When it comes to having a great drink, there is no shortage of quality in Istanbul. The city has a superb range of quality bars and pubs spread through the liveliest neighborhoods. Majority of the great bars in Istanbul can be found in Taksim, Istiklal Street and Nevizade Street, Galata and Karakoy neighborhoods in Beyoglu district, as well as Sisli, Besiktas and Kadikoy districts.
Top 10 Best Experience, Speciality Cocktail & Imported Beer Bars in Istanbul
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to entertain with you friends by night, or celebrate, party or just a fun hangout, below you can find our choice of the best bars in Istanbul.
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1. 16 ROOF
- Visnezade Mah. Acisu Sok. N. 19, 34357 Macka, Besiktas/Istanbul
Open seasonally May – October, 16ROOF is located on top of the Swissôtel The Bosphorus with some of the most magnificent views in the city! Designed as both a bar and restaurant, you can experience Istanbul nightlife in a relaxed and intimate setting.
Enjoy a delicious meal with unique flavors that the chef has created by fusing European and Asian cuisine. Believing that music enhances every experience, a mix of DJ performances and live music are featured on various evenings. Featuring some of the best shisha in town, 16ROOF is a great place to relax and meet with friends or loved ones for a completely magnificent night in the heart of this vibrant city!
2. Monkey Sishane
- Nejat Eczacıbaşı Binası Sishane, 34433 Beyoğlu
Located on top of the Foundation for Culture and Arts, Monkey features a beautiful rooftop with views over the city! This lively cocktail bar features exceptional views of the Bosphorus, with local DJ’s playing slow house music and laid-back beats to help you relax and get you through Happy Hour.
With a bistro serving snacks and local favorites, the staff is attentive and the bar is a local favorite for creatives and artists. Try out their signature cocktails such as the Narcist, English Breakfast Tea or Hot Passion.
3. Craft Beer Lab
- Caddebostan, Bağdat Cd. No:290 D:A, 34728 Kadikoy/Istanbul
- Sinanpaşa, Şair Nedim Cd. No:4, 34353 Besiktas/Istanbul
The Craft Beer Lab is a great casual place, perfect for meeting friends. With two branches, one in Kadikoy and one in Besiktas, it’s easy to find a convenient location. Each location has rustic-chic decor and a gorgeous back patio and garden for the true biergarten experience.
The restaurant offers heaping juicy burgers with french fries, plus over 100 imported beers. In business since 2012, The Craft Beer Lab has become the go-to place for locals and foreigners to find the specialty beer from abroad or tastes of home. Accompanied by well selected world cuisine, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a place to spend the evening, the Craft Beer Lab is the perfect choice.
4. Lucca Bar
- Bebek, Cevdet Paşa Cd. 51/A, 34342 Sariyer/Istanbul
Lucca Bar is the master of all things beverage! One of the first places that comes to mind when it comes to entertainment, food and cocktails, Lucca Bar is located in Istanbul’s trendy Bebek neighborhood near the beautiful Bosphorus. It’s well known for its delicious cocktails, especially its mojitos and satsuma vodka.
At 11pm the bistro transforms into a bar where you can dance and enjoy quality music from local DJ’s. The outstanding wine menu offers a total of 60 different wines, 18 varieties by the glass. If you are visiting during the day, try some of the rich coffee varieties, or choose from a selection of world-class teas and delicious international dishes.
5. Alexandra Cocktail Bar
- Arnavutköy, Bebek Arnavutköy Cd No:50, 34345 Besiktas/Istanbul
Nestled in the heart of Arnavutköy, Alexandra Cocktail Bar is a hidden gem. With its high ceilings and cozy atmosphere, the bar is the perfect place to enjoy a drink with friends. The decor is stunning, with an eclectic mix of vintage furniture and modern artwork.
The cocktails are definitely a highlight, with each one being a work of art. The menu features both new twists on classic cocktails and old favorites such as Margaritas, Negroni’s and Whiskey Sours. Whether you’re looking for a night of fun or a relaxed evening out, Alexandra Cocktail Bar is the perfect spot.
6. Kozmonot Bomonti Pub
- Cumhuriyet, Düzoğlu Sk. No:2, 34380 Şişli/Istanbul
Kozmonot Bomonti Pub opened its doors in 2019 with the goal of bringing guests together with the brand new dynamics of pub culture in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a gastro-pub setting, Kozmonot Bomonti offers its guests a practical and satisfying menu with signature cocktails, 100+ international beers, and a menu that fits every moment of the day, adapting to selected drinks.
Topağacı’s popular sausage plates and shinitzels have also been presented on the menu. With a fireplace in its backyard, specially designed tubes through which the on draft beer flows, areas infused with green plants, and comfortable swings, Kozmonot Bomonti Pub offers a refreshing take on pub dining.
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7. Dorock XL
- Caferağa, Neşet Ömer Sk. No:7, 34710 Kadikoy/Istanbul
Dorock XL is a large venue for live music in Kadikoy, with various artists and events presented throughout the year. Guests can enjoy many popular performances from international musicians from a variety of genres including rock, jazz, pop, 90’s parties and more!
Designed as a concert venue, Dorock XL features a sloping floor structure and high stage for ideal viewing. With a capacity of approximately 1,000 people, it is one of the largest and leading concert venues in Istanbul. Also featuring an extensive bar area, there is a large menu for alcoholic drinks and a bistro area for snacks and meals. Tickets for upcoming events can be found online at a variety of distributors!
8. Ruby Ortakoy
- Yıldız, Ortaköy Salhanesi Sk. No:5, 34349 Besiktas/Istanbul
Ruby provides breathtaking views of the cityscape from its waterside location. With Istanbul’s Bosphorus view and unique flavors, an evening spent at Ruby is a rewarding way to catch a glimpse of this amazing city!
The menu features a variety of traditional Turkish dishes mixed with international fare as well as small plates for sharing. The specialty craft cocktails are not to be missed! With great events, parties and live performances the restaurant and the nightclubs of Ruby wait for you in Ortaköy where the pulse of night life is always alive!
9. Mesai Bar
- Azapkapı, Bankalar Cd. No:21, 34421 Beyoglu/Istanbul
Located on the terrace of a restored Italian Bank, Mesai Karaköy provides exceptional views and unique tastes to all guests. Blending Turkish cuisine with modern gastronomy, Mesai Karaköy, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner from the craftsmanship of award winning chefs from around the world.
Using both wood fired and stone ovens, the menu features seafood, appetizers, and other international dishes in a fusion of cultures along the Bosphorus. With its wide bar and lively music at dinner, accompanied by the lights of Istanbul reflected from the Galata Bridge, guests are in for the true magical experience of Istanbul! This stunning space is just a 3 minute walk from the Galata Tower.
10. Susam Café
- Cihangir, Susam Sk. No:11, 34433 Beyoglu/İIstanbul
This is a prestigious drinking place in the whole of Istanbul, with a cozy, charming and beautiful ambience. The central attraction of this café is the bar.
