Bars

One of the greatest aspects of living abroad in Buenos Aires is being able to take advantage of its infamous nightlife. “La Vida Nocturna” as it is said in Spanish is the nocturnal life, a time after the sun sets and the fiesta ensues. I will provide a brief guide to some of the best places to waste your time getting inebriated with random Argentine people, bumbling a few phrases in Spanish and ending up watching the sun rise.
“Milon” is hidden from view and almost unable to find unless you know where it is. You enter what looks like an apartment building and you find yourself in the midst of a classic Argentine Mansion. Three floors of strange psychedelic art and a vibe that’s very soho esque makes this place a unique getaway from loud overcrowded clubs. During the week it is a perfect place to go on a date, grab a nice bottle of malbec, and get lost in conversation.
“Asia de Cuba” is the definition of a Buenos Aires club. Located in the Puerto madero district of BA this place is situated right on the river, and when the weather is nice the cabanas outside are perfect to take advantage of. A mixture of hard pumping techno music infused with a little bit of American pop makes it a great place to wile the night away. Most patrons find themselves leaving the club just in time to see the sun rise. Try not to get burnt by cigarettes from drunken people waving them around in all out rave mode.
“El Alamo” is essentially an ex-pat haven but there is more to it than meets the eye. On Mondays there is an open mic night and occasionally you might here some amazing guitar players. Though a lot of Americans hang out and work at the Alamo, beautiful Argentine men and women flock there almost every day to engage in all out drunken insanity. It is famous for being a place that Argentine’s go to in order to pray on Americans of both sexes. If your looking to have a great time during the week and occasionally on the weekends this is the place to be.
“Godoy” is a truly unique location with a classier vibe. With an amazing outside deck where great Dj’s spin records to the wee hours of the morning, you will find yourself going here over and over again. The design within is quintessentially modern, strewn with a lot of right angles and strange art-try not to run into one of the waterfalls that are nearly hidden from view.
“Lavantar” is the place to go when every other place in the city is shut down. Get there at 6 am and you will probably be waiting in line for at least 20 minutes. Even as it begins to get light outside people are fighting to get back into the dark depths of this strange club/bar. Vegetation inside gives the place a nice utopian feel, and it is the perfect place for people watching, as those who stay out till 12 o clock in the afternoon are bound to be interesting.
“Konex” is the place to be on a Monday night. The infamous group “Bomba de tiempo” or Time Bomb blasts there amazing percussive grooves here inciting an all out dance party. Any trip to Buenos Aires isn’t complete without hearing the improvisational sounds of this truly unique band.
This is just a sampling of what Buenos Aires has to offer for a night out. There are hundreds of great places and new locations are popping up weekly as the city becomes hipper and hipper. The nightlife in Buenos Aires is what makes the city a wonderful place to spend a semester abroad.

As promised, the beginning of my guide to life in Berlin:

Kreuzberg (Krzbrg, X-Berg)

Bars/Nightlife:

Roses: Orianienstr. Between Adalbertstr. & Heinrich Pl.

Roses Bar, marked only by a red and green neon light, tracing the shape of a rose, is a Kreuzberg favorite. Started by the lovable and loving British ex-pat, Gabriella, this small bar is an amalgamation of all things kitsch. The fuzzy pink walls marked with masks, miniature light shows, toy guns, and images of the Virgin Mary, will make you happier than the strong and reasonably priced drinks. Beers are limited, but they have every liquor under the sun. Highly recommended, unless you hate Halloween stores.

Franken Bar: Orianienstr. Between Adalbertstr. & Heinrich Pl.

Franken would like you to believe it’s a quiet joint that has enough regulars that it needs not draw in new crowds. This might be the case, but when midnight rolls around, the 90’s punk music (read: Pennywise) blaring out of the stereo does not match the unfinished wood floors or picnic table seating crowding this small bar. Mix this with a too-punk-to-serve-you waitstaff, and the only thing that’s left to make this place worth a visit are the cheap drink prices. Highly recommended, unless you have 50 more cents to spend on that drink.

