Fodor's Expert Review Hayal Kahvesi
Editor's Note: This location is no longer in operation.
One of Beyoğlu's longest-running live music venues, Hayal Kahvesi has been in operation for more than 20 years and now has branches all over Turkey. This long, narrow space just off İstiklal Caddesi hosts nightly gigs by both well-known and up-and-coming Turkish bands and musicians, mostly playing rock, with the occasional blues, jazz, or pop in the mix. The main performance usually starts mid- to late evening, with a cover band coming on after midnight.