Berlin

Live music bar · East Village

Berlin

Live music bar · East Village
25 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

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Highlights

Dimly-lit venue with DJs, live music, great sound  

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25 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009 Get directions

berlin.nyc
@berlin.undernyc

$$ · Menu

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25 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009 Get directions

+1 212 505 2466
berlin.nyc
@berlin.undernyc

$$ · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 26, 2025

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Maddy A

Google
It’s fun - usually pretty packed, relatively easy to get into, and good music. They charge a ~$10 cover after ~midnight. My only gripe with this place is that the music is way too loud - I swear every time I’ve gone here I get hearing damage. They need to turn the speakers down. Like you can hear the music already, no need to blast ears out.

John a

Google
Good local bar with a decent drink selection - half a dozen beers on tap, and a stage for live music. Seating is around the edges, usually chairs or old cushioned booth benches. The shape of the spaces means one of the main seating area cannot see the stage. There are mirrors behind the bar, but unfortunately none we located to see the stage from the seating area. Good space for local events- talk to them - they will be happy to arrange.

Sydney G

Google
Cool space for concerts and events! Layout is weird but not sure how it could be improved given it is a speakeasy type space. The band we saw here was so good @Strutman Lane

Jasmine Jones

Google
I really liked the vibe of this place but please be aware of the bartenders. When handed the payment device to tap my card, the bartender automatically selected a 25% tip. I went to change it and he snatched the device back from me. Upon looking at my bank statement, I see that he went back to change the tip. Not a big deal, just a very unprofessional thing to do. There are better bars out there with more respectable service.

Jasmine Vega

Google
The bar is really fun...I've gone twice because I was told there's different events on Thursdays,but entry differs though(free or admission)...First drink is on the house & there's live bands performing & a dj booth...I'm also friends with a bartender & a musician that plays there

Hamida qanbari

Google
They have cool events and shows there, I liked the vibe and atmosphere. I was there once and didn't try the food or drink. The singer's name in my video is Carrie, she's very talented. Her IG is @Carriemusic in case you're curious.

Ric W

Google
Cool vibe. Small but great place to see music. Drinks were excellent and staff is friendly.

BarExamEmma

Google
Ahhh Berlin, where do I begin? So we decided to try it out on Friday and Sunday nights. Friday night was crowded and gave huge club feels but it was only basically a just very crowded basement bar. The door list seemed a little unnecessary. The people were what you would expect from a place with a “list”, people thinking they are in Dumbo house but couldn’t afford Dumbo house. The music was great my martini was great, it’s the kind of place you wanna love but the energy was off. The manager came off dismissive and pompous which really took away from the atmosphere, hospitality matters. Sunday night was actually surprisingly not empty but still not great, the same air of arrogance that should never be in the LES was lingering. Ehh I could take it or leave it. We will be stopping by again in a few months for a follow up and video will be posted via TikTok and Insta
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BarExamEmma R.

Yelp
Ahhh Berlin, where do I begin? So we decided to try it out on Friday and Sunday nights. Friday night was crowded and gave huge club feels but it was only basically a just very crowded basement bar. The door list seemed a little unnecessary. The people were what you would expect from a place with a "list", people thinking they are in Dumbo house but couldn't afford Dumbo house. The music was great my martini was great, it's the kind of place you wanna love but the energy was off. The manager came off dismissive and pompous which really took away from the atmosphere, hospitality matters. Sunday night was actually surprisingly not empty but still not great, the same air of arrogance that should never be in the LES was lingering. Ehh I could take it or leave it. We will be stopping by again in a few months for a follow up and video will be posted via TikTok and Insta
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Evelyn G.

