Christiansens Fine Drinks & Cocktails, St. Pauli, Hamburg

Superb establishment. Everything everyone has said is true, I realised as much after my own personal “cocktail consultation” on “massage Mondays”!

What do you like? What tastes, what spirits, what mood are you in? What’s your favourite colour…? What’s your name, where’d you come from, how many…. no wait.

I got recommended a Hendrick’s crush, which contains crushed kumqats! What an invention, a fruit that no one had any use for before, apart from ornamental, of course. Anyway, it was delicious.

I’ve since been back and sampled the flammkuchen (also great) and watched the fish a lot. An impressive tank.

On Monday nights every customer gets a free massage too - slightly surreal, but great!

Christiansen’s has one of the most comprehensive cocktail menus that you’ll ever find. This is both a good and a bad thing. Upon arriving for the first time I’d recommend asking the bartender to suggest a drink, because it’s going to take you a good hour to read through the menu!

I have two general problems with this bar:
- its location
- the prices vs. standard of the drinks
The second never used to be a problem until I found somewhere with better drinks, cheaper. Never mind, Christiansen’s is definitely worth a look if you’re nearby.

Randomly you can get a free massage on Mondays! They explained that it was designed to bring customers in on a slow night, and it seemed to work.

If you want a good cocktail - go to this bar. Their menu is huge. I didn’t even know there are so many different cocktails.

The bartender knows his stuff, and can recommend you a drink for your taste. Cocktails range from 8 euros and up.

This place is great. It's the only "real" bar in Hamburg where the bartendar probably knows more drinks than you. I used to tend bar so I am inclined to have a broad range in regards to drinks. The guys here blow me away with their knowledge. Great bartendars to "chat" with and talk alcohol. The vibe in the place is cool. Everyone is here because they know they are going to get the best drinks. Period! The fact that it's pretty classy in terms of the little details makes it that much better. I made the mistake last night of planning on going there after dinner for a drink with my girlfriend. Well, one drink became two and you know the rest of the story. Now I just need to figure out how best to get over there to go pick up my car. Tip: don't drive there for 1.) the obvious reason of thereafter not drinking and driving but, 2.) because there is no parking whatsover in the area.....it's all residential and you have to drive around quite a bit to find a "legal" spot for the car.

In summary, if you're looking for "hardcore" bartending and really quality drink, this is your place. It's a bit off the beaten track but it's always "on the way" somehow. Do your best to visit!