The Bars of Jerusalem: A Drink a Day Keeps the Dr. Away

In case you haven’t heard, Jerusalem has a burgeoning and diverse nightlife scene brimming with local and expat watering holes, alternative hangouts, cocktail bars, live music venues, dance bars and more.

We’re not just talking about weekend joints either. Jerusalem nightlife runs 7 days a week, and every night there’s something special going on.

If you don’t believe us, check these out for yourself next time you’re in town…

Sunday — Free Live Music at Birman

Whether you’re winding down your weekend or starting off your week, a chill night with a surprise concert is just what the doctor ordered.

While you’re most likely to hear Jazz at Birman, you might also catch a Klezmer, gypsy folk show or just the owner on his accordion, depending on the day. The atmosphere is always casual and full of music junkies, especially on weeknights.

Meanwhile, the drinks are fairly priced, and the food menu is pretty enticing in its own right.

There’s no need to fret if you can’t make it out on Sunday because Birman has live music every night Saturday-Thursday.

8 Dorot Rishonim Street, Jerusalem

Read more about the Jerusalem Jazz scene >>

Monday — Open Mic at Mike’s Place

Got a song or stand-up routine that you’d like to perform in front of a crowd? Look no further. Mike’s Place opens up their stage to anyone with the courage to get up on it every Monday.

Mike’s Place is an iconic piece of Israeli nightlife and probably the number 1 expat hangout in Jerusalem. Aside from Monday and Friday (closed for Shabbat) nights, there is a live show with free entrance and always a warm, community atmosphere. The drinks and food (kosher) aren’t half bad either.

Mike’s Place, 33 Yafo Street, Jerusalem

Check out all the best bars in Jerusalem >>

Tuesday — Le Blues & Booz

The name pretty much speaks for itself, but in case you hadn’t guessed, Tuesday is dedicated to Blues music and drinking.

While it flies under the radar, Israel has a vibrant Blues scene made up of locals and transplants that has made it possible to have a dedicated Blues night every week in both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv that features both local and international acts.

If one night a week isn’t enough, check out the young, but blossoming Tel Aviv Blues Festival in the summer keep an eye out for the Tel Aviv Blues Festival Winter Edition in January and Jerusalem Hanukkah Blues Festival in December.

Le Blues & Booz is temporarily inactive while searching for a new venue.

Wednesday — Student Party Night or Wine Wednesday

Much like in European countries, Wednesday is a big night out for university students in Jerusalem. If that sounds like you’re type of scene, then Oliver Twist, Monaco and Hamakom are probably your destinations.

However, if you’re student party days are in the rearview mirror, everybody knows that Wednesday is for wine, and Jerusalem has plenty of cozy venues serving up Israel’s best vintages.

If you’re looking to keep it chic, then the cellars of Mirror Bar in Mamilla Hotel will never let you down.

To hang with the locals in a more casual environment, then head over to Mantra in the Feingold Courtyard, where you can also indulge in some tapas and even relive your student days later in the night if you’re so inclined.

Oliver Twist, 59 Haneviim Street, Jerusalem
Monaco, 18 Ben Sira Street, Jerusalem
Hamakom, 3 Ben Shetach Street, Jerusalem

Thursday — Mahane Yehuda Madness

You haven’t experienced Jerusalem nightlife until you’ve spent your Thursday night in the shuk.

Mahane Yehuda is overflowing with bars of all kinds, and they all have a bit of extra life on Thursday since it’s the beginning of the weekend in Israel.

Some of the most popular spots are the new Beer Bazaar, the Hadag Hanahash-owned Casino de Paris and Shuka Bar.

Beer Bazaar, 3 Ets Khayim Street, Jerusalem
Casino de Paris, 3 Mahane Yehuda Street, Jerusalem
Shuka Bar, 17 Haegoz Street, Jerusalem

Read more about Thursday nightlife in Mahane Yehuda >>

Friday — Downtown is Funtown

There’s a common misconception that the entire city goes to sleep over Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday night), but it’s actually one of the liveliest nights in the city center.

The younger crowd tends to flock early in the night to Rivlin Street, Jerusalem’s most famous nightlife district, where you’ll find throngs of young Israelis drinking beers and smoking shisha. Later on, the party continues at dance bars like Toy Bar and Monaco — or for the truly adventurous, the legendary Sira Pub.

Meanwhile, the more mature crowd usually frequents the Shushan district (aka hipster central) for drinks and conversation at divey hipster bars and free concerts at Hamazkeka.

Toy Bar, 6 Dhu Nawas Street, Jerusalem
Hamazkeka, 3 Shushan Street, Jerusalem
Sira Pub, 4 Ben Sira Street, Jerusalem

Read more about “Friday Night Life” in Jerusalem >>

Saturday — Post-Shabbat Hangover Cure

Saturday night means something different to everybody in Jerusalem. If you’re young or on holiday, it’s probably a party night. If you’ve got work the next day, it’s probably chill time.

Either way, tasty cocktails work for everybody, and Jerusalem has some truly amazing cocktail bars.

For an early start, make your way to Gatsby for happy hour (1+1 on all cocktails) at 6 and stay as long as you want. The authentic 1920’s interior design makes the drinks go down even smoother, if that’s even possible, and the bar gets particularly lively after 10.

If you’re waiting until after Shabbat ends, then try Zuta in back of 1868 restaurant, where the atmosphere is more laid back and will have you feeling like you’re kicking back a few in somebody else’s much nicer living room.

Gatsby, 18 Hillel Street, Jerusalem
Zuta, 10 King David Street, Jerusalem

Featured image: Alex Yampolski