Luzia: Orianienstr. Between Adalbertstr. & Dresdener Str.

Luzia, another Kreuzberg favorite, does not adverise itself from the outside. Surely, if you do enough digging on the inside, you will learn its name. But, for me and my friends, it was and still is known as “Sexy Bar.” The window seating in this big bar acts more like a window display for the coolest, trendiest kids you’ve ever seen in Xberg. The staff don’t smile, but they’re prompt. Prices are reasonable. Seating is limited. Clientele are arrogant, but mostly have a thin shell to crack. Highly recommended, unless you aren’t a contract model, fashion designer, or makeup artist.

Mobel Olfe: Mobel Olfe off Adalbertstr.

Mobel Olfe is not only the name of a fun, loud, fashionable gay bar, it is also the name of the scary housing complex (primarily for recovering heroin addicts) that it resides in. The bar will make you feel safe and warm, but going outside is the best reminder you’ve ever had to stay away from drugs. Clientele and staff alike are extremely, extremely friendly, and drinks are cheap. Come here to meet someone, gay or straight (because “gay bar” in Berlin is a little more loosely translated than it is in New York), have a fun conversation about your favorite classic rock musician or up and coming dance sensation, and go home feeling relaxed, because, Hey, that bottle of wine you guys split only cost you four euros each! Highly recommended, unless you can’t bear to step over a few passed out guys on your walk home.

Monarch: Skalitzerstr. & Adalbertstr, Past Kaiser’s

Monarch is one of the many unmarked, second floor bars in Berlin that you “just have to know about.” Except, Monarch is quickly fading and might need to start employing another method of advertising besides word of mouth. The DJs are fun, the scene is chic, and the panoramic view of lower Kreuzberg is astonishing. That said, the drinks are overpriced and the staff make you feel bad about your broken German, meanwhile the clientele is pretty sparse these days. Highly recommended unless you don’t want to feel like you’re throwing a party that no one else showed up to.

Ankerklause: Admiralstr. On the south side of the Bridge.

Ankerklause has a jukebox. The people who come to Ankerklause, it seems, know how to operate this jukebox in the best way. Mix this with cheap, but very limited drinks, classic American bar food, a consistently good amount of people (except on Thursdays, when it’s way too crowded), and its beautiful location overlooking the water, and you’ve got one of the best bars in Kreuzberg. Highly recommended unless you aren’t looking for a low-key setting that night.

Trinkteufel (“Drink Devil”): Adalbertstr. & Naunynstr.

This bar is loud, punk, and rambunctious. Its unapologetic, and rightfully so. This is the place to come for piercings, tattoos, Mohawks, patchwork leather jackets, and safety pins. It’s not exactly my sort of place, so my visit was short lived. Highly recommended unless you are often scared by people who’s alliance with political extremes defines their entire lifestyle.

Rote Rose: Adalbertstr. & Oranienstr.

I, myself, have never been into Rote Rose but decided it worth mentioning because it is, supposedly, the best bar in Xberg for finding drugs and prostitutes. Highly recommended unless you don’t want to be that guy getting arrested out front at 1am.

(Un-named) “Tapas Bar”: Orianienstr. & Heinrich Pl.

I discovered the low key tapas bar one night just looking for a new place to go. It’s lighting is a tad harsh, but still warm, and the drinks are reasonably priced. Mixed drinks (or “Longdrinks”) come in large glasses, and their beers are all half liters. The small snack foods are great, and the atmosphere screams “first date.” Highly recommended unless you’re under 35 and feel like showing it.