Yelp
Berlin is a downtown, downstairs classic establishment. The entrance feels dirty and dark, but once you turn the corner at the bottom of the stairs, the vibe is sleek and smooth. Everything about this little place feels generous. The bartender was attentive and talented, making us a martini and an old fashioned quickly with delicious results. Cold and refreshing, in fancy glasses, the drinks were great! We were delighted that the bartender knew how to make a perfect in-out martini! Bravo. We sat at the end of a long banquet with candlelight, which was comfy and classic. We had a great view of a really tight band - 3 players with an original sound, Vivian. The volume and sound quality were tops. For a very familiar bar environment, there was nothing tired here. Berlin felt fresh and clean and gave us a cocktail experience with original, live music that we thoroughly enjoyed.
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Esther P.

Yelp
not bad but it's definitely a college student hotspot. you could tell the people there were on the younger side but the vibes were still pretty good it gets pretty crowded since it's a small space i wish they had an open tab option to just leave it open but they said no:( this is the type of place id go maybe a few times
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Jillian B.

Yelp
Pretty much exactly what I expected going into it. Crowded basement vibe (luckily we got there before the night really picked up) with an odd setup, though the DJ performing that night was solid. All in all, I had a good time, but I probably would not have loved the crowd if I stayed past 11:30!

Andreas C.

Yelp
Unfortunately the bartender was rude and despotic when I ordered two Bombay and tonic drinks and I saw that he gave me gin on the house I asked him for my order again Bombay please and he looked at me and threw the drinks away and went to serve another customer, when he came back he tried to ask me what I wanted I repeated it again and then he served me Bombay I paid him with a 100 dollar bill and he gave me back 24 dollars I asked him how much it is and he got defensive and threw the drinks away again and left with the 100 dollar bill I asked the bartender for help and explained to him that I was overpriced he asked him to help me he went to call him and the bartender came back out of his way saying how much did he give me to give him the change when I had already given it to him in that pub now I only wanted my 100 dollars and continue with the concert for which I paid to get in and I had barely started, I managed to grab my $100 from his hand and he immediately called security to have me removed from the place as if I had done something wrong. Outside, the manager contacted me, at first she was sweet and tried to fix things, she listened to my version and went to listen to the bartender's version, when she came back she told me that the bartender told her if I had the dribbles which is false, I was in shock crying because never in my 48 years has something like this happened to me, nightmare. now I'm at peace because I see that her previous reviews complain about the same thing. how sad that there are people like that in the industry.....

Katie S.

Yelp
Sexist group of male staff here that are giving the place a bad rep for sure. Bartender threw a cup at my friend's head and proceeded to put their middle fingers up, security guard physically assaulted another one of my friends, and we were called "ghetto", "twats", and "emotional" by both male security guards. Those guys need to get packed up, it's clear they live off of the enjoyment of having a little bit of authority and enjoy putting their hands on people for fun lol. It's really cute how they tried to act as if we were erratic and emotional when both security guards whined like children. The classic throw a rock and hide my hand (provoke and pretend that we were disrespectful from the beginning) was witnessed last night from the male staff here 100%. We were angry and felt disrespected after being assaulted by both the bartender and security guard and then were told it was our "mouths" that got us into trouble lol as if they didn't assault us unprovoked initially? Such a sad group of men. The name calling and trying to belittle us was so adorable because we are a group of students in their early 20s with Bachelor's and Master's degrees just out celebrating a birthday. So the security guard outside who said "my mother doesn't come to places like this", it's funny you refer to a place that you work at as "like this" and since when are educated women not allowed to go out on a Friday and celebrate a birthday? But please don't worry this will never be on the list of places to celebrate a birthday in NYC that we post on our social media, just because of you. The security guard outside inserted himself unprovoked and disrespectfully and could've kept his mouth closed and focused on the line that was forming outside. Isn't that his job? Lol. He'd rather add fuel to the conflict that was already ending as we left the place, than do his job. Whatever company these guys are from seriously have to do better at picking their men. Stop hiring based on muscle experience and hire the people that have the brains and the professionalism to avoid and NAVIGATE conflict. Hire the people that were clearly raised right and know how to treat the women that will be showing up to Berlin, in and out of conflict. The power of a group of women telling other groups of women that this place is not safe for women is STRONG. PSA: If you're attending alone and without male friends or partners with you, don't come because it's not safe for you at all. It's unfortunate when you have a wide following on social media and literally promote NYC city life weekly that the staff show you exactly why the place shouldn't be recommended to the public. I'd hate to be the guards and bartender responsible for people avoiding this place. Hope they get the further training that they need because they are so unprofessional and hotheaded. I do want to point out that the white individual at the door (I'm so sorry that I didn't catch your name) did an amazing job at attending to both sides and mediating. They were the only person last night that asked my friends what happened (unlike the security guard who assaulted first and didn't try to speak to us at all - just wanted to kick us out as if we were the problem lol kick your bartender out). This individual gave us amazing customer service even while our emotions were high. So another huge thank you to them and I hope their manager sees this, this is who the rest of the staff need to learn from :) I have a very good friend whose in his mid 40s that not only has celebrity security experience but has done a ton of bar/clubs/events in NYC and it's so funny because the behavior of your "security" here is reflective of amateurs compared to the well-qualified and professional security guards all over NYC. Seriously tho if these guys plan to get any more gigs and references to climb the ladder, they have got SO much work to go. Good luck to them and good luck to you guys! The conflict occurred Friday night from about 1-2AM, I hope the staff responsible are dealt with and if not, karma will eventually.
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Bruce K.

