Grosse Freiheit 114

Maritime Kitsch on Boxhagener Straße

The name is a double play: Grosse Freiheit 114 refers to Hamburg’s Große Freiheit, and the number behind it is simply the house number on Boxhagener Straße. Appropriately, the interior is maritime, with a kitsch that doesn’t take itself too seriously yet sets the tone. The venue opened in 2005 as a rustic, nautical-themed pub with a darkroom. In 2021, extensive renovations followed under new management, and since then, the bar has operated under the motto Queer & Friends. Both dates belong together: mentioning only 2005 overlooks the restart, while mentioning only 2021 omits sixteen years of history. The darkroom has remained, making Grosse Freiheit 114 the only gay bar in Friedrichshain that has one. The interior intentionally remained a pub and did not become a design bar, which is almost a statement in today’s Friedrichshain.

Eighties Parties, Quiz, and Queer Open Mic

The program keeps the small neighborhood pub thriving. DJ Herr von Keil’s eighties parties are legendary, complemented by a pub quiz, a queer comedy open mic, and rotating DJ sets. This mix explains why regulars and curious newcomers stand side by side without the evening splitting into two camps. The space is manageable, which gets cozy when full but also ensures that no one stands alone at the bar for long. The audience includes gay men from the neighborhood, as well as queer guests and friends, whom the slogan explicitly includes. Payment is exclusively by card; the establishment does not accept cash. The bar does not publish a price list. Boxhagener Straße is located in the nightlife district around Simon-Dach-Straße, reachable on foot from Warschauer Straße station. Those familiar with Boxhagener Platz will be there in a few minutes, and the path leads through one of the liveliest parts of Friedrichshain. Those coming from outside should know that the place is small and gets full early on party nights.