Berlin’s punk scene is legendary. Both the squats of 80s West Berlin and the unique landscape of the Soviet-occupied East contributed to punk rock flourishing, both as a method of resistance to authority and an expression of individualism. Bands like Die Ärzte and musicians like Nina Hagen and Rio Reiser are among the Berliners who pushed things further back in the day.
Despite the city’s rapid gentrification and many of the legendary squats being torn down, Berlin punk isn’t dead. Venues like SO36 regularly host punk rock concerts and there are smaller, more low-key spots where punk is alive and well. If you feel like you belong at smokey bars where the walls are covered in antifascist stickers, there’s a place in this guide for you. Many of these spots have a no-photos policy, so you’ll have to see for yourself what they look like inside.
The Big One: Clash
With an outdoor beer garden and plenty of space inside, Clash is probably the biggest venue on this list – and it’s also probably the most well known. Their bar has a good selection of drinks and they also serve food, making Clash a good spot to lock in, enjoy the tunes, and maybe even a game of pool. They’re open until late, even on weekdays, and the crowd tends to be a mix of everyone, ranging from artsy students to aging metalheads.
- Clash, Im Mehringhof, Gneisenaustraße 2A, Kreuzberg, details
The Cheap One: Supamolly
Labeling Supamolly as “the cheap one” and stopping at that certainly does not do this wonderful venue justice, but it is what makes it stand out. With Sternis still going for €1.50, it’s easily one of the most affordable bars in Berlin. Its very lefty-Berlin-coded vibe attracts a distinctly alternative crowd, and the low prices brings in a lot of the younger punks in the city. There are also regular gigs in the basement, keeping this punk bar true to its musical roots.
- Supamolly, Jessnerstraße 41, Friedrichshain, details
The Dingy One: Franken
Apart from having almost every surface covered by photos, prints, stickers and graffiti, Franken also has an extremely unfriendly barkeeper, making the grimy dive bar atmosphere complete. If that’s what you’re looking for (because it most certainly is a vibe), you won’t be disappointed.
- Oranienstraße 19A, Kreuzberg, details
The Local One: Zum Franziskaner
Zum Franziskaner is like the Cheers of punk bars in Berlin. It’s a great neighbourhood bar with pool and Fooßball tables and a welcoming atmosphere towards all who share their Antifa sentiment. That’s what makes Franzis the kind of place you keep going back to – that and their decent Hausmarke beer, cheap Futschis and one of the best Mexicaners around.
- Dresdener Str. 17, Kreuzberg, location
Where the Devil Gets His Drink: Trinkteufel
The horror-themed decor at Trinkteufel may be considered tacky by some, but it is undeniably unique. There’s also usually hardcore punk and metal blasting through the speakers. This quirky, slightly grotesque bar is a place all its own that’s visibly distinct from all others in the city.
- Naunynstraße 60, Kreuzberg, details
The Popular One: Feuermelder
Though perhaps more of a rock bar than strictly a punk one, Feuermelder is a Friedrichshain institution that every Berlin punkrocker seems to know of. Its prominent location on a corner right by Boxi makes it an easy choice on a night out. If you’re into punk and you’ve ever hung around that area, chances are you’ve been to Feuermelder at one point or another – even if you don’t remember it.
- Krossener Str. 24, Friedrichshain, location
The Over-the-Top One: Wild at Heart
This Kreuzberg bar’s vibe is definitely more rock’n’roll than punk, but they regularly host punk rock gigs, so it deserves a mention on this list. That and there’s nothing quite like Wild at Heart with its flamboyant, maximalist decor that looks like it has been taken straight out of an 80s clown-horror-themed disco. Wherever you look, there’s a peculiar, creepy little doodad, offering a welcome respite from the minimalism of the modern world.
- Wiener Str. 20, Kreuzberg, details
The Hidden One: Sama32
If you want to experience something more underground, try entering through the rather inconspicuous-looking door plastered in posters and stickers at Samariterstraße 32. Inside, apart from your classic cheap beer, punk or metal music and Fooßball table, you’ll find furniture made out of beer crates, stickers or tags covering every surface and a proper table tennis setup in the middle of it all.
- Samariterstraße 32, Friedrichshain, details
