The Chug Club
Hamburg, Germany · Hamburg-Mitte
Insider Compass
An expert assessment built on data, context and gastronomic judgement.
About The Chug Club
Tucked into St. Pauli's Taubenstraße, The Chug Club has carved out a reputation as Hamburg's go-to destination for agave spirit aficionados since opening in 2015. Betty Kupsa's brainchild revolves around a brilliant concept: chugs—mini-cocktails served shot-sized—that let you explore multiple flavor profiles in one sitting without the commitment or the hangover. With a laser focus on tequila and mezcal, backed by an impressive agave spirits collection and a relaxed, smoker-friendly vibe, this is where serious cocktail enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike find common ground. It's intimate, expertly run, and refreshingly unpretentious.
Good to know
Start with a chug flight to get your bearings—it's the best way to understand the range and creativity of the menu without committing to full-sized drinks.
The chef
Betty Kupsa
Betty Kupsa honed her craft at Le Lion, one of Hamburg's most respected cocktail institutions, before launching The Chug Club in 2015 with a singular vision: to celebrate agave spirits through innovation and accessibility. Her philosophy centers on democratizing exploration—the chug format invites guests to taste widely without intimidation or excess. In 2017, she earned recognition at the Mixology Bar Awards as Host of the Year, a testament to her ability to create not just excellent drinks but a welcoming, passionate atmosphere that keeps regulars coming back and newcomers feeling at home.
The Insider Compass
Four dimensions, each assessed independently against the same criteria everywhere we rate.
Plate
While The Chug Club doesn't serve food, the liquid craft here rivals the precision of any serious kitchen brigade. Kupsa and her team treat cocktail construction with the rigor of classical technique—milk-clarification, house-made syrups like red wine reduction, and layered flavor profiles that showcase terroir-driven agave spirits. The chug flight concept functions like a tasting menu, offering a curated journey through complementary or contrasting expressions of mezcal and tequila in miniature form.
Vibe
LivelyThe atmosphere leans moody and intimate, with low lighting, comfortable seating clustered around the bar as the focal point, and a soundtrack that keeps conversation flowing without overpowering it. This is a smoker's bar, which adds a certain old-school cocktail den character that some adore and others should note before settling in. Regulars mix with international visitors stumbling off the Reeperbahn, creating an unpretentious energy that feels more like a well-kept secret than a sceney hotspot.
Service
Kupsa's team brings genuine passion and deep knowledge to every interaction—this is hospitality rooted in enthusiasm rather than formality. Bartenders take time to explain the chug system, guide guests through the agave spirits menu, and adapt drinks to individual palates without hesitation. The warmth and attentiveness have built a loyal following; expect thoughtful recommendations and the kind of service that makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit.
Setting
The space is deliberately small and focused, designed to put the bar itself center stage rather than distract with elaborate décor. Dark wood, intimate seating, and just enough ambient light to read the menu create a den-like feel that encourages lingering and conversation. Located in the heart of St. Pauli, it's a stone's throw from the Reeperbahn's chaos but feels worlds apart once you step inside—a deliberate refuge for those who take their drinks seriously.
These four dimensions are a handful of the attributes we review. The Insider Rating also draws on research the compass does not display — among them the wine programme, the size and quality of the cellar, the location, and how long the house has operated. It is not an average of the scores above.
Go for
- Exploring agave spirits with expert guidance and creative mini-cocktails
- An intimate, low-key atmosphere perfect for lingering conversations
- Betty Kupsa's warm hospitality and innovative chug flight concept
Don't go for
- A smoke-free environment or a large, airy cocktail lounge
- Card payments under 50 euros (cash or higher minimums apply)