Kubertus Lounge: Eisenbahnstr. 6

Kubertus is another Kreuzberg secret. My tandem language partner (a High School senior living in Kreuzberg) showed me this bar. The menu is really interesting, subscribing to a definite dada-collage aesthetic, and the bar itself, is entirely cozy. Overstuffed couches and plush chairs line the place, making small corners for people to sit and have intimate conversation. This would be a much younger type of “first date” place, I might say. And, before I forget, Kubertus has a revolving book case that leads to a staircase to its basement whereupon entering, it’s transformed into a club every Friday and Saturday night. Highly recommended, unless you don’t like to surprise people.

S036: Between Adalbertstr. & Heinrich Pl.

S036 is a nightclub with a heart of gold. There’s nothing too remarkable about this place from the looks of it. In fact, one might even say that the cover price is just too much for what one gets: decent, but certainly not famous, DJs, and a dancefloor that offers some fun lighting and the occasional spurt of chemical fog. Even so, I try to go to S036 as often as I can because the club is actually a non-profit for immigrant and gay rights in Kreuzberg. Highly recommended unless you don’t feel charitable.

Berghain/Panorama Bar: Just follow the pounding base behind S-Ostbahnhof

I do realize that I’ve written about Berghain during my blog post on the subject of authenticity, but it’s definitely still worth writing about some more. This three-floor megaclub club, with no reflective surfaces, has been voted the best club in the world. The door policy is disgustingly arbitrary and frustrates so many people on a nightly basis, but, if you wait it out and finally get in, the experience will be mindblowing. They have an incredible sound system and light stage in every single one of their gigantic rooms, and they have a labyrinth-like maze of smoking rooms, bath rooms, sex rooms, and food bars lining the ulterior of the main rooms. Highly recommended unless you haven’t decided where you’ll go if you get rejected that night.

Fritzclub: S-Ostbahnhof (Immediately outside, to the East)

Another huge club with a great sound system and light show, but Fritz is pretty pricey and its scene is a little tacky. Highly recommended if you want to party in a church seven days a week.

Watergate: Oberbaumstr. & Grobenuferstr.

Like Berghain, Watergate also has a heavy-handed door policy to encourage it being remembered as an authentic experience. But, Watergate’s policy is slightly less anti-American than Berghain, so if you look like you want to have fun and are a little more dressy than might be acceptable at Berghain, then Watergate is a definite solution. The prices and drinks, as well as number of famous DJs that frequent this hotspot, match Berghain. However, the doormen/bouncers are a little friendlier, and don’t mind a smile or conversation while you’re in line. Highly recommended if you’ve just been rejected by Berghain but refuse to go home.

Bar 25: An Der Schiling Brucke (S-Ostbahnhof)

This club, right on the Spree, is only open during the summer. But, during the summer, its open almost all the time. People sit out on the patio it offers at all times, and as long as its not too late, no one pays a cover. The views of the river are breathtaking, and the club-feel to this place is much less than overwhelming. There’s also a fantastic tire-swing that always has a line (never too long) that you can take for a ride right above the river. Highly recommended, unless you hate the summer.

Club de Visionaire: Schlesischestr. & Schleusenufer.

Like Bar 25, Club de Visionaire is only open during the summer. Like Bar 25, Club de Visionaire is located right on the river. Unlike Bar 25, Club de Visionaire is solely based outside, in a small garden, where blasting beats and overcrowded thoroughfares do not match the type of experience you’d love to be having there. If you can snag a spot on the floating dock it boasts, you’re in for a treat, but chances are you’ll be huddled between two shouting Germans, a thorn tree, clutching your 7 euro drink for dear life. Highly recommend, unless you don’t have the magical power to make people leave.

Restaurants:

Helvetia: Neunynstr. & Manteuffelstr.

A Swiss-German treat, this cute restaurant offers a host of fine “potato-cakes,” “onion-cakes,” and traditional spatzles. They have a huge selection of beers and wines, and their prices are extremely reasonable for the quality of food. The staff is small and happy, and willing to help you translate their exclusively-German menu. If you’re hungry and willing to spend, I recommend splitting the fondue-for-two and the Swiss version of cheese spatzle. Highly recommended.

