Bar entertainment in Israel & The Palestinian Territories
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
A
Blaumilech
Overlooking gorgeous Rothschild Blvd and busy Allenby St, Blaumilech is perfectly placed to draw in big crowds to it cosy confines. Comfy sofas line the interior of this low-lit lounge-bar and in between them people attempt to dance to the rock, pop and hip hop dished out by the nightly DJ.
It can be a wild scene with so many people trying to dance, drink and mingle in such a tight space. The clientele is an unpretentious 20s and 30s crowd and you shouldn't expect anyone to turn up before 23:00. If the interior is overcrowded you could always hang out on the front deck, a great spot to catch a breather before diving back into the fray.
reviewed
-
B
Shoshana Johnson
A curious find in downtown Tel Aviv. Where most places are all sleek chrome and neon lights, this one belongs in the Latin Quarter of some other continent. The ambiance is relaxed but it's undoubtedly a singles bar - popular with a 30ish crowd. There is no sign in English, so look for the 'Libros en Español' sign. And the name? Shoshana Johnson was an American POW caputured in Iraq - although were not sure what that has to do with a bar on Allenby St.
reviewed
-
Unplugged
Next door to the Underground Pub, this place has a main bar plus a popular outdoor tented area that attracts rowdy young things pretending to be drunk, and sleazy soldiers who commandeer the picnic tables with impressive MTV rip-off dance moves. While it would be an OK place to puff on a water pipe and relax on the couches, the music is so loud it makes chatting with friends a distinct impossibility.
reviewed
-
C
Nanuchka
This Georgian place is set inside an old home, and this fact comes through in the rambling nature of the place - there are several interconnected rooms, one for dining, one for drinking and others for floor lounging. It serves partially as a restaurant but most people simply try to wedge their way to the bar, where a convivial atmosphere makes it easy to meet others.
reviewed
-
D
Borderline
The name of this place comes from its location close to the former Green Line, which divided Israel from Jordan prior to 1967. It’s not so tense these days, with a pleasant garden and rustic indoor bar of Jerusalem stone. The clientele is a pleasant mix of Palestinian businessmen and foreign aid workers based in the neighbourhood.
reviewed
-
E
Papaya
More Thai Island than Tiberias, this slick little beach bar reckons it has the best cocktails in town. Weekly theme nights such as karaoke and salsa get the tiny dance floor shaking, but the best time of day is dusk when you can actually catch not only the bartender's attention, but the great sunset views over the lake.
reviewed
-
F
Gong
Stunning Japanese-influenced place with black lacquered furniture, blood-red lighting and blaring hip-hop sounds. It's mostly a bar but they also serve excellent appetisers like sushi and chicken wings, as well as main dishes: try the excellent stuffed beef with shitaki mushrooms.
reviewed
-
G
Bolinat
In the late afternoon the patio in front of Bolinat is jam-packed with young Jerusalemites sunning themselves and downing pints of beer. Basic meals like sandwiches and salads are also available. Since it’s always open it gets busy on Shabbat and late on weekend nights.
reviewed
-
H
Big Ben
Whatever the season, this old-timer continues to attract tourists and locals with its easy-going sports-bar feel. A mix of young and old enjoy cold beers and greasy bar snacks, international football highlights on the big screen, and late night action under the trees.
reviewed
-
I
Rivendell
One of several über-chic lounge-bars in the Old Port. If the name sounds familiar, Rivendell was an Elven outpost in the Lord of the Rings. No elves here, just A-listers enjoying the seafront location and pricy drinks. Wednesday is an '80s dance party.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
J
Blend
Set in the courtyard of a historic house, this is one of the most attractive bars in the city. This open area gives a unique feel, as if you're at a cocktail party at the home of some fabulously wealthy Tel Avivan.
reviewed
-
K
Cellar Bar
Tucked inside the historic American Colony Hotel, this vaulted basement bar is an intimate nook dating back to the late 19th century. It’s popular with journalists taking a break from covering one war or another.
reviewed
-
L
Cosa Nostra
Tucked into a shack, this funky little bar attracts musicians and bohemians after a cold beer and old-school rock and rap. When was the last time you grooved to a line up of Run DMC and the Bee Gees?
reviewed
-
M
La Mer
This summertime beach bar is a 24-hour party hub. Come in the evening when you can dig your feet in the sand, sip cocktails and watch the moonlight play off the sea.
reviewed
-
N
Lenny's
Young and hip, Lenny's is a great little neighbourhood bar in Florentine. There are a few other bars on this street that you can crawl to in a matter of seconds.
reviewed
-
O
Zolli's
Popular sports bar offering 12 types of draft beer, 15 flavours of tobacco for the nargileh and 50 types of whiskey.
reviewed
-
P
Al-Kuz Café and Bar
This charmingly kitschy Bedouin-inspired coffeebar extends out to a rambling patio garden. Free wi-fi.
reviewed
-
Travellers' Bars - Ben Yehuda St
Open seven days a week and charge between ₪15 to ₪20 for a beer.
reviewed
-
Travellers' Bars - Herbert Samuel Esplanade
Open seven days a week and charge between ₪15 to ₪20 for a beer.
reviewed
-
Q
Bukowski
Completely enclosed with sound-proof walls and without a sign on the outside, you could walk past this place a dozen times and never know that there is a rockin' party behind the closed door. Smoky and dimly lit, this local bar is a dress-down place with a vociferous following and long list of drinks. Predominantly '80s music.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
R
Lanski
Built in the shape of an 'H' for maximum eye-contact opportunities, this bar makes claim to be the biggest in the Middle East, an assertion we won't try to dispute. Sunday is bartenders' night, when Tel Aviv's barmen come in to swap war stories.
reviewed
-
S
Mish Mish
Looking back to an earlier age of cocktails and jazz music, Mish Mish attracts a slightly older crowd of Lilienblum faithful. It's right next door to the more youthful Shesek.
reviewed
