Discover Tel Aviv's Thriving Cocktail Scene: Top Bars and Innovative Drinks
Tel Aviv's cocktail scene has flourished in recent years, with stylish bars emerging in luxury hotels, hidden speakeasies, and vibrant city spots. Locals and visitors flock to the city center each evening, especially on Saturdays as Shabbat ends and the nightlife ignites.
Middle Eastern ingredients like apricot and honey mingle with global influences—from Scandinavian to American—in Tel Aviv's dynamic cocktail bars. This fusion reflects the city's cosmopolitan vibe, often dubbed 'New York City by the sea.' Whether craving a perfectly crafted classic or a bold new creation, Tel Aviv offers something for every palate.
Best for a luxurious setting: Library Bar
Tucked within the opulent Norman Hotel, Library Bar provides a serene escape from Tel Aviv's bustling streets. Led by acclaimed mixologist Noy Davidai, the menu showcases Norman Signatures and Classics to suit any occasion. Sink into plush leather armchairs or elegant bar stools and savor the tropical Gringo Punch—Olmeca gold tequila with mango puree, lime, and pineapple-chili syrup—or a refined negroni twist. Boasting one of the city's most extensive spirits and Israeli wine selections, it's open from 9am, perfect for afternoon aperitifs or pre-dinner sips.
Best for late-night vibes: Imperial Craft Cocktail Bar
Hidden behind the Imperial Hotel lobby, this dimly lit gem offers a seasonal, avant-garde menu with witty names categorized by flavor profiles—bitter and smoky to fruity and fresh. Open until the last guest departs with lively music pulsing late, bartenders expertly match drinks to your taste. Indulge in the Gold Fashioned, an Old Fashioned elevated with shimmering gold dust. Ideal for Saturday nightcaps, it pairs cocktails with hangover remedies like pork belly and churros.
Best for hangover cures: Spicehaus
Step into The East Jaffa Perfume Company to uncover Spicehaus, a 'sharing cocktail bar' evoking vintage pharmacies. Bartenders in lab coats mix drinks in beakers amid a constant buzz of patrons. While food abounds, the inventive presentations steal the show—classics like the Old Fashioned served in lab glassware. One of Tel Aviv's largest and most popular spots.
Best for surprises: Double Standard
Co-owned with Spicehaus, Double Standard doubles as a daytime mixology shop and nighttime bar. Grab pre-bottled cocktails to go or linger for seasonal drinks in quirky vessels—think Bloody Mary in a blood bag or a ceramic shark head. Delivery to hotels ensures convenience. Food and flavors rotate with the seasons for endless discovery.
Best for an elegant night out: Bellboy Bar
Imagine sipping from a mini plastic bathtub with a rubber duck at Bellboy Bar, a Gatsby-esque speakeasy in the Hotel Berdichevsky lobby. This 1920s-inspired haven (21+ only) features rotating cocktails and seafood small plates. Reserve for the intimate Butler inner speakeasy. The bathroom mirror holds a clever illusion.
Best for group outings: Concierge
On lively Dizengoff Street, vintage-inspired Concierge thrives in Tel Aviv's nightlife hub. Tropical drinks in eclectic glassware shine on the summer patio. Fun names like Brain Freeze and Funky Monkey beckon; try the bitter Chartreuse Swizzle or vibrant Pink Floyd (tequila, Aperol, guava). Happy hour (5-8pm) halves drink prices.
Best for seasonal flavors: 223
Tel Aviv's oldest cocktail bar (since 2008) on Dizengoff Street, 223 by Ariel Leizgold blends bold, unusual ingredients in seasonal menus. Winter Gin & Tonic fused aquavit, lavender, rose, sage, and lime for a Mediterranean winter twist. Alcoholic gummy bears add whimsy.
Best for modern classics: Botanika
In the Ultra Hotel, Botanika merges Scandinavian minimalism with Israeli flair, courtesy of Stockholm-Tel Aviv seasoned owners. Seasonal twists on classics use sesame, olive oil, and smoked cotton candy (Tivoli Negroni). Concrete walls and leather create intimacy; food pairs perfectly with drinks.