Yelp
Super kitchy dive bar with windows wide open and outside seating at 3 in the afternoon on a warm/breezy Saturday. We were drawn in by the promise of cold beer and that promise was fulfilled. I don't know about entertainment or cover charges or bouncers. We had a nice friendly time with some 80's music playing at a reasonable level while we drank our drinks and talked with the bartender and watched the traffic walk past on this sunny day. [Review 15694 overall - 286 in New York - 1198 of 2021.]
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Cheney P.

Yelp
Super cool lil dive bar with a really friendly atmosphere and bartender Thanks for the restaurant hints!
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Sarah M.

Yelp
I'm no stranger to a rude bouncer but I had a negative experience at Berlin. I was attending the show to photograph an artist; the bouncer (tall man wearing bandana) was acting as if I was trying to sneak into his crappy bar in the east village on a wednesday at 7:30pm to underage drink?? I'm over 21 and, after showing my ID, was asked to confirm my age, and was still given an under 21 stamp. Wasn't gonna give y'all my money anyways but i'm def not coming back! Would've liked the space otherwise.
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Mali A.

Yelp
WATCH OUT!! They STEAL! Carry only cash. If you use card they'll charge you more than you paid.

K S.

Yelp
Ordered just ONE BEER and asked for receipt and they refused to give me one. Come to find out why now once I saw my credit card... they charged me $35 for ONE beer. They never answer The phone or called back after leaving messages. Do NOT go here... they are stealing money I am guessing for their tips. BE AWARE!

Alysha L.

Yelp
Service was done with class. No attitude here. The downstairs performance space was lit. Loved hearing the new music options.

Sophie P.

Yelp
Only giving this many stars because the bar tender was awesome. We had three birthdays that night and the bouncer at the door told us to "tone it down" for the "vibes" of the place. Let me tell you: the vibes were millennial grey. The vibes were lame, idk what the bouncer was trying to preserve because we walked in for one drink, vibes with the bar tender, and left. It was giving diner millennial sad Saturday. Would not recommend. Especially for the New York-cool elitist vibe at the door. False promises. No delivery. Only silver lining was the cool bar tender. Shout out to that guy

Katie C.

Yelp
super lame security guards wll be rude and physically assualt you for no reason. I was slapped up against the wall for going into the bathroom with my friend when they never told us we weren't allowed to do that.
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Karen S.

Yelp
One of the smallest live music venues I've been in but lovely nonetheless. The sound is pretty good. Should be when the sound booth is almost as big as the stage. There's an unfortunate column in front of the stage but there's still pretty good sight lines from the bar and the table seating on the right. The place holds more people than you'd think. Not dim, atmospheric. Makes everyone look great. The bartenders could handle the rush between sets. I just wish the pour was a bit heavier. But I can't really complain when a double Rum & Coke runs for 16 bucks. I just should have been feeling my third one. I went home way too sober. If the caliber of acts are as good as this visit, I'll definitely be back.
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Michael B.

