Entertainment in Jerusalem
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A
International Cultural Centre for Youth
The ICCY building hosts folk dancing on Tuesdays (25NIS) from 6pm to midnight. It’s not a performance; it’s local families coming to dance, and you can join in (an instructor is available at the beginning of the session). Thursday is an all-ages dance party, where the DJ spins everything from ‘Superfly’ to the theme from Pee Wee’s Big Adventure. Participants form conga lines, as well as dancing the tango, the hora and any other possible dance formation. While it sounds a little bizarre, its actually good fun and one cultural event not to be missed. There are dances most nights of the week but you might want to call ahead to ask what’s on (Tel 052 860 8084).
reviewed
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B
Uganda
Uganda is a unique concept. As a combination comic-book store, bar and cafe, it tends to attract an eclectic crowd. Dedicated to everything that is alternative, it’s named after the alternative nation offered by the British to Herzl. Taybeh (made in Palestine) beer is served and East Jerusalem hummus can also be doled out. Comfy chairs, a relaxed vibe and good music go down well with locals and visitors alike.
reviewed
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C
Jerusalem Centre for the Performing Arts
The Jerusalem Centre for the Performing Arts includes a concert hall, theatres and a cafe. Its Sherover Theatre (admission 170NIS) has simultaneous English-language translation headsets available for certain performances. Comedy, music and dance performances are held here; it’s also home to the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. Free concerts are held on Monday at 5pm from October to June.
reviewed
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D
Yankee’s Bar
When we visited this place it seemed like the regular barflies had not left their seats in days. Sure enough, there is plenty of reason to stay: Monday is all-you-can-drink beer night (65NIS), jam sessions are held on Wednesday and outdoor concerts on Friday. At other times, owner Itzik and bartender Walter will keep you entertained somehow. It’s down a narrow alley off Yoel Solomon St.
reviewed
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E
Haoman 17
With its warehouse location, booming sound system and great lighting, Haoman 17 is one of the ultimate clubbing venues. International DJs often spin records here. When you get down to Haoman St, it’s opposite the Anjril Grill, under the Philips sign. From the City Centre it’s best to come down here in a taxi. From the German Colony it’s about a 10- to 15-minute walk.
reviewed
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F
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
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Shoshan
The gay and lesbian scene in Jerusalem is much more subdued compared with that in Tel Aviv. At the time of writing the main evening hangout was Shoshan, a small, slick bar at the end of a quiet alley south of Safra Sq. A drag show is held on Monday, dance parties are on Thursday and Friday, while Sunday is lesbian night.
reviewed
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Cafe Rimon
Spend some quality time on the porch of Cafe Rimon, soaking in the frenetic atmosphere around Damascus Gate. It’s one of the best places in town for people watching – have a camera ready to sneak some photos. You can get fresh juice (€3 to €5), nargileh (€5), or try the famed Taybeh beer (€4) from the West Bank.
reviewed
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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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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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J
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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K
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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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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L
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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M
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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N
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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O
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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Versavee
The four brothers that run this place went all out to make it a classy little setting. It has a long drinks menu but meals are also available. It’s located in the same courtyard as the Imperial Hotel.
reviewed
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Yellow Submarine
Usually a venue for live music, the Yellow Submarine also hosts DJs and dance parties. It’s best to call first to see what is on as you may need to order tickets in advance.
reviewed
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HaOzen HaShlishit
A hangout for the German Colony alternative crowd, 'the Ozen' is located off a leafy courtyard in an underground room. It rents DVDs and has a small theatre.
reviewed
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Lev Smadar Theatre
A quaint neighbourhood art-house movie theatre showing independent and foreign films. It has an attached cafe and you can bring food into the theatre.
reviewed
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S
Al-Masrah Centre for Palestine Culture & Art and Al-Kasaba Theatre
Off Salah ad-Din St in East Jerusalem, these venues stage plays, musicals, operettas and folk dancing in Arabic, often with an English synopsis.
reviewed
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T
Cinematheque
The newly renovated Cinematheque features quality foreign films and classics. This is also the home of the respectable Jerusalem Film Festival.
reviewed
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Beit Shmuel
Classical performances are sometimes held at the Beit Shmuel, part of Hebrew Union College (Saturday morning).
reviewed
