If you just think of the German capital as a stop at the end of New York’s L train where Brooklyn “artists” go to work in some coffee haus… you’re not entirely mistaken. But Berlin’s nightlife remains one of its biggest selling points, perhaps now more than ever. This home of Cabaret — the dark, creepy, debauched, Kurt Weill-ish kind — does after-hours like few spots in the world. Here are some of the highlights from my recent article about the resurgent 1920s (Weimar era) vibe in Berlin.
1) The Kleine Nachtrevue — an adults-only “erotisches” cabaret — is even more insane and campier than it looks on their site. Be prepared for a show — actually a series of short ones — that’s deeply odd (and earnest) in a jewel box of a theater with partially to fully naked women performing quick, over the top, acrobatic numbers. The giant slinky striptease is gold. As is the one called “Vampirella, Opera of LUST!” Absinthe before & during is advised.
Vampirella, Opera of Lust
2) Else from Bohème Sauvage isn’t kidding about the period attire for her monthly fêtes. The men look like extras from Newsies and the women are in their best Dita Von Teese get ups. If that sounds like a good time, some of the best shops to get dressed up to get messed up like it’s 1927 are:
Vintage 1920s Clothes
Charming Styles (Erich Weinert Strasse 3)
Glenchek (34 Joachim Friedrich Strasse)
Flea Markets with 1920s Garb
Arkonaplatz (Sundays)
Flohmarkt am Mauerpark
Contemporary Designers with 1920s Flair
Herr von Eden (14 Neue Schönhauser Strasse)
Lena Hoschek (8 Weinmeisterstrasse)
3) Clärchens Ballhaus is really sweet, fun, and great for a few beers between trips across a big wooden dance floor to the oldies, but not particularly sexy.
4) The Chamäleon Theater in the Häckische Hof always has some sort of mostly nude (men and women), fairly gay shows that involve spandex and large buckets of water. And the theater itself is a thing of beauty.
Wilkommen
5) The best hotel with an authentic 1920s feel is the Pension Funk off Kurfürstendamm — the former apartment of silent film star Asta Neilson (known for her starring role in Joyless Street opposite Greta Garbo), but for those who want to splurge, the Adlon is the one of the best hotels in town and has rebuilt itself as it was in its first heyday when Charlie Chaplin and Marlene Dietrich used to hang out in the lobby bar.
Come to the Cabaret [WSJ]
