Tel Aviv nightlife: the best bars in the White City

Hidden inside the Imperial Hotel, the Imperial Craft Cocktail Bar is the top of the top when it comes to craft cocktails. This temple to the lost art of cocktail goes back to the source, featuring veteran bartenders from the younger years of the White City. With an Asian-colonial inspired kitchen and a wide range of music from jazz to rock n’ roll, it’s no coincidence Imperial was crowned Drinks International magazine’s ‘Best Bar in Africa and the Middle East.’

Chat to any local and they’ll whisper in your ears sweet nothings -- or everythings – about this important nightlife haven. If you’re into trends that haven’t become trends, because they’re so trendy, then Teder is the only place to be. Dive into an alternate world, where the cool reign and the grooves flow. Opt for this great cultural alternative to the mainstream commercial nightlife.

With simple food options and affordable beers, tourists and locals continuously seek out HaMinzar for a lovely night out. With a young and stylish crowd, the vibe and energy is chill, so come prepared to take your time and bask in this calming setting. With mismatched tables and chairs, the unpretentious restaurant setting makes it clear that the owner’s focus is geared towards food and drink. Best of all, HaMinzar is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Where else can you find a bar, cafe, book and record store, and live music venue all in one? Only at Uganda, where alcohol meets great food and culture. Located at the very start of Florentin just steps from Rothschild Boulevard, there is always something funky happening at Uganda, such as a comic book sale, an experimental band playing or an art exhibition. A laid back atmosphere and friendly crowd completes the scene, enhanced by great beers on tap. 

As a former art gallery, the October bar maintained the artist mentality, creating timeless masterpieces—only this time they are presented in the form of food. Though presented as a bar, the venue’s three owners (all born in October) sought to include delicious food on their menu. With tasty nibbles like leek fritters smothered in yogurt sauce, you can’t go wrong. And the locals love it! Don’t let the name fool you either. October bar is not only an autumn amenity. This gem of a spot is open all twelve months of the year.

Set in south Tel Aviv where Allenby Street meets Yehuda Halevi, this new-ish hangout haven has a certain mysticism, charm and rapture to it. It’s a two-level bundle of pure joy with a subterranean courtyard and staircase, a tiny misshapen dance floor and spirited ambience. It even has a vintage clothing store hidden within its labyrinth of rooms. Say the magic words, “Kuli Alma,” to any local and you’ll immediately make it into the cool books of Tel Aviv.

This too-cool-for-school watering hole is the newest fad on the Allenby bar scene. Nilus bar - named after the Nile - combines high class hipster with lesbian-friendly vibes. The DJs, bartenders and managers are predominantly women bringing the spotlight down on Tel Aviv's art culture. Expect to meet directors, photographers, and budding artists while swirling a creative cocktail. And, when you want a break from the arts and culture, head upstairs for some recharging food or a smoke.   

This is the go-to bar for the cool and beautiful hipster crowd of Tel Aviv’s preeminent hipster kingdom. DJs play sets fusing funk and reggae, electro and hip-hop – and never tire until the early hours of the morning. With plenty of beer on tap and a real groovy crowd, this is a must-visit if you have even an ounce of bohemian blood bubbling inside of you.