Yelp
I rarely write reviews anymore (or come to shows in Manhattan) but feel the need since the other reviews of this place were so bad. We saw The Jeanines and Amelia Fletcher's band, The Catenary Wires, in a very indiepop show last weekend. Great show. Venue was super small - perfect place for a show. Bouncer was professional and seemed like a nice guy. Same can be said of the bartender. Drinks were easily obtainable. Solid wine pour. Will definitely keep my eyes open for more shows at this place.
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Tiana S.

Yelp
Do not go to this bar unless you want your PHONE STOLEN. Save yourself. Management was not helpful, rude, and defensive when I asked to look around or if they heard of anyone who found a phone. I will absolutely never be coming back. Don't waste your time.
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Annette B.

Yelp
This is one of the coolest venues in the East Village. Authentic, full of atmosphere and a lot of fun. Every night are different shows all music genres but mainly rock'n'roll. I hired Berlin for my wedding celebrations and it was amazing, the management couldn't have been more helpful and so accommodating, to me my husband our friends and family. The bar staff is super friendly and fast, they doing the best margaritas and always make you feel so welcome. It's a great hang out. Yes do go there!
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Carolina S.

Yelp
In the words of Godlis "History is Made at Night" Last night the talented band New York Junk played at the hidden Alphabet City venue, Berlin! I was thrilled when they started at punk rock time. (30 minutes later than expected) And I made it to the show just as they were starting at 10:30. This was my first time at the bar and I was so surprised. It's actually not the dark leather club I had in my mind. There was leather but not in the way I was thinking. The ceilings had exposed brick above the bar and curves to it with chandeliers hanging. The space is intimate. Cynthia (from famous all girl punk band B-Girls) is the bass player and she was tearing it up. They all were. It was like songs that you almost felt you knew the words to. The stage is small. It barely fit the 4 members of the band. The crowd was loving it. There was some creative dancing happening. And there was also some guy at the side of the stage that was strumming out paintings with the band's music. It was a wild! Lou is one of my favorite NY bartenders and this little vamp was slinging drinks for all the thirsty peeps. After the show her boyfriend, nicknamed DaggerScars was djing. Every song was a crowd favorite. There was bands like The Gun Club to snip it's of Pulp Fiction and early 50' rock n roll. I loved hearing the mixture and it was reminiscent of what I think djing should be. A curated compilation of music that holds hands through the night. You can find Motley Lou and DaggerScars here every Wednesday night. I hope Berlin continues to bring cool bands through. This is truly a great venue vibe at the Berlin! It's funny I had to go to Berlin to have a classic NY night! Do be warned, this is the east village and there will be some creepers here. And they love to travel in pairs. Gross.
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Nico A.

Yelp
Went back again and was pleasantly surprised with improvements in facilitation and drink selection, Live music was fun too and worth it for the space and vibe. Will give a second chance going forward

Elyse L.

Yelp
Paid a $10 cover just to get kicked out an hour and a half later because my friend accidentally brought his drink outside. We were a group of 5. That's not how you treat people who spent their hard earned money at your establishment. We each got like 2 drinks each. Not right.
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Nick G.

Yelp
Good small basement venue for live music and a stiff well drink. Good crowd. Gets a little crowded. Good neighborhood spot. Wouldn't travel to come here tho.

Dana C.

Yelp
I went to Berlin last weekend, and checked my coat. I left a portable charger zipped in my coat pocket and realized after leaving the bar that my charger was no longer in my pocket. After leaving a message and making many attempts to contact Berlin, I still have not heard a word from them. Coat check attendant was also rude. Berlin, you owe me a $100 charger and have lost my business. Do not go here!!
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Jim K.

