Summertime Jazz - A Guide to Berlin's Best Jazz Bars

The famous Yorchlӧsschen

Yorchschlӧsschen                                          

Address: Yorckstraβe 15, 10965, Kreuzberg  

U-Bahn: Yorckstraβe                                      
Opening times: 9pm-late

Admission: 4€ - 6€                                          

Website: yorckschloesschen.de                      

B Flat

Address: Rosenthaler Straße 13, 10119, Mitte

U-Bahn: Weinmeisterstraße

Opening times: Mon - Sun 9pm - 2am

Admission: 5€ - 15€, Wed-free

Website: www.b-flat-berlin.de

A-Trane

Address: Pestalozzistraβe 105, 10625, Charlottenburg

U-Bahn: Savignyplatz

Opening times: Mon -Thur 9pm-2pm, Fri-Sat 9pm-late

Admission: 5€ - 20€, Mon-free 
Website: a-trane.de

It seems like Berlin bops to a swing beat as the city is full of jazz venues providing quality live music all week long. But where is the best place for jazzsters to go when it is summertime and the living is easy?

In Mitte, along the busy Rosenthaler Straβe, you will find the comically named B Flat. This popular live music venue has bands playing to eager crowds most nights. Everything revolves around the music here, with minimalist decor and an intimate stage situated close to the audience. The high ceiling provides excellent acoustics, making the bass line shake your table and keep your toes tapping. You won’t find any cigar smoking, sharp-suited hipsters here either, just music enthusiast socialising over cocktails. The entry prices may vary and drinks are expensive at 3.50€ for a beer, however on Wednesday it is free entry to the mid-week jam sessions. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you have to endure excruciating sets from tuneless amateurs. These sessions attract the best local talent. Arrive early as the place soon fills up.

If you prefer a more traditional dimly lit, steamy jazz bar, however, then you can find no better than The Yorckschlӧsschen on the corner of Yorchstraβe in Kreuzberg. The club has existed for over 100 years and has been the cornerstone of the area’s jazz scene. The venue is instantly recognisable from the large, curved sign above the entrance which reminds you of a 50’s cinema. On weekends local music lovers pack themselves between the walls cluttered with vintage posters and memorabilia. Antique chandeliers cast light upon the crowd as local bands play anything from jazz and soul to Mississippi blues. You don’t have to break the bank here as a beer costs 2.50€ and entry normally around 4€ to 6€ depending on the night. There is even has a beautiful beer garden where you can enjoy a drink and a cigarette while the music filters out into the evening air.

For a more sophisticated jazz experience head towards ritzy Charlottenburg and the A-Trane jazz bar. Put out your smart shirt, order yourself a cocktail and grad one of the red, candlelit tables that are squeezed into the intimate venue. Yes the prices are more expensive (4.50€ for a large beer and 8€ for a cocktail) but the talent on display is of the highest category. Jazz heroes, like Oscar and Grammy award winning pianist Herbie Hancock and legendary drummer Billy Cobham, have all walked through its doors. Signed black and white portraits of jazz greats hang upon the walls. As you can imagine for gigs like this the entry fee will be pricey. However the open jam night run by pianist Andreas Schmidt on Monday nights is free and offers virtuoso and spontaneous performances from local musicians. For an extra treat before the show head to nearby Savignyplatz for dinner at the elegant Zwӧlf Apostles pizzeria.