Ä

The name is probably the only german thing in Ä. Or is it? Because if there is something as 'typical', then this is also a fairly typical Berliner Bar. And as we all know (or, at least, at one point, heard) Berlin is not the rest of Germany. And the other way round. Here, in Neukölln, all the ways seem to lead to one point. Or two, actually. Ä is the umlaut of Weserstraße's bars. Two different rooms offer two kinds of moods for two distinct addictions. In the first, a kicker-table for non-smokers. In the second, a smoky atmosphere, with the occasional breeze of live music. The dark almost mystic atmosphere is an important part of the general 'stimmung' of the place, and an open invitation to a calm chat in a corner table or a group laugh in one of the comfy sofas. That is also a strong point here. The trashy-chic decoration, so common - and sometimes forced - in many other bars, here actually seems authentic. Scattered vintage lamps light as much as the candles burning on each table. Beer crates pile up in the corridor. Class and trash next to each other. Nothing appears to fit, but it all does. And it even seems to make sense. Time passes slowly in this bar. Like myself, it also gets used to the relaxed atmosphere. Decoration, people, music, talks. It all just turns into a highly enjoyable evening in Berlin. Time passes slow but still, it passes. Suddenly, almost all other tables are empty, only occupied by sitting chairs upside down, ready to call it a night. I will also, just before reaching that moment when all I can say is 'ä'....

Looking for a dark, smoky haunt packed on a Friday night with not only Berlin's hippest hipsters, but everybody in between (and maybe their young-ish parents, too)? Your search is over. Ä is a bar located in one of Neukölln's hippest nightlife spots, but isn't pretentious or hard to get into, even if there aren't any seats left in the place. The vibe is dirty but comfy--couches, lamps and candles evoke the feeling of kicking back at an artist's warehouse collective, and if you're unlucky as far as seating goes, it's perfectly acceptable to pull up a beer crate next to your friends and enjoy your evening from a slightly more DIY seating arrangement. Sound funky? That's the vibe at Ä--if you're looking for an upscale cocktail bar or a chic hangout, this is not it. But it's a fun place to chill out, laugh with friends, and meet new people; everyone in Ä seems to be willing to give you a chance at conversation as long as you're open to it. As far as drinks go, Ä's selection is pretty standard, with average pricing. A Longdrink or Cocktail will run you around 5,50 Euros, and beers around 2,50 to 3,00. On the whole, it's an affordable spot for a few beers and some stimulating (though loud--it really does get packed on the weekends) conversation with new or old friends. If you're looking for a congenial bar atmosphere that isn't all about sweet tropical cocktails or 10 Euro cover charges, Ä is well worth a visit.

My Take: Ä is a bar located in one of the trendiest areas in Neukölln, Wesserstrase. This street is where most nightlife happens. Ä is divided into two floors, one non-smoking with a foosball table and the other where you can enjoy live music and smoke if you like. Vintage lamps, cozy sofas and candles on every table make this space an intimate place to enjoy after the sunset or make more bearable the darkness of the long winter in Berlin. The Scene: Every Wednesday and Thursday at 9pm you can enjoy free concerts here. Alternative, Folk, Pop, Indie, Psychedelic is what are you’re going to find. Most of the bands and singers that play there are far from the mainstream scene. Sometimes you can be really amazed discovering new young musicians that are growing up in Berlin. Cocktails & Cuisine: No food, just drinks. But near other bars and restaurants so it’s easy to fit in if you are hungry. Prices: Free entrance. The prices are around 2€ and 2.80€ for a beer. Wine is about 2.50-3.00, and Cocktails are around 5€-5.50€. What to Wear: Casual. No dress code. Insider Info/When to go: Especially on Wednesday there is usually a crowd, so don’t be late if you want to take a seat for the music sessions, otherwise you’ll be standing up and listening from the hall. Sometimes they program some live music on Fridays so check out the Ä website so you don’t miss anything.