Top Bars and Cafes in Istanbul

Jazz Café

Jazz Café is a cozy bar with subdued lighting where you can catch some killer jazz acts like the Önder Focan Trio. The bar occupies two floors. On the top level there's a performance space where you can enjoy live funk/acid or jazz/blues Tuesday through Thursday. If there is a live gig happening expect to pay extra cover for the charge on top of your drinks. The place caters to both students and thirty-something-professional types. The staff are a little less flamboyant than at some of the other bars that traffic in rock and metal, but they're no less friendly and are very laid-back.

Saray Café

Saray Café, is located in the upscale and classy Barceló Saray. An idea venue to chat with pals and catch up with the latest gossip. Tired after a shopping spree, grab a bite of tasty and light snacks. You can also gorge on the assortment of sweet delicacies and replenish your energy. Liven up your boring and dull afternoon with a cup of coffee. Truly, it can be called the chill out zone of the hotel.

The Mezzanine

Travel back to the Ottaman times at The Mezzanine in Hyatt Regency Istanbul. Grab something to drink along with some starters and enjoy it while you sink into the big cosy sofas here in the lounge. Relax in the afternoon while you listen to the soft music, with a beautiful view of the garden outside. The Bohemian chandeliers and the fragrance of hot teas, pastries and exotic Turkish sweets, adds to the restful atmosphere making it a comfortable place to chill out.

Java Studio

Savor the fine coffee, tea and milk shakes at Java Studio. Begin your day in the intimate ambiance with a Western style breakfast. The interiors of the restaurant are made up of gorgeous paintings and artwork by local artists like Burhan Ozer, Sevgi Cagal and others. Relish some light snacks, muffins, cookies and biscotti. For some fine quality Turkish handicrafts, ceramics, books, dolls and carpets, shop in the restaurant's emporium.

Dirty

This famous nightclub in Istanbul is reputed for its funky pop culture decor and its hip-shaking electro, house and techno DJ music. Besides its heady mix of both an eclectic and swooning audience, Dirty is also reputed for being a nightclub that offers drinks at a 50% discount for those who enter before 11:30p. The doors to this club usually open at around 10p. This place is ideal if you want to check out some top notch DJs like 7-Erhan, Mabbas, Ahmet Sendil, and Style-Ist do what they do best. Dirty is frequented by both tourists and local party goers, and is an ideal hangout, if you are looking to chill out with a couple of friends, do a lot of drinking, or simply dance the night away. 

Jolly Joker Balans

If you think Jolly Joker Balans is just another bar in the popular Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, think again. With its classy decor that features funky art work and caricature-like depictions of the court jester hailing from a deck of playing cards, coupled with the chic Hard Rock Cafe styled, guitar-shaped bar, and a piano table, this bar-cum-live entertainment venue will definitely redefine your idea of 'swank'. Also worth mentioning is that this venue has a balcony seating area that boasts of a glass floor! Besides the upbeat ambiance, Jolly Joker Balans also features impressive DJ sets and excellent live performances by rock, indie, alternative, and metal music loving soloists and bands. Check website for event timings and additional details. 

Life Roof

A cafe-restaurant with a winter garden, Life Roof offers its guests comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Live music is one of the highlights of this place and is immensely enjoyed by patrons.

True Blue

True Blue is a beach club that needs little introduction. The club restaurant serves delectable world cuisine and the Sunday buffet breakfast is something to look forward to in particular. The bar is an ideal place to relax for an evening with friends over a drink. Live music is played quite often, while the club also hosts group events. A mini-golf club is an added bonus for guests, when being offered so much. With a beautiful view of the sea, True Blue Beach Club will truly take away those blues.

Arka Oda

Arka Oda opens its doors to all those, who enjoy listening to some beautiful local traditional music, as they sip their liquor or wine. This place is truly entertaining and draws a large crowd, especially during the belly dance performances held here. Over here, you can drink to your hearts content and also enjoy various live concerts.

Cuba

Cuba is one of its kind in the city of Istanbul. The atmosphere is very entertaining with various events like belly dancing, Latin dances and DJ's playing at its best every night. Here, you can actually avail about 8 kinds of Cuban cocktails and delicious traditional and local food items from the menu. Very reasonable, this place is definitely not worth a miss, For further details, please check the website.