Rosi's

Rosi's is an eclectic, strange little club and bar just off of S-Bahnhof Ostkreuz in Friedrichshain, Berlin. The outside is surrounded by corrugated tin fencing topped in barbed wire, with surly-looking bouncers on duty. Despite its uninviting exterior, the best thing about Rosi's is that they never turn anyone away. To illustrate, a friend of mine had a drunken habit of bringing his childhood stuffed emu with him to clubs, and never had any problems getting in. In fact, to my knowledge, the only time the bouncer will deny you entry is if you're belligerently drunk or forget your ID. Once you pass through the entry into the open-air part of Rosi's, all of the intimidating, stalag-esque features fade away into what is, in my opinion, the most comfortable bar and club in Berlin. The yard is littered with couches and chairs, as well as a few fire pits and ping-pong tables. It's a great place to escape for a minute to grab a breath of fresh air and have a conversation, or alternatively just wreck your lungs with a few more cigarettes--that's what I did, anyways. Inside, the music is a strange mix of 90s tunes and a wide array of contemporary genres, which is a refreshing change from the minimalist house music which is so prevalent in Berlin's club scene. The decor is truly something to behold, with peeling wallpaper and various oddities strewn about the sitting rooms. To some, that description might sound painfully hip and off-putting, but Rosi's comes across as quirky and charming, as compared with, say, Madame Claude's in Kreuzberg. At Madame Claude's, the furniture is glued to the ceiling alongside their high-nosed attitudes and overpriced drinks. Rosi's is more inviting than exclusive, and the sitting rooms serve as a great place to roll up a couple of cigarettes and meet strangers. The dance floor is crowded, energetic, and lively, even on slower nights. The bar is located right next to the dance floor, which is convenient, because I need at least a few drinks in me before I'm feeling ready and able to dance. Although, with Rosi's warm and welcoming atmosphere, even the biggest wallflower might need a couple fewer drinks before they're ready to, as the Germans say it, lay a hot sole on the dance floor. The other bright side is that if you really do need a bit more liquid courage, the drinks are reasonably priced and the service is quick, despite the crowds. I'd especially recommend the 2€ Mexikaner shots--a spicy bloody mary shot made with vodka and tequila. Rosi's is the must-see venue in Berlin's club culture. If you're the type who only likes high class joints where all the girls where black cocktail dresses and stiletto heels, Rosi's isn't going to do it for you. However, it's difficult to imagine just about anybody else resisting Rosi's overwhelming charm.