Usually my expectations on service are low in Germany (usually not bad but not as customer oriented…read moreas I would like to see) but at Balke they really managed to be really horrible. We came here in a Saturday evening when it was at most half-full. We places our cocktail orders and then waited, after 10 minutes when others who ordered after us got their cocktails (we ordered slightly more complex ones so we only saw gin tonics and run and coke delivered) we asked the waitress- response was just "I know, wait". Another 10 minutes went by and we once again asked and now were told they forgot - no apology just stating they forgot and that they would be straight up. Still no apology and then another 10 minutes had gone and we could see more cocktails being delivered to guests arriving after us. When we asked again they had not even started making the cocktails - so 30 mins or so wasted and no cocktails. Clearly no structure and to be a place that pretends to be into cocktails they just make simple stuff (they where only serving glasses of gin or rum and let the guests mix it tonic or coke themselves). We told them we were leaving - again no apology. Would not come back even if paid to.

From the owner: COCKTAILS Qualität ist das oberste Gebot bei allen unseren…read moreDrinks. Auch für unsere Mixgetränke und Cocktails verwenden wir ausschließlich hochwertige Zutaten. 2010 landete das Balke im Playboy-Barguide unter den 100 besten Bars Deutschlands. 2011 wurde das Balke vom Marcellino's unter allen Bars im gesamten Ruhrgebiet auf Platz 2 gewählt. 2013 wurde das Balke als einzige Dortmunder Bar im Mixology Barguide aufgeführt. FUSSBALL Wir übertragen alle Spiele des BVB auf Leinwand und mehreren Bildschirmen. Zusätzlich zu den regulären Öffnungszeiten öffnen wir bei BVB-Heimspielen 2,5 Std. vor Anpfiff und bei BVB-Auswärtsspielen 1,5 Std. vor Anpfiff.

From the owner: Ausspannen und sich wohlfühlen, die Seele ein wenig baumeln lassen, Getränke, Service und Ambiente…read moregenießen bei guter Musik ......

Good food, not sure about the price with conversion of dollars and euros, but I was hungry and jet…read morelagged, which means don't care. Of course they have Licher. If you know, you know. I'm not fluent in German, just know enough. These ladies speak enough English so we can get things sorted. I think I messed the waitress up when I asked for gravy on my fries rather than mayo or ketchup! We had schnitzel with fries, curry brat with fries, house made ravioli and a chocolate soufflé. So take it from the redneck from Louisiana, Komm und iss!

My husband and I enjoyed it. The service was friendly and the food was good. They have a sample…read moreplatter for 4 people, it would be nice if they had one for 2 people as well. Either way it was great. The environment is nice and comfortable. Perfect place to sit, eat, talk, drink, and enjoy. The bathrooms are clean. We will be going back.