Clärchens Ballhaus

"What's the draw here?On beautiful afternoons and evenings, one of the best places in the city to drink is Clärchens Ballhaus' lively front courtyard biergarten—surrounded by the century-old building's decaying facade (destroyed during WWII), fairy lights, and long communal tables. The bar is an institution in Berlin, so be sure to explore. Once you're past the Otto Dix–designed sign outside, head up the creaking stairs to find the Spiegelsaal, or mirrored ballroom: With a little help from the imagination, it’s easy to picture this venue back in the hedonistic days of the Weimar Republic. As you step inside, who do you see?It's a mixed crowd here of locals and tourists of all ages. Evenings are when the regular crowd really comes out; the bar hosts salsa, tango, swing, and disco nights—among others—plus lessons beforehand, should those be needed. Help us out: What should we order?As with most places in Berlin, this is more of a beer joint, with brews going for about half the price of a standard house drink. If you're feeling adventurous, try the Nante-Knaller: two parts whiskey to one part Curaçao and topped with Sekt (German sparkling wine). And if we're a bit peckish, can you guide us through the menu?The menu here is admittedly a little off-kilter, which is part of the charm: Your choices are Neapolitan-style pizza or German classics. In the summer, expect items like chilled cucumber soup, schnitzels, sausages, and perch with Riesling sauce. It's all quite good—share a plate before hitting the dance floor. Did the staff do you right?Service—at the bar and elsewhere—can be a bit brusque here, even by Berlin standards. Okay, so say we're planning to go out. What's the ideal situation to end up at Clärchens Ballhaus?Come for a traditional dinner and pilsner, or finally take that salsa lesson you've always wanted to take. Whether you're single (plenty of people meet their partners here—it's a friendly place in an often aloof city), with friends, with your parents, or with your significant other, you're all but guaranteed a good time, no matter what." - Krystin Arneson