Fabrik is a brilliant concert venue. The roof is so high that it feels like a cathedral, but…read moreactually I think it used to be a factory of some kind. There are (at least) three levels, but when I was there they had only opened up one and a half. Even so there was loads of space. I can't believe that it took me a year to finally get along to Fabrik - I'll definitely be back - I'd like to go for one of their club nights

Was there yesterday (second time) to see Black Seeds from NZ. Great gig and the choice of the venue…read morewas perfect: 1) it's relatively small (it was about 500 people yesterday and it was full) so the band can interact with public and pass on the energy. When you're close to the stage - you feel it! 2) very informal, relaxed atmosphere. Drinks are sold at the bar, also there is a snack bar in the corner. 3) there are also places to sit and inner balcony/gallery upstares - need to try it next time! Verdict: great music venue, will go again. Darjeeling

Honestly I did not expect such a great jazz concert! The club itself is nothing special: lots of…read morewood, old-style furniture, paintings of jazz musicians on the walls, etc. Words stylish, classy, sophisticated are not applicable. Very outdated I would say, but at the same time unpretentious, relaxed atmosphere, which makes you feel comfortable and chilled. Pick the right concert and you will want to come here again. I take one star off because except of music (and it was great! have I already said that?) everything was way too casual.

Birdland Jazzclub Hamburg is a top-notch jazz venue. Jam sessions on Thursday nights and featured…read moreartists on the weekend, excellent must-visit place whenever in Hamburg!

Fantastically weird and wonderful venue which is in a converted trailer in the Schanze. They have…read morelive music a few nights per week, and sometime arcane theatre performances with everyone crammed into this tiny space. The outside garden is under the trees, and the candle-lit tables give a chilled, festival vibe. You could almost forget you were in the city

This was a super vibey venue! The people who worked here were very nice.read more

SUPER DIVEY. AND I LOVE IT…read more Bouncers at the door, a dark hallway, upstairs, downstairs, and a tiny outdoor patio for beer and entertainment. Standing room only in a crowded venue might turn you off, but being outdoors while drinking beer and listening to live music offsets any discomfort one might suffer. Pins reminiscent of the 80s with the bar name and logo are given instead of coin to ensure the return of plastic beer cups. Cheesy? Not at all. This place has a little retro feel to it.

This was a pretty fun night, even if they do serve no good beer. Becks is serviceable though i…read moreguess. Hmm, i don't know what else to say! they have two dancing rooms (one very small one past the toilets) and the main one (see photo). Then there's the bar room, with seats and tables and stuff. Like everywhere in Hamburg (it seems), the place wasn't really that packed when I got there at about half midnight, but by about 3 ish it was heaving. Quite a varied crowd. Anyway the beer situation is keeping this down to a 4* place.

Ever since I moved to Hamburg, the Waagenbau has been like a home to me. Owned in part by a good…read morefriend of mine, the Waagenbau has turned into my weekend default and in some cases, a home away from home. It's nice to go "where everybody knows your name". I've spent many-an-hour in the Waagenbau office, drinking beer and watching movies on DVD or painful BMX bloopers on Youtube. Parties at the Waagenbau are always different. I'm a fan of electronic music, so Strom (electro) and Hoch10 (Drum n' Bass) are the evenings in which you'll normally find me there. The Waagenbau has many one-off parties and special international guests, so check their website for the program or pick up a flyer (which are scattered all around the Schanze). Their dance-hall area is roomy enough (but when it gets packed, it gets packed, the bar area is comfortable for both the "sit and drink"-ers and the "stand and talk"-ers. Waagenbau have a kicker table and a coatroom, and there's even a radio station hidden inside (but I didn't tell you that). The Waagenbau crew are all great people, some of which are exceptionally creative - it shows in the Waagenbau's flyers, photos and promotions - all in-house jobs. The bartenders enjoy their jobs and it shows. The Waagenbau can also be rented for private venues and events, but the noise of the S-bahn going past (above your head, every four minutes) makes it not such a good place for a presentation (we've tried). Having a closed-zone for a birthday party as party of one of Waagenbau's standard weekend parties works well, though! I realize that I'm very biased, it's impossible for me to write a standard review from the point of view of someone who knows the Waagenbau on different, less personal, terms. But I honestly love the Waagenbau, and hope you will, too.