23 Best Bars in Israel

Many of the cocktails here are lit up with a fiery uproar, and some come with garnishes straight out of a toy shop. It's definitely worth watching the skilled bartenders do their stuff in a room that takes you straight back to the 1920s. Small dishes are served with a bit less drama and include beef tartare, crispy calamari, and house-made fried kale chips (hard to find in Israel). In true speakeasy fashion, the bar is expertly hidden inside a small boutique hotel, on a side street near the northern end of Rothschild Boulevard.

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.

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.

This stylish neighborhood bar has the feel of Prohibition-era New York City. The suspender-wearing bartenders specialize in excellent mixed drinks. Order a spicy apple martini to go alongside the expertly crafted bar food.

You can choose from 15 beers on tap and five local brews in bottles at this bar in a finely preserved former home with much of its original tilework. This laid-back spot attracts a more mature crowd in the evening. Old-timers may remember a similarly named Attica, but don't be put off; this is a different place.

Aptly named for a small fish that's a staple of the city's old-time restaurants, Bar Barbunia draws a mixed crowd that ranges from fishermen to financial planners. It manages to be both smoky and cheerful, and the music tends toward classics from the '70s. The bar is small and can get extremely busy so don't be surprised if the party spills out onto the street.

Paying homage to a certain neighborhood in Brooklyn, Bushwick is known for its lively atmosphere and excellent cocktail menu. The bar is situated on the ground floor of the trendy new Fabric Hotel and, apart from serving breakfast to hotel guests, is also a popular spot for sipping a morning coffee or chilling over afternoon drinks. Don't miss the Rhubarbara Streisand or the wild and smoky Here Comes the Tiger. They're brought to you by the team of mixology maestros behind the immensely popular Imperial Craft Cocktail Bar.

Join Ben-Gurion University students for a beer, pizza, and burgers at Coca Bar, behind the student dorms.

The Colony Bar at the hotel of the same name opens nightly to both guests and visitors. Grab a drink in the heart of the German Colony, right on the boulevard; the location can't be beat. This classy, intimate bar caters to a more mature crowd.

Set in the German Colony, Haifa's first sushi bar turns into an attractive pub at night. It's the kind of place where everyone seems to know everyone else. A side room with sofas adds to the casual ambience.

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.

At this neighborhood tavern rich with history, the regulars tend to be older and mellower. Groups of friends congregate outside in the beer garden or inside at the small bar while enjoying jazz or blues.

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.

This place mainly attracts students and an eclectic crowd of young, bohemian, and open-minded people. The bar is split in two, with an alley down the middle that's ideal for kicking back and enjoying a pint. Order a burger and fries, or try some of the excellent homemade hummus.

A two-level subterranean courtyard adorned by local graffiti artists draws bohemian music addicts and casual partiers for alternative music, not to mention fresh baked pizza and mojito slushies. Any night of the week you can find a relaxed crowd enjoying either a live band or an international DJ playing hip-hop, soul, or electronic music. The vibe changes over the weekend, as Tel Avivians come to celebrate the end of the working week and party the night away. 

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.

This lively sports bar and live-music destination offers a friendly oasis with an American vibe. Families as well as nightlife seekers will feel equally at home with the menu of more than 70 sandwiches and salads, burgers, and burritos.

This well-stocked bar with multiple locations throughout the city appeals mainly to the over-thirty crowd. Live sports on TV, live music, and its location on the promenade facing the beach make it popular with tourists.

A fully stocked bar, frequent live music, and a pub menu with burgers, fries, and salads make this an excellent place to grab a drink steps from the historical sites of Bethlehem. The menu is mostly Western, except for sushi and a selection of flavors for the shisha water pipes. Check out Rewined's other branches in Jericho and Jerusalem as well.

Part of the trendy HaTachana train station compound, this tapas bar evokes a Latin atmosphere with its sultry mood music. Sangria and other Spanish-style beverages are the theme of the large outdoor bar, where you may be lucky enough to catch some live music.

With an impressive selection of whiskey from every corner of the globe, Whiskey Bar & Museum (bar, museum, and restaurant, actually) showcases more than 1,000 different bottles, all of which you can sample and buy. Set in one of the historic tunnels built under the Sarona district by the German Templers in the 19th century, the space is steeped in history, having previously been a local winery and, more recently, home to the Israeli secret service, Mossad. The menu features a selection of kosher dishes designed to pair well with whiskey, including charcuterie and desserts.

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.