With bars and restaurants that are open throughout all hours of the night and feature menus for pretty much every taste, it is no wonder that Tel Aviv has a world-renowned nightlife. The bar scene especially has gained major traction and attention in recent years. Bars in Tel Aviv have become more than just a place to grab a beer. Seemingly everyday a new creative spot pops up to offer patrons an all-encompassing experience from the spectacular decor, fresh noshes, and innovative cocktails. At the end of May, there was even a whole week dedicated to exploring and seeking out the best adult beverages. In honor of the 2018 Tel Aviv cocktail week coming to a close, the following features a diverse list of ten amazing Tel Aviv bars that locals and tourists alike frequent and love.
Norman Library Bar
Located in the five star Norman Hotel, this electric bar is open throughout the daytime and evening. During the day it is a fantastic meeting spot to grab a coffee or an afternoon tea. After sunset, the ambiance transforms into an elegant lounge. Regardless of the hour, they offer an extensive array of beverages and cocktails. Their menu features classic drinks like cosmopolitans and Moscow mules, as well as original creations inspired by the region’s history such as their ginger liqueur based cocktail monikered “The Promised Land”.
La Otra
If you are in the mood to escape Tel Aviv for an evening in favor of a more tropical vibe, La Otra is the place to be. Inspired by Mexico and the Caribbean, their perfected cocktails, which are grouped into four categories (sour, tiki, boozy and wild), are heavy in Rum, Mezcal, and Tequila. A pro tip to enhance your experience is to order a snack like their guacamole and chips or ceviche.
Spicehaus
Situated on one of the most lively streets in the heart of Tel Aviv, this concept bar provides much more than just good cocktails. At this “cocktail pharmacy” themed spot you are in for a unique experience. There is a wide selection of cocktails to choose from that are all served in wacky apparatus. For example, the “Test Tube Baby”, a delicious concoction of bourbon, blackberry, apricot brandy and pineapple, is served in test tubes while other mixes are brought in giant beakers and fish bowls.
Double Standard
Double standard is Spicehaus’s newborn younger sister. This spot doubles as a mixology shop by day and moonlights as a cocktail bar. If you’re in the mood to experiment and hone in on your bartender skills definitely stop by during the day to purchase some of their freshly made mixers and syrups. Similar to Spicehaus in the evening, the cocktails are served in crafty and creative vessels that add to the drinking experience.
Aria
This two-floor venue with an upstairs restaurant and ground floor cocktail lounge provides a trifecta of sophisticated snacks, crafted cocktails and, magical music. Here you can indulge in hors D’oeuvres prepared with seasonal ingredients alongside an original cocktail. Furthermore, every evening Aria brings in local and international DJs who perform late into the night and transform the lounge into a dance party.
Voodoo
Originally established as a laid-back bar, VooDoo has recently evolved into a vibrant, bright and self-proclaimed “wild” spot. In terms of food, there is something for everyone from “foodie” carpaccio dishes and simple “kiddie” favorites like burgers and fries. The cocktail bar is at the epicentre of all the madness and features special voodoo spirits as well as original twists on classic drinks.
Jasper Johns
Jasper Johns is a one of a kind hidden little speakeasy that hosts cocktail fanatics until the wee hours of the morning. It is a top spot amongst industry insiders and many of the city’s bartenders are known to head to Jasper after their own shifts. The Jasper spiked Ice Tea, which features passionfruit and lemon essence is a must try.
Bushwick
Located inside the Fabric Hotel off of Nachalat Binyamin, Bushwick serves up an array of fun and creative cocktails. The have drinks such as the “So Fresh So Clean” and the “G.I.LF.”, but if you are not a fan of what they have on the menu, don’t worry, if you tell them what you prefer they will make a drink specifically catered to you. Safe to say you are in for a good night!
Ultra Cocktail Bar
Hayarkon Street 78
This swanky Japanese inspired bar located in the Ultra hotel is a cocktail connoisseur’s heaven. The secret recipes only include fresh ingredients and flavors that you will not be able to find anywhere else. Think bananas, salted-caramel popcorn, smoked saffron, raspberry Jam, black mint and more all in cocktail form.
Raisa
Yehuda Margoza St 10
Raisa, a restaurant bar located in Jaffa is great for anyone on a budget who still wants a high-quality dining and cocktail experience with variety. This spot does not take itself too seriously and the vibe is consistently relaxed, but always fun! The menu is constantly evolving and typically features small to medium sized dishes that are great for sharing.
