basics with cheap prices and generously poured alcohol. A DJ plays vinyl records every night starting at 10pm, featuring classics like the Stones and the Beatles, along with some newer indie tracks. Run by a bunch of guys who like their music, love their whiskey (€4), and decorate the back of their bar with Transformers nailed to the wall. U5: Frankfurter Tor. Beer from €2.50. Mixed drinks from €5. Open 6pm-late. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Abgedreht, Karl-Marx-Allee 150 (www.abgedreht.net), This no-frills bar is located right next to Frankfurter Tor, so you can soak up Soviet ambiance while you practically sit on the laps of locals. Sheet music papers the walls, and leather couches are clumped around antique sewing tables. This bar caters to the 30+ crowd, and is a little removed from most of the action on Simon-Dach, but if you're looking to drink a beer with a view of the DDR main street, this is the place to go. U5: Frankfurter Tor. 0.5L beer €3-4. Open daily 5pm-late. Happy hour 7-9pm, cocktails from €5. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Sanitorium 23, Frankfurter Allee 23 (www.sanatorium23.de), If you're looking to experience the techno scene, but don't know if you're ready for the Mühlenstr. madness, get your feet wet at Sanitorium 23. This bar plays relaxed tunes to guests that lounge on sleek couches and chaises. With globe lights suspended from the ceiling, Sanatorium 23 still manages to be a laid-back hangout. U5: Frankfurter Tors. Cocktails €6-8. Beer €3.20. Open M-Th 4pm-2am, F-Sa 4pm-4am, Su 4pm-2am. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Red Rooster, Grünbergerstr. 23 (www.redrooster.de), This bar is a favorite of locals and travelers alike. The Red Rooster is linked to the hostel next door, and an international crowd of backpackers lounge on the outdoor patio and porch swing. From behind an old wood countertop and under exposed brick ceilings and pipelines, bartenders serve up cider and Czech beers from the tap. For the particularly outgoing or desperate backpacker, “perform 4 stay” events invite you to sing for a free beer—or even a free bed! U5: Frankfurter Tor. Beer from €2.50-3. Open M-Th 5pm-1am, F-Sa 5pm-3am, Su 5pm-1am. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Jägerklause, Grünbergerstr. 1 (www.jaegerklause-berlin.de), Jägerklause is frequented by pin-up stylers, leather-clad bikers, and the old-T-shirt, ripped-jeans crowd. Hence the mounted antlers with disco ball combo. This bar is known for its large beer garden lined with tall shrubs, where guests can lounge in canvas chairs under strands of outdoor lights, while bratwurst and steaks are grilled on a barbeque. The connected pub has a dance floor, and usually features live bands on Wednesdays. U5: Frankfurter Tor. Biergarten open 3pm-late. Pub open 6pm-late. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Paul's Metal Eck, Krossener Str. 15/Simon-Dach-Str. (www.paules-metal-eck.de), Metal hits from the last 50 years are blasted on speakers with videos showing performances of all the best bands. A pierced and tattooed staff serves over 12 varieties of beer from 10 different countries to an international crowd of hardcore fans in this bar outfitted with dart boards and pool tables. U5: Frankfurter Tor. Beer €2.50-4.50. Open daily 1pm-late, usually around 5am-8am. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Habermeyer, Gärtnerstr. 6 Habermeyer's retro stylings, and soft red lighting from funky lamps compliment New Wave DJ sessions. The foosball table in the back lends a competitive edge to an otherwise relaxed bar. The young regulars enjoy conversation on low, loungy chairs. U5: Samariterstr. Mixed drinks €6-7.40. Open daily 7pm-late. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Rosi's, Revaler Str. 29 (www.rosis-berlin.de), This always crowded, outdoor club is blocked from the street with bamboo matting. A series of buildings “decorated” with graffiti frame a courtyard full of picnic tables and strung lights. This laid-back river club plays mostly techno and rock music. U1 or S3, S5, S7, S9, or S75: Warschauer Str. Cover €3-7. Open Th-Sa 11pm-late. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Cassiopia, Revaler Str. 99 A sprawling nightlife oasis in an abandoned train factory, this all-in-one entertainment complex is its own self-sufficient entertainment community. Outdoor couches and a climbing wall let you take a break from the indoor dance floor. The multiple bars in the beer garden cater to a mostly student crowd. Occasionally, the club hosts concerts, usually starting around 8pm. U1 or S3, S5, S7, S9, or S75: Warschauer Str. Cover €5-7. Beer €2.50-3. Vodka €2.50. Open W-Sa 11pm-late. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
K-17, Pettenkoferstr. 17 This towering club has a dance floor and bar for each of its four floors. Students crowd the courtyard of this out-of-the-way, underground techno club, and colored lights shine on the graffitied exterior walls. Concerts are usually hosted once a week; keep an eye on the website for dates and prices. U5: Frankfurter Allee. Once you're on Pettenkoferstr., keep an eye out for signs; the club is off the road, on your right. Cover €6. Beer €2.50. Vodka and coke €3.50. Open F-Sa 10pm-late. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Astra, Revaler Str. 99 (www.astra-berlin.de), This converted warehouse by the train tracks is now home to one of the largest dance floors on Revaler. Themed parties draw in big crowds of mixed-age clubbers, from 20-somethings to 40-year-olds, depending on the night, and keep the mood relaxed even while the music blasts. Live bands perform almost weekly. Check the website for performance schedules. U1, S3, S5, S7, S9, or S75: Warschauer Str. Cover €4-7. Open 11:30pm-late. Does not take credit cards. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.