Clärchens Ballhaus
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via Stay22About this place Clärchens Ballhaus
This dance hall on Auguststraße has been open since 1913, and it barely looks like a day has passed. Come here to dance, to eat, or just to watch.
It’s one of the few places in Berlin that’s survived two world wars and still feels practically untouched. Think high ceilings, parquet floors, and a kind of faded grandeur you just don’t find anymore. You’ll find two ballrooms, and the dance styles change daily. Swing, salsa, tango, cha-cha—whatever’s on, people show up.
Berlin’s queer scene has a long history of making its own spaces, and this dance hall is one of them. It’s the kind of place you can drop into alone and leave having danced with a dozen strangers. The vibe is easygoing, and the music is always live.
When you need a break, there’s a restaurant on site. The menu mixes German, Australian, and Italian dishes. It’s not fancy, but it’s hearty. You can get a schnitzel, some pasta, or even a burger. Sit back, watch the dancers, and just take it all in.
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Overpriced for below-average product quality, but the service was good. The Königsberger Klopse (meatballs) were largely tasteless. The capers had no discernible flavor, the sauce was practically nonexistent, and the mashed potatoes were also rather bland and generic. The price is far too high for this quality. The service, however, was attentive and quick.
And nobody will notice... Klärchen Ballhaus was a true institution for decades, attracting people from all walks of life. After the change in concept, it's sadly just a staged imitation of its former self. Food: Okay, but a meager and overly ambitious selection. The prices are reasonable. Staff: Very self-important and can't seem to hold back. Guests: Lots of tourists in the hall. Atmosphere: Yes, a bit of the old charm remains. The dance music from the ceiling was too loud for eating and socializing. We didn't use our allotted time slot. Where are you going, Klärchen...?
An Aperol Spritz here has broken the €10 mark 👀 and for that price, it was watered-down crap. Edit: Glad to see the owner has plenty of time for an insincere, passive-aggressive emoji response 💗, but zero time for quality control. Says a lot that.
I was there to dance and therefore can't say anything about the food; wonderful, special place, thank you for preserving it.
Great location, but the 80s party was unfortunately lukewarm due to bad songs... no real enthusiasm was visible from the audience.
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Last updated on 7 August 2026