5 Local Bars Where Israelis Hang Out

Don’t hold back since you’ll never find a snooty bar in Tel Aviv, Israelis are extra nice in the city.

Food, touristy stuff, nightlife and drinks! Of course, going out for a happy hour or drinks before a night at the club can be a once in a lifetime experience. I’ve tried many restaurants and countless bars, hence I can confidently say the ones below will not let you down. Not for a second.

1. Spicehaus – cocktail bar

Dizengoff St 117, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

Spicehaus is a great place to get together with friends. This is recommended by every guidebook and local, the bar didn’t let me down. Spicehaus’ plates are a bit small, but great for sharing. Let’s get to the drinking. Ordering a drink here is not easy while I can’t recommend one single drink because everything the bar creates is unique and amazing. The presentation is pretty and intentional. The people who work here exude happiness which makes the experience even better! NOTE: they don’t open until after 4 p.m.

2. Johnny Boy – best vibe

Frishman St 39, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

UGH. Johnny Boy was probably one of my favorite nights in TLV. The music, the vibe, everything about Johnny Boy was pure fun. I spent this night with two other friends, we order fries and sweet potato fries, too. Then drank about five bottles of wine between the three of us. Let’s just say if you want a fun night, Johnny Boy is definitely the place to go. I would call ahead, most of the time Johnny Boy is poppin’. But it’s worth the wait.

3. Haiku Skybar – spectacular view

Ben Yehuda St 3, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

Haiku is on posh and swanky side, but I think everyone should get the chance to experience it. Haiku is a rooftop bar and the view is UNREAL! It’s located on top of the Lighthouse Hotel, you do not need to stay at the hotel to enjoy the bar and the view. I certainly enjoyed a lot of drinks and great music with a ton of friends.

4. Ilka Bar – local fave

Dizengoff St 148, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

You know when you are just walking down the street, aimlessly on a random night with zero plans and come across a great bar? That was this kind of night. My friends and I went for dinner and decided we wanted to stay out, we figured, “Hey, let’s get a drink and see where the night goes.” Well, did the night go with enormous laughs, drinks and dancing. Ilka Bar’s service was fantastic, the vibe was excellent, everything about this place is wonderful.

5. Tzina – cool & flirty

Dizengoff St 116, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

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Tzina is another one of those finds… sometimes it’s more about the atmosphere than the drinks which were great. Just like a regular pub but the ambiance is high, so you can tell locals here are up for a good time. Plus, happy hour drinks are half off! You can order food to munch on and drinks for the table. Then, enjoy the company you are surrounded with. I’m excited to get back to Israel (hopefully soon) and spend my nights here!

Sydney Dreyfus

Contributor

Sydney has an out of the box personality and is passionate about finding the best food wherever she is. She is an absolute foodie and will travel many miles for a cup of coffee. She hopes to spend more years in Israel and traveling the rest of the world.