First Things First: Food
Let’s kick things off at Underdocks with a proper Hamburg-style dinner—before the real warm-up for Büsra’s Table Tales VIP Tour Vol.1 begins.
Underdocks (Neuer Kamp 13, St. Pauli)
Nestled in the gritty‑chic heart of St. Pauli, Underdocks calls itself „Hamburg’s Fish Snack 2.0“ – and it’s not just marketing fluff. With its industrial interior featuring graffiti, oil barrels and a dramatic container‑wall backdrop, this spot brings street‑food swagger to classic seafood. Think gourmet fish rolls, salmon tacos and crispy fish bowls made fresh daily – plus vegan options like plant‑based fish sticks and shrimp rolls that aren’t afterthoughts, but stars in their own right. Whether you grab a smoked‑salmon taco or the signature “heftig” fish‑roll (spelt bun, crunchy fillings, house sauces), you’re tasting Hamburg tradition remixed for today’s urban vibe. Rated around 4.6/5 on TripAdvisor and regularly ranked among Hamburg’s top 40 restaurants, it’s a true local favorite.
Warm-Up
Dschungel (Sternstraße 4, Karoviertel, St. Pauli)
Step into the laid-back vibe of Dschungel, a beloved local bar snugly nestled between the hip Karolinenviertel and Sternschanze. Known for its relaxed and authentic atmosphere, it draws in a diverse crowd with affordable drink prices and a no-frills approach. The bar’s name – “jungle” in German – hints at its dense, cozy interior where good conversations flow as easily as the drinks. It’s a favorite pre or post-concert hangout, especially with the nearby Knust hosting free outdoor gigs at Lattenplatz. Open from evening until the small hours (weekdays till 2 AM, weekends even later), Dschungel offers a perfect warm-up before diving into Hamburg’s vibrant nightlife. Grab a classic like a White Russian – their signature cocktail that survived a location change – and soak in its smoky, alternative charm.
Walrus Bar (Wohlwillstraße 47, near Reeperbahn/Schanzen)
Just a few steps from Reeperbahn and Kleine Pause, Walrus Bar is a slick cocktail haven that doubles as a cozy neighborhood hideout. Housed in a narrow, industrial-chic space with a polished wooden bar, gentle lighting, and smart-casual bartenders, it strikes a perfect balance between speakeasy vibes and laid-back comfort. The brains behind Walrus—Lee Daniel Hobbs and his team—crafted a bar that celebrates top-tier cocktails, local spirits, and craft beers, with a creative streak that found novel twists like beer in cocktails and flambéed garnishes. Expect your classic Dirty Martini served on a silver tray with olives in an oyster shell, all while blues and synth beats hum softly in the background. Walrus operates daily from early evening into the night (usually around 18:30–02:00 or later), and unlike most tourist-heavy bars on the Kiez, this one’s more speakeasy than spectacle—no signs, no reservation fuss, just great drinks and a buzzing, local crowd. Perfect for a nightcap while heading toward Reeperbahn, this spot gives off a modern, artsy energy without sacrificing Hamburg’s corner-bar soul.
One Last Stop for Snacks ’n Shots
Kleine Pause (Wohlwillstraße 37, St. Pauli)
Ready for some Kultsnacks, greasy glory and shots you’ll never forget? Kleine Pause delivers both with low-key charm and classic fast‑food flair. This cult snack bar has been serving up greasy burgers, fries, currywurst – and of course, its famed “legendary shots” – alongside €1.90 breakfasts and happy‑hour Caipirinhas on Fridays. Slap bang between Sternschanze and the Reeperbahn, it’s open from early morning till well past the party peak (some nights into the wee hours). Locals rave about the unbeatable price/performance – one TripAdvisor review highlights “good food at great prices (and huge portions)”. Foursquare fans rate it 8.2/10 for its late‑night fries, burgers, and beer. Think: a slightly chaotic mash-up of snack bar and party bunker—pure St. Pauli energy.
Let’s Get Started: Welcome to Reeperbahn
Möwe Sturzflug (literal translation: “Seagull Dive”)
Tucked at the corner of Clemens‑Schultz‑Straße and Detlev‑Bremer‑Straße in St. Pauli, Möwe Sturzflug (think “Seagull Dive”) offers a cozy, living‑room atmosphere with raw, industrial charm—bare walls, comfy sofas, hand‑drawn cocktail boards, and fun seagull motifs everywhere. Ideal for relaxed pre‑ or post‑Reeperbahn drinks, their terrace under lanterns makes for a sunny, laid‑back evening spot. Their signature drink? A smooth Gin Basil Highball, shaken with fresh basil leaves, lemon, sugar and soda and topped off with a crisp gin—perfectly riffing on Hamburg’s original Gin Basil Smash, which debuted in 2008 at Le Lion, famously muddled by Jörg Meyer and now a global modern classic. It’s served here bright‑green, herbaceous and refreshing—ideal for winding down the night. Beyond that, Möwe Sturzflug also shakes up creative sips like the Earl Möwenborough (gin with Earl Grey infusion, lemon & mint), the zesty Möwengold, and the cheeky Möwenschiss shot (yes, that’s korn with pumpernickel and horseradish – don’t ask, just try), a true Seagull’s flight through flavor. So pull up a sofa, order that killer basil‑gin mix, and let the night drift your way—with just enough seagull swagger before plunging back into the Kiez.
