Entertainment in Tel Aviv
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A
Shesek
Something of a black sheep on this street of progressive bars, Mish Mish is a rough-around-the-edges scenester bar and bohemian haunt well-known for pumping out a variety of music (mash-ups and punk to trance and avant-garde hip-hop) and quality beer (including Taybeh, a micro-brew manufactured in Ramallah). It's the kind of place where you can have a civilised conversation with the DJ and make a few requests.
reviewed
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B
Breakfast Club
Plastered with photos of the famous and infamous (Kim Il Sun, Stalin, the Ayatollah and Salvador Dali), and showing bizarre movies on its TVs (Blade Runner, The Wall), this place makes for a unique downtown dance experience. It's known as a late-night destination, so don't bother turning up until 02:00 or 03:00.
reviewed
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C
Minzar
Set back from the main street, this is a bohemian-style coffeehouse that actually specialises in beer. Happy hour extends from 17:00 to 22:00.
reviewed
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D
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
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E
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
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F
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
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G
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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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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J
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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K
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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L
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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M
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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N
Carpé Diem
A relaxed atmosphere pervades this gay and lesbian place, helped by the back lounge deck which has floor seating on cushions. Occasional professional strip performances: Monday for men and Tuesday for women.
reviewed
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O
Evita
This is a preppy café that mutates into a saucy gay lounge-bar by night. There's plenty of pelvic-shaking and free-flowing alcohol. It's located on a quiet alley a half-block south of Rothschild Blvd.
reviewed
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P
M.A.S.H.
This long-time travellers' haunt has billiard tables, cheap beer and a friendly vibe. It's a good place to watch sports or just drink till you fall down (the name is short for More Alcohol Served Here).
reviewed
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Q
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
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R
Dome
One of the biggest dance clubs, but if you need to slip away from the crowds, just go out back to a beach-style chill-out space. Student parties are held on Fridays. Once a month the gay parties.
reviewed
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Ramat Gan National Stadium
Tel Avivans are passionate about their football team, the Maccabi Tel Aviv. Big matches are played at this stadium from October to June. Tickets can be bought at the stadium on game day.
reviewed
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S
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
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T
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.
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Minerva
This dedicated lesbian bar was supposedly renovated, though it's still quite the seedy dive, which may appeal to some. DJ dance parties are held every Thursday.
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Zoa Theatre
Zoa Theatre is a small theatre with nightly performances in Hebrew. The Yiddish theatre (www.yiddishpiel.co.il) occasionally stages performances here.
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W
TLV Club
This large discotheque often features Israeli rock and pop stars - call to find out what's on. Admission prices vary, depending on who's performing.
reviewed
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X
New Cameri Theatre
Hosts theatre performances in Hebrew, with simultaneous English translation on Thursdays only. The theatre is in the Israeli Opera House.
reviewed