Henne: Neunynstr & Lauschnerdamm

Another keystone in understanding German authenticity, as I wrote before, this restaurant only serves half-fried-chickens (Milchchicken) with the sides of potato salad or sauerkraut. They also only offer three beers. Highly recommended, unless you’re, like me, a vegetarian (vegetarisch).

Maroush: Adalbertstr Between Oranienstr & S-Kottbusser Tor

Maroush offers cheap Middle-Eastern sandwiches and dishes. It’s specifically Lebanese, which means it’s the best place to go for hummus and for falafel. It’s hard to say what makes Maroush so great, but, like with most things, it’s probably the classic atmosphere. Highly recommended for a cheap lunch, especially if you have a longing for New York’s famous Mamoun's.

Hasir: Adalbertstr Between Oranienstr & S-Kottbusser Tor

Hasir offers Turkish foods to a much more refined palate. The setting in this restaurant is definitely upscale, but they still cook their kebabs right in front of their customers. Their Turkish hummus is much different than classic Lebanese hummus, but still very delicious. Highly recommended if you’re parents are in town, picking up the bill, and want to know what Kreuzberg is all about.

Cream: S-Schlesisches Tor, to the South

Cream is the ideal place for brunch after a long weekend of drinking and dancing. The meals are hearty and reasonably priced. The staff are friendly and allow you time to read while you’re trying to shake off your hang over. True, too, is that this is definitely a place where you’re likely to see that guy or girl you were dancing with last night, and make one last effort to exchange numbers, or have sober conversation. Highly recommended for a more relaxed, daylight version of that party scene you craved so hard.

Markthalle: Manteuffelstr. & Reichenberger Str.

The final place I wrote about in my post on the subject of authenticity, Markthalle does not buy into the idea of fanciness or extras. A limited menu and a limited selection of beers, Markthalle is another great place for fine German dining. Although, as I mentioned in my last post, the prices are a little higher than what you grow to expect of places in Kreuzberg. That said, if you aren’t a vegetarian, this is place to get Weinerschnitzel—the sort of Weinerschnitzel counter-part to the Milchchicken offered at Henne. Highly recommended, again, if your parents are in town and want a real, German experience.

Kim-Qui: Orianienstr. Between Adalbertstr. & Dresdener Str.

Vietnamese at its finest and cheapest, Kim-Qui has an excellent selection of pho and glass-noodle options that have kept me coming there all semester. There owner and primary waitress, not to mention, is one of the sweetest women you’ll have ever met in your life. It’s small, but cozy, and you’ll find yourself relaxing while listening to all your favorite 90’s pop singles on the restaurants apparently limited soundtrack. I definitely recommend the boiled, rather than fried, summer rolls with tofu. And remember to tip, because you’ll definitely be remembered by the owner the next time you come back.

Calexico: Orianienstr. Between Adalbertstr. & Dresdener Str.

Literally, the only place in Europe that I recommend getting Mexican food. After having been served shredded cabbage as a side to my “vegetarian burrito,” in Poland, it’ll be no problem returning to the US, where actual Mexican food lines the streets. Calexico, owned and operated by Mexican immigrants, is the only place that does burritos, quesadillas, and salsa right in Berlin. The prices are a little high, but unless you know how to make Mexican yourself, you might just have to splurge a little.

Kuchen Kaiser (King of the Kitchen): Erkelenzdamm (In the Square/Platz)

The best breakfast/brunch spot in Kreuzberg. It’s huge and has a diner feel, and the waitresses give you the same look when you ask them if they speak English as waitresses at diners in the US might give if you asked them if they spoke German. You’ll just have to deal, but it makes it easier that they have menus in English and, every Sunday, offer a really beautiful all-you-can-eat (“American Style”) breakfast buffet for nine euros. And, before I forget, Kuchen Kaiser also takes credit cards, something very, very few establishments here in Berlin offer. Highly recommended, unless one of your main reasons for going abroad was to avoid diner-style eating.