Lab.oratory

I’ve been coming here regularly and have always enjoyed the atmosphere, but a recent experience left me quite disappointed. During my last visit, I suddenly had a severe anxiety/panic attack (dizziness, heavy sweating, nausea). I don’t drink or use drugs, and this came on unexpectedly. I needed to leave quickly, but due to the club’s process (collect clothes → go to the bar → get a receipt → exit), I was unable to exit without going back into a very crowded area, which I physically couldn’t handle in that moment. I approached the staff at the cloakroom and explained my situation clearly, including that I was feeling unwell and needed help to exit. I even offered to leave my ID or credit card as a guarantee. Despite this, I was refused help and told to handle it myself. I then went to reception and explained again, but was met with the same lack of flexibility or support. Only after another staff member noticed my condition and stepped in voluntarily was I able to leave. I understand that staff may need to follow procedures, and that they might assume situations involving intoxication. However, in cases where someone is visibly unwell, some basic flexibility and empathy should be possible, especially when a simple workaround exists. I’m sharing this as constructive feedback. It would make a big difference if staff were trained to better handle situations where guests are in distress and need assistance to exit safely. I still appreciate the venue overall, but this experience has made me reconsider returning.

I was there first time in December. I checked some comments here before and wasn’t really sure what to expect. But now I can tell that it’s fantastic place. I had such a lovely and hot time. It was Saturday and I was waiting maybe 15 minutes in the queue. And now you can pay with the card, obviously I was prepared and had some cash. One of the best places I have ever been. 🔥🍾

I feel like someone needs to explain because a lot of people get confused.... There is usually a line... so to be able to get to the entrance so you can line up and go to Am Wriezener Bahnhof (pictured sign) and the line will go down the alley (pictured) and the line for Lab turns LEFT. It's important to go to this section because sometimes the gate closer to the clubs door is locked and you cannot enter from that side and then you will have to walk around the entire block. There's a second line thats on the right and that's for Bergheim, so get in the correct line! Please also tell the women who stand in the wrong line to go where they should. Opon entry (pictured) they will check your bag for prohibited items and you must pay 14€ entry or 18€ at Lab dance(prices as of 2025), there is now a card machine at the entrance but you need cash for drinks. When you leave no cash is accepted and there is no ATM. *Update Dec 2025* there is now a card machine at the entrance and exit. They will give you a wristband with the number, (pictured) this is your number for the night where all your drinks get put on your bar tab under this number. You also get given a plastic bag where you can put all of the clothes that you don't want to wear inside the club, they write your number on the bag and then you go inside. When you are leaving you will go back and get your bag and change back into your clothes, and then you go to the bar to have the number taking off your wrist and pay. They will give U a receipt (pictured) Then to leave you simply give this receipt to the guy at the door and you're finished. Entry is usually only for 2-hours each night (but the club stays open for those inside) and if you get there after the entry time ends you cannot go inside. In my experience if there is a line after "door closing" they will still let everybody in the line inside until it is gone. *FYI* Thursday's is usually naked night and you must put all your clothes in the bag, if you do not want to be naked don't go on Thursday. Friday is usually no dress code but don't be a douchy vibe kill and go in wearing your entire street outfit with long jeans and a T-shirt, this isn't the place for that. This is not the kind of place where you "hang out with your friends" it's a men's only fetish bar that mainly focuses on s3x. Please don't smoke, chat, or sing in the darkroom/designated play areas. & walking around holding your boyfriend's hand is not a vibe. You cannot get into Bergheim though Lab, if u really want that you need to line up again at Bergheim.

4 stars only for the staff. Look, if you're into 500 nude guys grinding under strobes, slings everywhere, poppers haze thick as smoke-this is your circus. But if you want, say, actual fun? Skip it. I'd felt smaller clubs in Hamburg, Hanover, tight space, eye-contact worked, bodies spoke, you could flirt without yelling over bass. Queue snakes forever, everyone's already half-lit, and once you're inside, it's a wall. Nude night means instant vulnerability, no clothes to hide nerves but instead of connection, you turn into scenery. The crowd? Overwhelmingly white German dudes, shaved, tallish, acting like they own oxygen. Me? Brown and average looks, not invisible, just... irrelevant. They'd glance, then scan past me like I'm the DJ booth. Watched other non-white guys try, same story: polite no, or straight ignore. Unless you're chiseled, cut and exotic-hot? They'll swarm. Otherwise you're background. It's not aggressive, just cold. Like, consent's fine, safety's fine, but the vibe screams in-group only. Berlin icon? Sure. Enjoyable? For them. For me, daunting, lonely, and honestly, exhausting. Go if you're curious, but expect hype to crash hard. Smaller spots win every time.

Laboratory is an iconic gay night club on the lower floor of the Berghain. I attended on a Thursday (nude night). Doors opened at 9. I arrived at 8:40 and stood in line for at least 50 min. Many people arrived after me it was a particularly busy night. It’s interesting that it’s noted to be a restaurant? Like I suppose if eating other guys butts can be made into a meal, but I didnt see any table service. The music is loud! If you are sound sensitive, consider some ear plugs, it’s not like you are going to be having deep and meaningful conversations. Tips: Bring cash. You will need it to pay your bill on the way out. Exit can be a bit tricky. When you wish to leave first go to the changing area, grab your bag and get dressed. Next go to the bar, they will cut off your arm tag and give you a final receipt. Pay at the bar. Don’t lose the receipt as you will need it to get out. The space can be very daunting. The crowd can be hard to crack but it’s worth the effort. Eye contact can make things much easer. Go in and have fun Tiger… Transport to the venue is easy with a train to Banhof OST. It’s a 10 min walk. Plenty of taxis for when you wish to leave.