Blumen & Feinkost Schnalke (Clemens‑Schultz‑Straße 31, St. Pauli)
By day, Schnalke is your go-to flower and delicatessen shop – full of fresh blooms, artisan cheeses, cured meats and boutique wines, carrying on a neighborhood tradition since the Schnalke family reopened this spot in the late 1980s after pivoting from a former butcher business . Owner couple Uwe and Marlies Schnalke started with a simple lunchtime counter and flowers („we’re on the wholesale market several times a week“) and soon discovered that St. Pauli was craving more than just groceries. As evening rolls in, the place transforms into a cozy bar — champagne, wine, craft beer and even a live‑DJ vibe on occasion. It’s one of those rare spots where locals and visitors collide on the sidewalk, all in front of the nostalgic façade that winks of old‑school St. Pauli charm. Guests love its informal, communal energy – “a home for our customers,” as Uwe puts it – and it’s become a buzzing late-night hang as the Kiez slowly wakes up.
- Schnalke has been running at this corner since about 1988 and evolved from a neighborhood butcher into a floral‑deli‑party mash-up.
- It’s not just a bar – some nights feature DJs, dancing and impromptu celebration in a genuine neighborhood atmosphere (check their Instagram for updates) .
- The weekend evening crowd often spills onto the pavement, turning the sidewalk into a spontaneous festival zone.
So grab a glass, soak in the eclectic mix of blooms and beats, and feel the true spirit of St. Pauli come to life at Schnalke.
Pelican (Büsra’s Favourite)
If you’re craving a splash of vibrant Miami‑80s flair in the heart of St. Pauli, Pelican Bar is your go‑to. Thoughtfully styled with pastel‑toned walls, neon accents and that cool industrial edge, this spot transports you straight into a retro beach scene—right amidst Hamburg’s urban vibes. Behind the bar, Benny and Tim craft up to 80 hand‑mixed cocktails, highballs and seasonal delights—using their own homemade syrups, dried fruits (hello, dried citrus in cocktails!), cocktail‑cherries soaked in rum, and even shaved ice—all made on‑site . Alongside, you’ll find fresh‑tapped craft beers—like Simco 3 IPA or Ratsherrn—so there’s something for both beer lovers and cocktail aficionados. The vibe dips into club mode on weekends: DJs spin ‘80s‑inspired grooves while guests either perch at the long bar or lounge in the smoker‑friendly side zone. A perfect pit‑stop before heading further down the Kiez—think fruity, fresh and funky, with a generous twist of handmade charm.
Piccadilly Bar (Silbersacktwiete 1, St. Pauli)
Tucked away behind a residential entrance, Piccadilly Bar is Hamburg’s oldest gay bar—opened already when queer life was still illegal in Germany. Its unassuming facade hides a snug, red-lit basement where generations have gathered for over 60 years. The interior feels like visiting grandma’s living room: old wooden chairs, mismatched mugs, classic tunes, and a warm, welcoming crowd—predominantly a bit older in age, drawn by nostalgia and authenticity. Behind the bar, the signature shots steal the show: the spicy Mexikaner, a classic Hamburg concoction of korn, tomato juice, sangrita, Tabasco, salt & pepper, invented in St. Pauli back in ’87. And for the brave? They serve a homemade garlic schnapps—sure to test your limits and leave you loving or hating every fiery sip! The vibe is smoke-filled, cozy, unfiltered—and uniquely Piccadilly. Whether you’re here for history, hearty shots, or just a quiet corner on the Kiez, this hidden gem feels like a tangible piece of queer heritage.
The Chug Club (Taubenstraße 13, St. Pauli)
For your grand finale, head to The Chug Club—a tequila lover’s paradise tucked just off the Reeperbahn, but with a refined twist. The name nods to their signature “chugs”: cocktail minis that are bigger than a shot, but more nuanced than a full drink. Designed by bartender Bettina “Betty” Kupsa (formerly at the legendary Le Lion), this place offers clever flavor journeys—think tequila infused with peanut, carrot-ginger, or salty-caramel dessert chugs served as multi-course flights for about €20. Step inside and you’ll find a dim, almost sacred ambiance: stained-glass accents, green velvet stools, flickering candles, and even a disco ball—part speakeasy, part chapel devoted to agave. On weekends, the vibe loosens into club mode; during the week it’s intimate and chatty—a perfect wrap-up to your evening crawl. If tequila’s not your thing, no worries: there are options with mezcal, beer, and classic cocktails too. So raise your final toast: mini-cocktail in hand, candlelight flickering, chug in hand—and the perfect finale to your St. Pauli story. Salud!
