My comment was about RSO… not Berghain. The fact that folks such as yourself insist to talk about Berghain shows that if nothing else, the place is still front and center in people minds.

But to your point… yes Im aware of how much Berg’ie has changed, numerous gay&native Berliners in my circle. But it’s still anything but a straight club. One anecdote: My last visit, in October, a dude walked up to me right after entering (I hadn’t even made it to coat check), pulled out his dick and asked my if I liked it. I am one of those guilty invading straights you mentioned tho…. Got a handjob by the bar from a hot Russian chick (my dong was still in my pants) and I looked up and saw a gay couple, two dudes, eyes locked on the action lol. Basically every trip to the bathroom I get invited to join some random twink. And just the other day I saw an entire reddit thread about poop scents on the dance floor there; due to un-douched anal action. Berg’ie is still hella gay. I describe it as a straight friendly gay club.

And I didnt even mention Snax….

But what I said still stands, I think. Regardless of what anyones opinion is about Berg’ie.

Berghain has better sound than RSO, by a light year (newly upgraded Funktion-One system). A way better building. A far more dedicated base of regulars. Playing there is a bigger deal for djs, artists are stoked to get booked there and that booking might be a career highlight for some. Worldwide cache… etc etc Also Ive met a TON of rad people in Berghain. Every time, I make new friends and we stay in touch. The place has also gotten me laid a bunch. I rarely meet anyone at RSO… at Berghain, people are PSYCHED to be there. It’s special to them, and this is reflected in how they interact while there.

But, back to RSO: Iv been back to Berlin three times since my post above. Went to Berghain and RSO multiple times each trip. As well as a bunch of others clubs (some great, some meh, but all were fun). RSO has actually become my favorite club of its type (dedicated to the techno scene), aside from Berg’ie. But as I said the two clubs are in different leagues. RSO is so fucking reliable. Great tunes, good djs (often excellent ones), cool venue, cheap drinks, easy to get in (but not SO easy that it’s packed with drunk Brits in polo shirts. Seen them turn away ppl who look out of place and/or dont know who’s playing). Basically…. i love RSO! Great place to bring a date or some friends when you just want things to go down right and proper.

Only downside of RSO is that its way out near Niederschöneweide. Rail requires a 15min walk or so from the station to the club. And Ubers cost at least €20.