Entertainment in Israel & The Palestinian Territories
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A
Open
This place has uber-cool interior décor, complete with fish swimming in the walls and a moody bar that changes colours like a chameleon. It attracts a 20s and 30s singles crowd and has either a DJ or live music most nights. They also have a kitchen serving up excellent meat and seafood dishes.
reviewed
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B
Sira
This tiny bar is smoky, dark, crowded and loud; the beer flows pretty fast and well into the night. If you are over the age of 23 you might feel old here. It has a mini dance floor and a semi-private room in the back. It also goes by its old name, D1, if you are asking around for it.
reviewed
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C
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
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D
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
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E
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
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The Lab
Crafted out of a disused railway warehouse, this innovative bar and theatre hosts young artists, musicians and dancers mainly interested in alternative and experimental arts, hence the name. Hebrew speakers will know it as HaMa’abada. Call ahead for upcoming events.
reviewed
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F
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
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G
Village
After a big Friday night, the action gets started early with a beach party gearing up around 11:00 on Saturdays. It's cheesy but lots of fun, with a sandy dance floor, a DJ playing Israeli rap and staff hosing everyone down just in case they get too hot, hot, hot.
reviewed
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H
Jewish Princess
A healthy mix of gay, straight and bisexual yuppies pervades this creatively-designed bar, fitted with leather couches and red lighting that pokes through dangling lamps. There is a hidden lounge in the back, tapas are available and the management is friendly.
reviewed
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I
Cinematheque
This is the flagship in a chain of Israeli cinemas that feature classic, retro, foreign, avant-garde, new wave, and off-beat films. It often hosts film festivals. Alternatively, choose a film from the video library and pay ₪20 for a private screening.
reviewed
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Hammam al-Pasha Multimedia Show
The Hammam contains a worthwhile 30-minute Hammam al-Pasha multimedia show called 'The Story of the Last Bath Attendant.' The creatively designed exhibit leads you from the dressing room through the steamy rooms, all brilliantly lit with coloured glass.
reviewed
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J
Dublin
Live English and Hebrew music on Monday and Irish on Tuesday. It’s best to call ahead to reserve a table on these nights. Dublin serves Guinness on tap (half-pint 26NIS) and has some hearty pub grub, including fish and chips, wraps and empanadas.
reviewed
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Joshua
The most popular bars come and go all the time, but when we visited this was definitely the place to be a on Friday night. All the cool kids sit around schmoozing on lounge chairs or noshing on the tasty pub grub. Grab a seat and do the same!
reviewed
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K
Underground Pub
A travellers' favourite, pub grub, easy music and nightly live entertainment including a popular Wednesday-night karaoke party. Cheap beer fuels a lively crowd. There are several outdoor pool tables and live sports on the big screen inside.
reviewed
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L
Sol
Sol is a Manhattan-style bar masquerading as a tapas restaurant (or vice versa). Try veggie, cheese, calamari or shrimp tapas at reasonable prices. There is always a vibrant atmosphere, but it's best on Monday when you can hear live jazz.
reviewed
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Marina Complex
Home of the Galilee Experience, an hourly film in 12 languages, which recounts the historical, political and geographical story of the Galilee. It also includes an internet café (10NIS for 30 minutes) and a souvenir shop.
reviewed
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M
Mike's Place
On the beach, this is the place to go for live music. Blues and rock bands play nightly. There's also a sizable menu of grill-style meals, cocktails and, especially, beer. Happy hour lasts from 16:00 to 21:00, and all day on Saturday.
reviewed
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N
Golden Bar
DJs play a strong mix of rock, blues and rap for patrons on the street-side patio or the small indoor dance floor. There is also a decent choice of pub grub scrawled onto a blackboard, including chicken wings, burgers and fries.
reviewed
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O
Irish House
A classic Irish pub right down to the meat pies and pints of Guinness. Decorated with jerseys from around the globe and set up with multiple TVs showing sports, it's a good place to come and watch a football or rugby match.
reviewed
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P
Lab
Crafted out of a disused railroad warehouse, this innovative bar and theatre hosts young artists, musicians and dancers mainly interested in alternative and experimental arts, hence the name. Call ahead for upcoming events.
reviewed
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Q
Move
If you only have the time for one club in Tel Aviv, make it this place. Bursting at the seams with young Israelis, the quandary of how so many people fit into such a small space is a sight to behold. Tuesday is gay night.
reviewed
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R
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
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S
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
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T
Morrison
This booming bar and live music venue has bands on weekends and karaoke on Mondays. It caters to a young crowd of students and soldiers. The entrance is down a flight of steps next to the Holiday Inn Bayview.
reviewed
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U
Platinum
Located in King Solomon Hotel, this has been the most popular club in town for the last few years. Monday is Hebrew music only, Thursday is reserved for 25-and-overs, and on Friday the club hosts a gay party.
reviewed