Yelp
I have to say I'm surprised to read the reviews below regarding nasty doormen & staff. I was at The Dictators NYC Show a while back for their covering of their seminal album "Go Girl Crazy" and I was really blown away by the place. It was my first time going there and it was everything a downtown NYC Rock Club used to be and should be. The people at the door could not have been more polite and friendly. It felt like the old days when you went to see bands at Coney Island High, CBGB's, Brownies, etc. Great venue, great crowd, great experience.
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Rob W.

Yelp
I will say that Berlin is a fine venue to take in some live music - the downstairs is one of the smallest, most intimate live music venues I've been in. Solid sound quality, though that's hard not to have given how close the audience is to the performer. Had the opportunity to see the wonderful Erica Wennerstrom of Heartless Bastards here, and it was a glorious experience. But even if four stars for a venue, it's a one star drinking venue, so hope you weren't planning on enjoying an adult beverage during your concert. We ordered a Lagunitas IPA draft and a vodka soda and got some kind of skunked draft that was clearly not an IPA and... some kind of mystery drink--maybe a bad gin and tonic? I was going to order a Guinness later figuring that no one can screw up a Guinness in a draught can, but the staff seemed to decide that the performance meant it was a good time to ignore the crowd. So, yeah, by all means, check out a show here if you love a performer. But be prepared to enjoy only the music.
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Alexandra S.

Yelp
I came to this bar to see my friend perform (he held a show here!), and I loved the vibe of the bar. The space is small and intimate, so it is easy to hear the and see performers. The lighting effects on the stage are cool and have good vibes. There is a booth seating area that is somewhat separate from the stage, which is good for if you need to step away to have a conversation briefly. The seating is also a very nice velvet and looks great and classy in pictures. I think that the taste of the drinks could be improved; I ordered a vodka lemonade and did not like it, but that is the only drink I tried. I think it would be fun if they offered some cool or quirky cocktails.
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Jennifer L.

Yelp
I was really nervous to attend this venue based on all the terrible reviews. Went to see the Figgs at the music venue downstairs on Friday night. Vaccination status was checked before going in. It was a small venue that could maybe fit 100 people. They had people working the bar to make sure everyone got their drinks quickly. The beer selection was quite limited and just alot of basics. Initially they accepted cash but then changed over to card only. Who knows if it was because of the new bartender. The band was great and everyone there seemed to be enjoying themselves. However, one older creepy guy who was wearing a wedding ring seemed to be bothering alot of the women. Had to ask him not to touch me. Eventually because of all the complaints at least the bouncers ejected him from the venue. I think this is only a place I would attend if there was a band I really wanted to see.

Laura V.

Yelp
Only give it one star due to the bouncer at the front door. Rude and on a power trip. Brought 16 people there to see a band. He collected money from 2 people who did not have tickets. Then insisted they didn't pay. Had to pay another $20 as he stuffed it in his pocket. Bartenders were wonderful. Great night except for the power hungry bouncer who doesn't know how to count. I posted a pic the money pocket stuffing "bouncer" from Saturday night Also there are so many great bars right there who were wonderful to our group. And we loved buying drinks there. So forget this place and enjoy all the other bars in the area!!!
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Justyna B.

Yelp
Reading the other reviews, I can see why a lot of people are upset. This bar definitely does need better bartenders. My bartender was having a difficult time pouring me a draft beer, but regardless, he was still nice anyways. However, I specifically came here for the venue downstairs so that's what I'll base my review on. The venue is located downstairs and it is the TINIEST venue I've ever seen, but in the best possible way. It made the show much more intimate and personal. If you're seeing a free show here, I highly recommend coming here way before when the doors open because of limited capacity. For the show I went to, they only allowed the first 70 people here!

Gio C.

Yelp
really rude staff. me and my friends preemptive bough tickets and they weren't honored. whoever that girl who denied us was extremely rude
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Paul C.

Yelp
Very nice space and two good bands made for a nice evening. Good bar service as there are two serving. I'll be back.

