COCKTAIL BARS BEIRUT

Catrinas is located in Mar Mikhael in the heart of Beirut, offering authentic Mexican food and great cocktails presented through a playful and satirical reinterpretation of a Mexican villa aesthetic. The space features colorful furniture, amazing murals and lush greenery both inside and out, creating a unique fusion of Lebanese warmth and Latin flair that harmonizes Mediterranean and Latin American cultural influences. The menu marries the best of Lebanese and Latin cuisines, featuring modernized Mexican dishes from tacos and quesadillas to fajitas, alongside mezze with a spicy twist and tacos adorned with local herbs. Flavored margaritas and a mouthwatering selection of colorful cocktails complement the food offerings. Open daily from 5pm until 2am, Catrinas creates a vibrant atmosphere where guests can experience an authentic yet creatively reimagined take on Mexican dining and drinking culture.

House of Butlers is a sophisticated cocktail bar in Beirut's historic Pasteur neighborhood, drawing inspiration from classic London private clubs. The intimate venue features leather seating, soft green wallpaper, and a petite marble bar surrounded by an impressive collection of premium spirits. Talented mixologists craft precise interpretations of classic cocktails including negronis, daiquiris, and martinis, alongside house signature creations. Open daily from 5 PM until late, the bar offers a refined yet comfortable atmosphere ideal for intimate gatherings or evenings with friends, complemented by happy hour specials on cocktails.

Le Trottoir de Paloma is a vibrant resto-café in Beirut's Gemmayze neighborhood, jointly managed by the acclaimed Mandaloun group and Double Shake cocktail consulting. The eclectic interior features mismatched vintage furniture, art-deco wallpapers, and carefully curated trinkets that create a nostalgic, dreamlike atmosphere. Every cocktail blends traditional Lebanese ingredients with global inspirations, featuring delicate notes of rose and orange blossom combined with robust spirits and locally sourced herbs. The venue is particularly renowned for its signature Palomas and old fashioned cocktails, with a spacious street terrace perfect for summer evenings alongside a cozy, well-decorated interior.

16MM is a unique resto-bar located in Gemmayzeh, Beirut, that pays homage to the magic of cinema and the art of mixology. The venue's decor is inspired by vintage cinema with black and white aesthetics and classic film paraphernalia, featuring a projector that plays old movie clips on one wall for an immersive nostalgic experience. The entrance evokes classic movie theaters with vintage film posters adorning the walls and a marquee-styled sign illuminating the pathway. Inside, the space evokes a plush cinema from yesteryears with velvet drapes, dimmed lights and cozy booths reminiscent of theater seats. The cocktail menu features cleverly named drinks inspired by popular film titles, blending local Lebanese tastes with global influences, incorporating traditional ingredients such as arak and rose water into innovative mixes. Live music is featured on certain nights, making it an ideal hangout spot for enjoying bites and cocktails.

Ales & Tales is a vibrant and creative cocktail bar in the heart of Hamra, Beirut, founded by three brothers and known for its friendly and welcoming staff. The bar takes a gratifyingly hippy approach to cocktail culture, with each drink linked to individual practices and concepts—such as the Pranayama, which mixes vodka with fino sherry, clarified carrots and saline, or the Healer, a blend of redistilled sweet potato tequila with sun-dried tomato, pepper and acids garnished with a beetroot crisp. The three-floor venue offers different atmospheres ranging from a bustling main floor to a cozy library and beautifully decorated rooftop overlooking Makdessi Street. Guests appreciate the exquisite beer collection, international wine selection, delicious food menu and special events during holidays. The bar earned recognition as one of the top 50 best discoveries in 2019.

Central Station is a boutique bar in Mar Mikhael that has been recognized as a regular on The World's 50 Best Bars list and was named the 2018 Best Bar in the Middle East & Africa. Opened in April 2013, the venue gets its name from the old Beirut train station nearby and aims to bring classic cocktails back to the forefront while adding modern creativity to forgotten libations. The bar is recognized for its innovative approach to mixed drinks that utilize culinary techniques to tell the story of each cocktail on its list. Prepared by Beirut's finest bartenders, cocktails feature local ingredients like arak and are accompanied by appetizers. The recently renovated space is vibrant and energetic, with DJs providing a contemporary backdrop leaning toward swing, jazz and blues music, creating an accessible yet sophisticated cocktail experience.

