Best Bars in Jerusalem — 10 Picks
Addresses, phone numbers, who is open on Shabbat, and why each one is worth the visit
Why Jerusalem is the new capital of nightlife
Jerusalem has gone through a real revolution in recent years. What used to be a city that went to sleep early has become a lively centre of nightlife, with dozens of good bars, local and international. Whether you are after a sophisticated cocktail, a live show or a cold beer on a Friday evening, this is the list.
What is in the guide? The ten leading bars in the city. Each was chosen for the quality of its drinks, its atmosphere, its service and its prices. One thing to know: in Jerusalem, Shabbat status changes from place to place, so each bar is marked for the weekend.
Live music
Shows every week
A young crowd
20–30 and up
Cocktails
Professional bartenders
The 10 recommended bars in Jerusalem
| # | Bar | Open on Shabbat? | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel & The Tap | Open Friday and Shabbat | A classic European pub in the heart of the city. Craft beers on tap, excellent pub food and an authentic Jerusalem atmosphere. | |
| Wine Bar | Open Friday and Shabbat | Excellent wine, and food from a kitchen of the Machneyuda group. One of the most stylish places in Jerusalem. | |
| The Glen Bar | Open Friday and Shabbat | A paradise for lovers of whisky and craft beer. A huge selection, and owners who can tell the story of every bottle. | |
| 4 | The Record | Open Friday and Shabbat | Alternative music and a true Jerusalem atmosphere. The favourite corner of the city's alternative scene. |
| 5 | Café Sira & Sira Bar | Open Friday and Shabbat | A legendary nightlife institution: underground at its best. A place to visit at least once. |
| 6 | Casta | Open Friday and Shabbat | A young, hipster, lively bar right next to HaTaklit (number 4 on this list). Good music, a colourful crowd and a party atmosphere. |
| 7 | Goren | Open Friday and Shabbat | A wine and food bar with a relaxed atmosphere, facing Independence Park. Ideal for an evening for two. |
| 8 | Besarabia Bar | A one-of-a-kind punk-Balkan bar with frequent live shows. One of the most exciting places in the city. | |
| 9 | The Monster Pub | Open Friday and Shabbat | A community pub in Kiryat HaYovel that feels like home. Live music, a loyal crowd and cold beer. |
| 10 | Video Pub | Open Friday and Shabbat | Jerusalem's gay bar: parties, drag shows and non-stop fun. A special and welcoming place. |
The bars, one by one
Barrel & The Tap
Barrel & The tap
A classic European pub in the heart of the city. Craft beers on tap, excellent pub food and an authentic Jerusalem atmosphere.
Open Friday and ShabbatWine Bar
Wine Bar
Excellent wine, and food from a kitchen of the Machneyuda group. One of the most stylish places in Jerusalem.
Open Friday and ShabbatThe Glen Bar
בר הגלן
A paradise for lovers of whisky and craft beer. A huge selection, and owners who can tell the story of every bottle.
Open Friday and ShabbatThe Record
התקליט
Alternative music and a true Jerusalem atmosphere. The favourite corner of the city's alternative scene.
Open Friday and ShabbatCafé Sira & Sira Bar
בר הסירא
A legendary nightlife institution: underground at its best. A place to visit at least once.
Open Friday and ShabbatCasta
הקסטה (Cassette)
A young, hipster, lively bar right next to HaTaklit (number 4 on this list). Good music, a colourful crowd and a party atmosphere.
Open Friday and ShabbatGoren
גורן (Goren)
A wine and food bar with a relaxed atmosphere, facing Independence Park. Ideal for an evening for two.
Open Friday and ShabbatBesarabia Bar
בסרביה
A one-of-a-kind punk-Balkan bar with frequent live shows. One of the most exciting places in the city.
The Monster Pub
פאב המפלצת
A community pub in Kiryat HaYovel that feels like home. Live music, a loyal crowd and cold beer.
Open Friday and ShabbatVideo Pub
וידאו פאב (Video)
Jerusalem's gay bar: parties, drag shows and non-stop fun. A special and welcoming place.
Open Friday and ShabbatTips for a night out in Jerusalem's bars
Happy hour
Most bars in the city centre offer one-plus-one or sizeable discounts between 18:00 and 20:00. It is the best-value time to go out.
Live music
If you are looking for live shows, Besarabia and HaMifletzet (the Monster Pub) are the places whose schedule is worth checking ahead.
Parking
On Friday evening, blue-and-white street parking in the city centre is free (check the signs), but the spaces go fast. Use the car parks around Hillel Street, or come by taxi.
Keep exploring Jerusalem
Common questions about bars in Jerusalem
Are there kosher bars in Jerusalem?
Definitely. There are plenty of kosher bars (the Gatsby, for one, or the bars in Machane Yehuda market), but most of them are closed on Shabbat. This guide concentrates on places that are open at the weekend.
What does a drink cost on average?
A beer costs 28–36 NIS, and cocktails run from 45 to 65 NIS.
How late do bars in Jerusalem stay open?
Most bars are open until 02:00–03:00. At weekends they fill up from 22:00 onwards.
Which Jerusalem bars are good for a date?
For a romantic date: Wine Bar at 28 Aza Street, Goren on Agron Street, or any of the bars with an intimate atmosphere and dim lighting.
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