Karaoke im Schokoladen

Cultural Center in an Old Chocolate Factory in Mitte

Ackerstraße, between Nordbahnhof and Rosenthaler Platz, has changed significantly in recent decades, but in one spot, the old Mitte has remained. Behind house number 169 lies “Der Schokoladen,” a cultural center in a former chocolate factory, which was occupied in 1990 and is now run by an association. It is one of the last large free spaces in the area and has survived several eviction attempts. The program is accordingly distinctive: indie, punk, post-punk, and garage dominate, complemented by a reading stage with a regular audience. Karaoke at Der Schokoladen fits into this environment and thus attracts a different crowd than the city’s cabin karaoke bars. Here, you won’t find party tourists, but rather people from the neighborhood and the scene. The venue has withstood several attempts to displace it and is one of the few places where the old Mitte is still palpable. Admission is possible from sixteen years of age. The address is accessible via the U-Bahn station Rosenthaler Platz, and the U-Bahn station Naturkundemuseum and Nordbahnhof are also within walking distance.

Legendary Karaoke Series on the In-House Stage

Singing takes place on the in-house stage, which the venue itself considers one of Berlin’s most beautiful and is equipped with proper monitor and room sound. This makes an audible difference because your own voice doesn’t disappear into a dull basement room. KJ Der Käpt’n guides through the evening, bringing his own song catalog and making it available via an app and as a list in German and international versions. There are no private cabins; singing is done in front of everyone else. The venue itself describes the series as intergenerational and warm-hearted, and that’s exactly how the evening unfolds: it’s less about judgment and more about singing along. There is no presale for this event, whereas the venue’s concerts usually run through a ticket shop. It’s also practical that a wheelchair ramp is available and an accessible toilet remains reachable via the courtyard. Anyone who has experienced karaoke at Der Schokoladen quickly understands why the series has been running for years and retains its audience. Dates are set well in advance and are announced through the venue’s program.