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Although Jerusalem can't compete with Tel Aviv in terms of the number of nightlife attractions, what the city lacks in quantity it more than makes up for in quality. Pubs, bars, and nightclubs in Jerusalem tend to be more relaxed than those in Tel Aviv—they're friendlier, more informal, and often less expensive. As in Tel Aviv, the nightlife scene in Jerusalem starts very late: some places only begin to fill up after midnight, and most pubs are open until the early hours of the morning. Given the university presence in the city, there’s often a younger crowd at many places.
Set within the American Colony Hotel, this in-the-know place has the feel of an intimate wine cellar, with small tables, quiet corners, and a mix of languages that makes you feel far away from all the political problems of the day. It's open only during the winter months, but from June to October you can enjoy the same well-made cocktails at the outdoor Summer Bar.
Helmed by the geniuses behind Machneyuda restaurant and housed in an old factory, this is a temple to the craft of cocktails on the outskirts of Jerusalem's First Station shopping and dining complex. The drinks—mixed with outstanding homemade syrups and juices—change frequently, but if it's on the menu try a celery daiquiri. Tapas-style dishes emphasize expertly prepared seafood and include a sea-bass bruschetta, seafood curry, and smoked octopus.
Across from the New Gate of the Old City, this rooftop eatery offers an unrivaled vista of Old Jerusalem and the hills beyond. Take it all in while nibbling on some of the 45 local and imported cheeses and sipping one of the 85 wines. There's also a rather pricey menu, but the best reasons to come here are the drinks and the view.
A great watering hole with a gritty edge, Sira features a variety of music spun by DJs. Open until the wee hours, it's one of the most fun places in the city to dance. Here you'll find a hodgepodge of students and young professionals who gather on weekend afternoons.
This austere open space in the center of town once served as a cistern and a storage area, but today the Distillery is the center of Jerusalem's art and alternative music scene. During the day it's an artists' workspace, and at night it's a performance space where you can get Palestinian beer on tap and dance alongside throngs of art students. Try to make it when local DJ mini-celebrities Tali Ben Itzhak or Markey Funk are on the lineup.
A not-for-profit music center, Yellow Submarine offers performances by emerging artists alongside major Israeli and international rock and pop artists, as well as a smattering of free events throughout the calendar year and lunchtime shows as well. A decent bar also serves salads and other light fare.
Owned, operated, and across the street from the well-regarded Machneyuda restaurant, this vibrant bar serves smaller versions of the classics served there. It's good for a drink before dinner or before hitting the town. It is definitely worth trying your luck here if getting a reservation at Machneyuda doesn't work out.
An unmarked door opens to a library with bookshelves that slide apart to reveal a bar inspired by the Roaring '20s. Eager young bartenders mix classic cocktails and drinks of their own creation, accented by crushed star anise, arak liquor, absinthe, or honey syrup.
This chef-bar located around the corner from Machneyuda serves Mediterranean-inspired cocktails and tapas.
Hebrew for "Neighbor," Hashchena is a youthful bar steps from the Machaneh Yehuda market that greets you with hanging laundry and a wall of beer cans from around the world. There are plenty of local and imported brews along with a satisfying food menu.
The name means "The Record," a nostalgic tribute by the three young, musically inclined owners. This is a great place for beer, especially during happy hour. There's live music, occasional dance parties, and a back room where international soccer games are screened.
Formerly known as Borderline, Lamsa has a delightful summer garden and a huge screen for watching soccer games. In winter, seats are plentiful inside the century-old building. This Palestinian place is a great spot to try anise-flavored arak from Ramallah. It's also connected to Pasha's, a reliable source for great Middle Eastern cooking.
Named for a beloved toy store that previously occupied this space, Toy Bar is a multilevel club with cozy couches for conversation, a great selection of local DJs, and massive flat-screen TVs for live performances and keeping an eye on the game.
This intimate, inventive craft cocktail bar is situated cozily in back of 1868, with an accompanying menu of the Zuta burger, beef tartare, a Caesar salad with cured red tuna, and other treats.
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