BSTN

Night Tales: Munich

Not all heroes wear capes. Sometimes, they’re just open late.

While they are known by various names in different regions of the country (from ‘Späti’ to ‘Bude’ or ‘Trafik’), a kiosk is an essential element of nightlife culture in many German (-speaking) cities since it provides some of the essential items of nightlife culture – at the most relevant time of (day) night.

The word ‘Ladenöffnungszeitengesetz’ will tell you two things about Germans: Number one, they will probably win in Scrabble. And secondly, their lawmakers care irritatingly accurately about how long businesses – like supermarkets – are allowed to be open.

Luckily, there is German five-letter word for hero.

From a cold beverage, enjoyed on the walk from one bar to another, to a new lighter to replace the one you dropped on the crowded dance floor of the club you just left, the kiosk has got your back when traditional shops are closed.

America might run on Dunkin’ – or so the Boston-based coffee roaster claims – but on a warm summer night, Germany may very well run on these small, bodega-like stores, providing everything from cold drinks for those out on the town to replenishment for the home BBQ going into extra innings – all while circumventing the Ladenöffnungszeitengesetz.

Read more about German kiosk culture below.