Farewell to Room 77: The Bitcoin Bar That Made History

End of an Era: Room 77 Shuts Its Doors

Room 77, the legendary bar and restaurant in Berlin that made headlines as the first brick-and-mortar establishment to accept cryptocurrency, has closed for good. According to a touching post by its founder, Joerg Platzer, on October 18, the bar no longer welcomes customers after more than 15 successful years in the heart of Kreuzberg.

A Bittersweet Goodbye

In a message that could easily be mistaken for a tribute to Douglas Adams, Platzer expressed gratitude, saying, “thanks again for all the fish and the generous tips.” For those who might have missed this classic humor, it’s a gentle nod to the whimsical tone of Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

Room 77: A Pioneer in Crypto Payments

Room 77 wasn’t just any local watering hole; it was known affectionately as “the restaurant at the end of capitalism.” It made history in May 2011 when it accepted its first Bitcoin payment for a simple pint of beer. At the time, with Bitcoin just reaching parity with the U.S. dollar, the price of beer meant hailing a cost that seems almost laughable today—more than 1 BTC!

Memories of the Bitcoin Bar

Patrons of Room 77 like to share their experiences, reminiscing about their pilgrimage to this iconic spot. Bitcoin educator Andreas Antonopoulos even credited the bar with enlightening local business owners on cryptocurrency, proving that a good brew can ignite brilliant ideas.

• Eric Lombrozo: “A visit to Berlin was never complete without stopping by Room 77.”
• Phil Lucsok: “I wanted to spend some decentralized currency for the first time in my life.”

The Pandemic’s Toll on the Bar Scene

While Platzer hasn’t cited a specific reason for the closure, speculation is rife. Many attribute it to the impacts of COVID-19 and the resultant restrictions on nightlife events. In Berlin, bars faced curfews and strict gathering limits that no doubt took a toll on customer turnout.

Reflections on a Landmark

Many in the crypto community voiced their sadness over this closing. Crypto economist Jon Matonis lamented, “Blame it on COVID or blame it on gentrification, this Kreuzberg landmark has served as a Bitcoin watering hole for over 10 years.” It’s safe to say not just a bar, but a crucial part of the Bitcoin narrative has bid us adieu.