Technology A.

Yelp
Clean and nice ambient. Beer runs you 10 bucks. The Stage is unevenly light - all the lights on the front person -- Bass and Drums are sitting in the dark, which makes it hard to photograph a band.
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Brooke L.

Yelp
Awesome bar with great music. When we arrived, like most places we had to walk down stairs to get to the venue and were charged a $5 cover (not bad) before entering. They told us at the top of the stairs that we would be required to check our coats but none of us did. We simply found an empty bench we would dance near and piled our stuff up there, no one said anything to us about it for the rest of the night. Drinks were pretty standard price-wise and they were pretty good pours. The bartenders, even though very busy, were pretty quick to get to everyone around the bar. The DJ was pretty solid and played some top hits but had a theme of 90s and early 2000s mostly being played. Our group danced the night away and had an absolute blast!
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Melanie M.

Yelp
a girl got roofied there last night and the bouncer did nothing except harass the people helping her because they were "blocking the door" and then he proceeded to continue verbally berating the people assisting her. not once did he do his job as security, or as a decent human being-- he didn't even believe them when he was told that the girl wasn't behaving normally and was most likely drugged
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Amanda W.

Yelp
TLDR: chill, underground vibe; charges a cover Came here around 2:30am on a Saturday night after a friend mentioned hearing good things and wanting to dance. We paid the $5 per person cover to the bouncer, who was polite, and headed downstairs. Not sure if it was a function of the time or an attribute of the bar, but Berlin was busy but not overcrowded--exactly what we were looking for. We didn't find a coat check, but found a bench in a separate room to put our coats on. Ordering drinks from the bar was pretty standard and I liked the fact that water was self-serve--always important to hydrate during a night out! Although I've heard this place offers live music, there was just a DJ playing a mix of top 40 and throwbacks by the time we got there. I remember wanting to request a song at one point, to which the unamused DJ pointed to the back of his laptop, which read "NO REQUESTS." Stayed at this place until close. Usually don't like places that charge cover given that so many bars with good music are free in NYC, but had a good time and will likely come back.

Katelynn B.

Yelp
Would give this place 0 if possible. This place is not safe for women. A girl got roofied and we brought her outside. She was getting sick, and so we called for the ambulance as she slipped in and out of consciousness. The bouncer, watching all this, yelled at our group to get away from the side of the building because he didn't want to clean up her vomit. We tried explaining to him that we were waiting for the ambulance to come, and were trying to make sure she was okay and keep her friend calm. Another guy tried to get a chair for her from the outside seating and the bouncer started yelling at all of us to get away and kept questioning what we thought we were doing. We carried her around the corner, where he yelled at us to sit her on the curb. He told us we were acting like pathetic panicked children. We ended up carrying her across the street and waited for the ambulance there until it arrived. Never in my life have I witnessed more despicable human behavior in my life.

Jack K.

Yelp
Post covid they implemented a ridiculously high cover for a bar that was never worth it before and still isn't worth it now.
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Amanda D.

Yelp
I've been to this venue twice to see a friend perform and - though I have to give them a nod for clearly knowing talent - I would never go out of my way to come here otherwise. The drinks are grossly overpriced (minimum tab is ~$20), the staff at the bar has been pretty frosty to my friends and I both times and...honestly, it's kind of stressful to be in a basement level venue with so many lit tea candles all over the place (including sitting on the floor to illuminate doorways where they're begging to be kicked over or stepped on). I agree with the overall consensus here - bad place that happens to host great musicians.
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Michael T.

Yelp
Based on the prior reviews, I was skeptical when friends made plans to come to a concert at Berlin. Perhaps they've made some changes since the earlier reviews because we had a great experience! The bouncer was chill, the bartenders were great, and the venue is really cool. Highly recommend!
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Shea M.

Yelp
Came here for a show my friends were playing and the bartender came back from behind the bar to fight another girl by punching her in the back. Bouncer acted like it had happened before and wasn't a problem but I left, that's whack. Go back to Florida, tiny crazy bartender.
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Kelly S.