Madhattan Beirut is a trendy cocktail destination in the Badaro neighborhood offering urban sophistication infused with Lebanese character. The space seamlessly blends contemporary design with interspersed greenery and traditional Lebanese elements, creating a rooted yet modern atmosphere. The menu features classic New York cocktails reimagined with Lebanese twists—such as Manhattans infused with aromatic Lebanese herbs and Long Island Iced Teas with locally brewed spirits—paired with a selection of quality food offerings. Friendly service and fast-paced operations make it an ideal spot for happy hour gatherings, couples, or groups of friends seeking affordable, well-crafted cocktails in a vibrant, welcoming setting.

Anise is a charming pub located in Beirut's Mar Mikhael neighborhood, specializing in arak, Lebanon's traditional aniseed spirit, with varietals sourced from across the country. The bar is distinguished by its creative use of local herbs—including za'atar, sage, and rosemary—incorporated into signature cocktails like the sage margarita, rosemary whiskey sour, and wild gimlet. With jazz nights featuring live bands, sultry mood lighting, and reasonably priced drinks, Anise embodies Lebanon's fresh approach to craft spirits and cocktails, drawing an appreciative crowd of arak aficionados and adventurous drinkers seeking authentic local flavor.

Ferdinand is a cozy, unpretentious cocktail lounge located on Mahatma Gandhi Street in Hamra, Beirut, drawing inspiration from the beloved children's tale of a thoughtful bull. The bar features a warm, inviting atmosphere with plush leather couches, dim lighting, and a fully stocked bar that evokes the casual sophistication of a modern lounge space. The classic-rooted cocktail list includes signature drinks like the Viko Fizz, crafted with Jun Gin, gardenia cordial, grapefruit soda, and cucumber flower essence, while Malt Mondays highlight a 100-strong single malt collection. With over 27 beer varieties, an impressive Mexican fusion menu, and outdoor seating, Ferdinand has established itself as one of Hamra's most treasured drinking destinations.

Dragonfly is an intimate bar located on Gouraud Street in Beirut's historic Gemmayze neighborhood, housed in a nineteenth-century building with distinctive barrel-vaulted ceilings and a massive arched wooden gate reminiscent of a century-old cave. Previously a bakery, the space channels 1930s and 1940s aesthetics through orange-washed walls, dark mahogany bar, and large mirrors creating a retro Iberian vibe. Drawing inspiration from Munich's renowned Schumann's Bar, Dragonfly emphasizes refined drinks crafted with high-quality organic ingredients, featuring an impressive menu of approximately 50 cocktails. The intimate 40-seat capacity creates a convivial atmosphere for serious spirits enthusiasts.

The Bohemian is a vibrant cocktail bar located on Armenia Street in Beirut's trendy Mar Mikhael neighborhood, serving as a creative hub for artistic individuals and fine spirits enthusiasts. The boho-chic interior features authentic touches including colorful sofas, scattered books, and decorative plates displayed on walls, creating a cozy homey atmosphere. Known for innovative cocktails crafted with fresh ingredients and Lebanese flair, The Bohemian also offers delicious platters and salads available on weekends by reservation. Operating from 5pm late into the early morning hours, the venue has quickly become one of Beirut's most popular destinations, attracting both locals and visitors seeking the city's vibrant nightlife scene.

Bodo is a pub located in Mar Mikhael on Armenia Street in Beirut, offering what patrons describe as the most delicious and affordable drinks in town served in a fun, funky and laid-back atmosphere. The bar features a range of cocktails paired with unlimited complimentary popcorn and classy bar food alongside fancy cocktails. Happy hour runs daily from 4pm to 8pm with all regular drinks priced at 3,500 LBP. The casual venue welcomes guests of all dress styles, with seating available both indoors and at high-chairs spilling out onto the sidewalk, attracting a crowd primarily aged 20–35 in the Mar Mikhael location. Bodo operates multiple locations throughout Beirut's hotspots, each maintaining the same philosophy of delivering quality drinks and food in an unpretentious setting that encourages relaxed socializing.

Rabbit Hole is a distinctive pub located on Makdessi Street in Beirut, featuring mystical and rustic décor that sets it apart in the neighborhood's growing cluster of intimate venues. The bar specializes in fusion cocktails crafted with fresh ingredients and house-made infusions—fruits, herbs, and vegetables steeped in spirits over months by skilled bartenders to create unique flavor profiles. The eclectic soundtrack spans jazz and soft rock, with DJ performances most nights, and happy hour runs daily from 5 PM to 8 PM with reasonably priced drinks. Ranked among the world's best bars in multiple years, Rabbit Hole has earned recognition for its creative approach to mixology and welcoming atmosphere.