Hamburg Nightlife
We could be here all day discussing the story behind the Hamburger. Some will tell you that a German immigrant, originally from Hamburg, began selling them in New York in the 1850s, others won't. Dishes that can be pinpointed to the city with some certainty include Bohnen, Birnen und Speck, which is runner beans, pears and bacon, while a variety of fishy treats can be enjoyed as well; try the Finkenwerder Scholle, pan-fired plaice, which is particularly good in the city.
The Ratsweinkeller is the city's oldest restaurant and can be found in the wine cellar of the town hall on Grosse Johanisstrasse. Not cheap but its wholesome local dishes are well worth the outlay and the atmosphere is something special.
Fish fans must try the famous and reasonably priced Fischerhaus on St Pauli Fischmarkt. Visitors have a choice of two dining areas: upstairs for modern décor and harbour views, downstairs for old fashioned dark wood panelling and a cosy ambience. Booking ahead is recommended if you hanker after a good view.
For slightly cheaper eats without compromising on quality, try Geelhaus on Koppel. A constantly changing and creative menu is matched by the fresh food and the decent prices.
For international food without breaking the bank head to Teufels Küche on Ottenser Hauptstrasse. Open every night of the week.
If it's a spot of nightlife you're after, Hamburg does not disappoint. St Pauli, and the Reeperbahn in particular, is the main place for a drink and a dance. Famed for its sleazy aspects, the Reeperbahn still does a lively trade in sex but these days it is also the site of many a respectable night out.
Gröninger Braukeller on Ost-West-Strasse is all about the beer. It brews its own beverages and subsequently can afford to keep prices down. The cellar in which all the drinking takes place is wonderfully atmospheric and it is a fine place in which to start an evening.
For wine and cocktail connoisseurs, try Christiansens Fine Drinks & Cocktails on Spielbudenplatz. Award winning cocktails abound and the ambience is one quite at odds with the hectic surrounds of the area.
Meanie Bar, on Spielbudenplatz is one of the city's leading places for a cheap drink in a bohemian setting. All sorts converge on this place and the DJ always plays a good mix of old and new tunes.
Hamburg is hot on its live music. In the same building as Meanie Bar can be found Molotow, which is the place to go to watch up and coming rock bands. For top notch jazz try the Cotton Club on Alter Steinweg which has live acts every night of the week except Sunday, while at Grosse Freiheit 36, which can be found at the corresponding address, the biggest names come to play.
Just down the street is Halo, which is widely regarded as the best club in Hamburg. Originally known as the Betty Ford Klinik, today it still attracts the city's most hedonistic clubbers and is well worth the entrance fee. Four doors down is Cult, where Saturday night is disco night and pretensions are left at the cloakroom.
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Nightlife and Food & Drink