Yelp
I'm officially sharing a best kept secret! This is the bar/club I would build for my friends to come see my favorite bands...it's that cozy and cool. Enter on East 2nd just west of Avenue A and descend into a rustic-chic intimate wine cellar with cozy nooks that still allow for great views of the slightly elevated corner stage. Black patent leather banquettes, sparkling chandeliers and simple dim sconces hang throughout. A between-set red glow imbibes a Parisian salon feel - not overdone or weighted, the decor is chic but comfy. Two clean sex free bathrooms make for a short wait. Both waitresses were sexy, friendly and handled the between set onslaughts with smiles and calm, attending to multiple guests at one time (now THAT'S how it's done). I've read other reviews saying the staff are off putting... was not my experience in the least and I'm a 48 year old female artist/professional attending independently. The 'Let's Eat Grandma' show mid week saw fans of varying shapes, sizes and colors and it was all very enjoyable and civilized. There's no "scene" here, just a great space, with great service, great drinks and a great vibe. I wouldn't miss a chance to have a cocktail here or catch a live show. Someone is curating the music and experience with a careful selective eye and I like their sensibilities.
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Martha L.

Yelp
I really enjoy the downstairs for post punk bands. The decor is nice, love the ceiling and chandeliers. The bouncer was serious but polite and respectful, bartender is ok. It can get pretty packed quickly so it's a good idea to find a spot early. Good beer selection, good DJs playing new wave in between bands and afterwards. Upstairs is really cozy, romantic and elegant. Bartenders look metal/goth which is cool. They also play good new wave music upstairs. Great energy, good vibes, people who come here are friendly and I actually made some friends too. The only thing is that it's a little bit too small for the amount of people who come here and the lines for the bathrooms are endless, lol. Will come back to check out some more post punk bands or just have a beer upstairs for a chill night. I don't understand why it has such bad reviews, I had a great time!

Anthony E. W.

Yelp
Ok this place is hit or miss depending on the band line up during the week. It can be really exciting or really blah. The bartenders are kinda blah too. Not mean just like having no life if that makes sense. I'd take mean over no personality. Except for the back guy with the tattoos on him face and all. Nice, fun, and will even make you up something special of you ask. I don't think he's there but one day. I mean a black bar tender there at all is surprising given the bars past reputation of being kinda racist. And white so that's saying something. I give the place C- at best. And if the manager wasn't so snippy (I'm being nice) maybe a B-.
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Victoria O.

Yelp
First time here. To see a triple bill Nicks/Benatar/Bowie. It was amazing music. I can't understand the negative reviews. The bouncers were great. I had my ID though I am 44 and they were totally cool. Vape juice out so went out for cigarette and they had no problem with this The male and female bartenders were both nice. And for a perimenopausal woman who grew up in West LA (by the beach) and detests heat, the a/c was great. Even by a Jappy standard. Berlin is very convenient on the F train (2nd Ave stop). 5 minutes walk max. So from the UES it's a breeze and if you're motivated to stand in line you can go to Katz on the way to the train. If seriously motivated, you can hit Veselka. I almost did as I am craving the summer borscht but decided to go home. Much fun!

Jeanne P.

