Bar entertainment in Turkey
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A
Leb-I Derya Richmond
This sleek younger sister of perennial favourite Leb-i Derya is more restrained and decidedly more chic than her big sis. Fortunately there’s no threat of sibling rivalry as the crowd here is older and more cashed-up. The views from the huge windows are just as fab.
reviewed
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B
Hi-Jazz Bar
This mellow little bar round the corner from Chez Evy has canned (and sometimes live) jazz. It's very friendly and cosy but with no outside space – not one for the height of summer.
reviewed
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C
Pink Bistro Café
The oldest drinking establishment in Selçuk, it's called a café, looks like a pub, but functions as a bar-cum nightclub. Ask Mesut, the bar tender, to demonstrate some of his famous magic tricks.
reviewed
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D
Mavi Bar
Conveniently sited at the far end of the main square, the Mavi's permanently packed with people - it was Kaş' favourite when we visited. It plays a good mix of music and has tables outside.
reviewed
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E
Vefa Bozacisi
This famous boza bar was established in 1875 and locals still flock here to drink the viscous tonic, which is made from water, sugar and fermented grain. The mucous-coloured beverage has a reputation for building up strength and virility – it won’t be to everyone’s taste, but the bar itself, with its blue tiles, mirrored columns, marble tables and wooden bar, is worth a visit in its own right. If the boza is too confrontational for you, the bar also serves şıra, a fermented grape juice.
reviewed
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F
Sultan Pub
Sultanahmet’s version of Ye Olde English Pub, the Sultan has been around for years and continues to attract the crowds due to its peerless position close to Aya Sofya, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıçı). The pub grub is what you’d expect from a place like this (ie stodge), but the outdoor tables are a great spot to watch the world go by and the beer is served in iced glasses, just the way it should be.
reviewed
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G
Red Red Wine House
Stay close to me-e-e! In a former stable with arched ceilings, this seductive local feels like an ancient bootlegger's secret mixing den decorated by lovers of adult contemporary. A steady chain of guests smoke fruity pipes and sip increasingly palatable Cappadocian wines; hot, cold or shimmering at room temperature. It's open year round to honour the memory of former visitor Carlos Santana, whose spirit continues through live music most nights.
reviewed
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H
Cumhuriyet
The atmosphere of this historic place in the Balık Pazarı reeks of nostalgia (the name is Turkish for ‘Republic’ and it’s been around for nearly as long). Photos of Atatürk, who was a regular customer, are a feature. Try and get a table on the 2nd floor; you’ll eat basic, but always fresh, food and listen to good fasıl.
reviewed
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I
Lıtera
A new addition to Beyoğlu’s world-famous rooftop bar scene, Litera occupies the sixth floor of the Goethe Institute building and revels in its extraordinary views of the Old City. It doubles as a club late on Friday and Saturday nights and as a restaurant at all times, but our experience would suggest that you’re best to avoid eating here.
reviewed
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J
Zihni
When antique dealer Zihni Şardağ acquired the fittings of the Park Hotel’s historic American Bar in the 1980s, he found himself loathe to part with them. His solution was to open this atmospheric bar in a century-old apartment designed by the famous İstanbullu architect, Vedat Tek. The scene here is elegant and upmarket, as befits its pedigree.
reviewed
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K
Cheers Bar
Slap-bang in the middle of backpacker central, this raucous bar is not for the faint-hearted. If you can imagine nothing better than sinking a skinful, listening to Men at Work's Land Down Under and bragging about how cheaply you're managing to live while on the road, this place is for you. The nearby Just Bar offers more of the same.
reviewed
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L
Pano
You’ll have to fight your way through the throngs at this extraordinarily popular wine bar on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night. Serious drinkers prop themselves on the high bar tables at the front and swig the cheap house wine; others take a table at the back or upstairs and pace themselves while sampling hot and cold meze.
reviewed
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M
Kybele Hotel Bar
The lounge bar at this charming but vaguely eccentric hotel is chock-full of antique furniture, richly coloured rugs and old etchings and prints, but its signature style comes courtesy of the hundreds of colourful glass lights that are suspended from the ceiling. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric spot for a pre-dinner drink.
reviewed
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Smyrna
Smyrna is known for its long bar, collection of antique toys, couch-filled back corner and candlelit tables. The atmosphere is laid back, the music is unobtrusive and the crowd is early-30s ‘Beyoğlu Arty’. If you decide to make a night of it here (and many do) there’s good simple food available, too.
reviewed
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O
Badehane
This tiny neighbourhood bar is a favourite with Beyoğlu’s bohemian set because of its cheap beer. On balmy evenings the laneway is crammed with chattering, chain-smoking artsy types sipping a beer or three; when it’s cold they squeeze inside. Dress down and be ready to enjoy an attitude-free evening.
reviewed
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P
Karga Bar
Karga is one of the most famous bars in the city, offering cheap drinks, loud music and avant-garde art on its walls and in the upstairs gallery. It doesn’t have a street sign – look for a green building with a wooden door. There’s a small courtyard downstairs to enjoy a late-afternoon beer.
reviewed
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Q
Pacha Bar
We don't know whether to be amused by or disapproving of the Pacha Bar's advertising slogan, which urges customers to 'get their rocks off'. Behind the otogar, it has sultry lighting, the mandatory disco ball and plenty of dark corners. It also has a pool table and big-screen TV.
reviewed
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R
Kale Bar
This patio bar attached to the CH Tükevi Hotel may very well command the most spectacular harbour and sea view in all of Antalya. Cocktails are priced accordingly (TL15 to TL22).
reviewed
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S
Anemon Galata Bar
Largely ignored by the İstanbul bar set, this eyrie on top of a restored Ottoman hotel is one of the best places in the city to watch the sunset while enjoying a quiet drink. Views over to Old İstanbul and across the Golden Horn (Haliç) are stunning.
reviewed
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Old Town
In the old town, there's a string of fabulous bars-cum-nightclubs that are well-designed, glam and much more Turkish-than-tourist. Beer costs around €5.50 and all are open 22:00 to 04:00 May to September, though a few sporadically open at weekends in winter.
reviewed
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5 Kat
This İstanbul institution is a great alternative for those who can’t stomach the style overload at 360 and the like. In winter, drinks are served in the boudoir-style bar; in summer, action moves to the outdoor terrace. Both have great Bosphorus views.
reviewed
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U
Panorama Bar
The Panorama Bar, off 30 Sokak, is more of a permanent fixture and less of a club. Its terrace, though not large, more than justifies the bar's name - it probably boasts the best views in Marmaris. To find it, follow the signs from left of the museum and castle.
reviewed
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V
Büyük Londra Oteli Bar
This is a true time-warp experience. We’d hazard a guess that the decor at this historic hotel has remained untouched for close on a century, and we’re pleased to report that the prices haven’t hiked up much during that time.
reviewed
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W
Flintstones Cave Bar
Retaining 'it' club status with the closure of some other after-hours joints, Flintstones is more than just another licensed hole-in-the-rock. It's a favourite among young foreign single somethings who like to clench their fists, reach for the stars and roast their cold beers by the fireplace.
reviewed
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X
Han Bar
Upstairs in the 19th-century Yalı Han, this is a popular hang-out where DJs play. The outside gallery overlooks an equally popular courtyard tea garden.
reviewed