Yelp
This is all worth reading. So, let me start off by saying there are SO amazing/fun bars to go to in LES so don't go here if you don't have to. This bar promotes racism and violence. I have never in my 23 years of life been treated in such an inhumane way as I have at this bar. I am also noticing that this isn't the first Yelp review regarding this type of issue???? See below: Saturday, March 7, 2020- I was waiting in line for the bathroom and a girl behind me shoved me out and told me "You're probably infected with the coronavirus" and made other extreme racial slurs and comments at me. She (her or her friend, I was turned around) then proceeded to pour her entire drink over the right side of my body telling me that she wouldn't use the bathroom if I used it before her and she then shoved me out of the line. A couple of girls in front of me heard what happened and let me go into the bathroom with them. I came back out and that same girl made a sly comment to her friend about me AGAIN so I shoved her back (which I should've done way sooner honestly). Now, this part isn't the bar's fault. This next part is what will shock you. To my surprise, the coat check girl comes up to me and yells "we have a ZERO tolerance policy, you're out. Get out." Now, I understand that all she was my action of shoving a girl back, but I was still very cooperative and I said that I will of course leave but I wanted to explain the situation for clarity. Instead, she told me to shut up and that she didn't wanna hear it and that I should've gotten the manager. I tried to explain and she told me that sucks but you still should've gotten a manager. Lol okay. Well yes, duh, I should've gotten the manager but absolutely WHAT PERSON ON EARTH WOULD JUST STAND THERE AND NOT DEFEND THEMSELVES? And then for the staff to tell me to shut my mouth when I'm trying to highlight an act of prejudice. THEN, the coat check girl got the bouncer (easily 250+ pounds) to "escort" me out by putting his hands on me (I'm 5'2 and 115 pounds). He grabbed my waist and dragged me. He told me to "SHUT THE FUCK UP." He wouldn't even let me get my coat, and BOTH employees were extremely rude to my friend as well who was also trying to mitigate and explain the situation for me as I was crying hysterically. I asked the bouncer for his name, and he just kept rolling his eyes and yelling at me. As a person who's had extensive experience in the food and beverage/service industry, I know that I have a full right to know the staff's name in these cases. One positive highlight. Levi, one of the managers, was absolutely accommodating and empathetic towards the situation. He told me that the best he could do is have me go back down to the bar and identify the girl, but honestly, at that point, the girl was probably in the midst of the sweaty crowd and I was under such emotional distress that I wasn't going to do that. The RIGHT protocol would have been for the bouncer and the coat check girl to take the white girl out with me originally as we were BOTH involved in the situation. I called the next day, and one of the other managers let me know that in their defense, the bouncer had a "legal right" to lay his hands on me and that "it gets rowdy on Saturdays" so the coat check girl was probably just "stressed out and overwhelmed" so she that's why she probably wasn't listening to what I had to say. So, this is how you're trying to rationalize this inhumane treatment? Lol okay. All in all, I've already expressed to my circle of colleagues, friends, and family never to come here and wanted to share the experience here as well. Word of advice to Berlin, I'd suggest improving your quality of staff if you don't want any more negative reviews.
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Max M.

Yelp
I also used to love going to Berlin, but got my phone stolen there last night. it was unzipped from my purse and taken out on the dance floor. the management is poor and do not care about their customers. DO NOT GO HERE. there is clearly something going on with the theft of people's personal items.
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Priti R.

Yelp
This is just... your very standard east village gem I guess. Cover charge of $5, only to be led downstairs to a basement with no cell service, long bathroom lines where 3 girls go in together and take 15 minutes, bartenders that pick and choose who they want to serve, AWFUL beers on tap, a DJ that doesn't take any requests (but, songs weren't bad I'll give em that), people constantly pushing you, drinks getting spilled on you, no ventilation .... everything you could hate in an NYC bar. It's here.
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Gemma H.

Yelp
There are a lot of reviews about this place and the bouncer but I would just like to hop on the band wagon and say everything is completely true. This man was so rude and treated me and my friends horribly. This doorman followed me downstairs and PUT HIS HANDS ON ME to kick me out of the bar because he "didn't like something I said to my friend"? Whatever that could possibly mean. Truly appalling I have never been treated that way in all my life. Disgusting. Do not give this place business. That doorman should be fired immediately.

Riley A.

Yelp
I would give this place 0 stars if that were an option. Bartenders are SOOOO RUDE at this bar. They wouldn't serve me drinks after I asked for 2 drinks and a glass of water because I wanted a water as well. Also I my wallet and phone were both stolen. I'm pretty sure the employees are in on it considering how many people I know have had phones stolen in this shit establishment. DJ guy was pretty hilarious. Only upside to this D level bar.