But billing itself as the numero uno beer festival, the annual Israeli Beer Festival is definitely one not to miss. Last year’s very first festival was a big success, and with the ever-growing number of Israeli boutique beers hitting the market, and an ever-increasing awareness of the joys of beer, the 2012 festival, held on January 10-11 in Tel Aviv’s Nokia Arena, looks like a must-see for beer lovers!

The first day of the festival (10th January) is solely for the pros – the pubs and restaurants of Israel who will be pouring those heavenly nectars into our glasses.

The second day of the festival (11th January) is for the public. The festivities begin at 16:00 (late liquid lunch anyone?) and last until 23:00. On show will be a range of Israeli beers (are you man enough?) and premium international brands. Of the local brands to watch out for, check out the Lone Tree Brewery, who make a line of traditional ales – all Kosher!

It will cost you 50 shekels to get in, but that includes 5 coupons for tasting, and a free beer glass. And for those of you won over by your tastebuds, you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of special offers up for grabs!

For more info, check out the festival’s Facebook page or their main website: www.beers.co.il

The list is based on the annual vote held by the magazine Time Out (we did the same this time last year; they list theirs in Hebrew, we give it to you in English). Some of last year’s winners hold on to their top spots this year, some don’t. We’d definitely recommend having a look at some of the great Tel Aviv restaurants on last year’s list that didn’t make it this year…

Here they are, Tel Aviv’s finest eateries!

Restaurant of the Year 2011 – Toto, Berkovitz 4 (Tel: 03-6935151). A classy Italian restaurant that serves up some awesome appetizers, pastas and pizzas, among other things, all prepared by one of the best chefs in town. Prices aren’t cheap, as you’d expect, but the quality and service are simply excellent! Website

Fanciest Restaurant 2011 - Mul Yam, Tel Aviv Port (Tel: 03-5469920/30). One of Israel’s very best restaurants, serving up some amazing seafood with views of the Port to complement.  Expensive, but they do a good deal on a Business Lunch (160 shekels). Website

Best New Restaurant 2011 - Mizlala, Nachalat Binyamin 57, (Tel: 03-5665505). A narrow but happening place which translated means something like “stuff your face”. Go for the signature “shot and a bite”! Website

Best Meat Restaurant 2011 – Neve Tzedek, Shabazi 64 (Tel: 0579444023). As they call themselves, “A Place for meat”, with a very meat-focused menu. Home to the best steaks in Tel Aviv, as many will testify. Website

Best Fish & Seafood Restaurant 2011 – Rokach 73, Rokach Boulevard 73 (Tel: 0579443209). Leading chef Eyal Levi’s elegant bistro, this is the place to come for great seafood and fish food. Extensive wine list too. Website

Best Italian Restaurant 2011 – Pronto, Hertzl 4 (Tel: 03-5660915). Started over 20 years ago and the place to come for lovers of all things Italian. A past winner of Ristorante Italiano, the award given to supreme Italian restaurants worldwide. Not overly expensive. Website

Best Asian Restaurant 2011 – Beit Thailandi (as per last year), Bograshov 8 (Tel: 03-5178568). A great place for real Thai food, and not the kind that has been watered down for Western tastes.

Best Tapas Restaurant 2011 – Tapeo (last year’s winner), Ha’arba’ah 16 (Tel: 03-6240484). The leader of the pack in terms of tapas bars in Tel Aviv, this place has a great range of those small, tasty dishes and a great atmosphere, even in mid-week. Website

Best Bar 2011 – HaMinzar, Allenby 60 (Tel: 03-5173015). A legend among Tel Aviv bars, though at first glance hard to see why! Often crowded, with some good music, the service has been known to be on the ropey side. Terrific Tel Aviv atmosphere.

Best Beer Bar  2011 – Porter & Sons (last year’s winner), Ha’arba’ah 14 (Tel: 03-6244355). This place has over 50 kinds of beer on tap and 70 kinds of bottled beer; if you can find a better stocked bar in the whole of the Middle East, let us know! Website

Bar with the Best Food 2011 – Messa (last year’s winner), Ha’arba’ah 19 (Tel: 03-6856859). A creative menu backed by a very well-stocked and cool bar. Great design (see the pic on the left), well worth having a drink and a bite to eat here. Website

Best Wine Bar 2011 – Juno, Da Haz 1, Kikar Milano (Tel: 03-5446620). Awesome selection of wine, and food if you’re peckish. Great ambiance in the heart of Tel Aviv, in a quiet side street. Website

Best Cafe 2011 – HaTachtit (The Basement – also won last year), Lincoln 9 (Tel: 03-5618759). Open 24 hours, this place has fast become known for its vibe (usually great music), its food and its service. Not exactly on the regular tourist route, but worth a visit.

Best Bakery 2011 – Dalal Bakery (last year’s winner), Shebazi 10 (Tel: 03-5109292). Awesome location (the Neve Tzedek ‘hood) – try those gorgeous muffins and some of the tastiest bread in Tel Aviv. They also do a very tasty breakfast. Website

Best Street Cafe 2011 – HaMiznon, Ibn Gvirol 23 (Tel: 03-7168977). This cute little street cafe serves up great stylish meals in a pita bread. Quality, and fairly cheap, you might have to queue to get your hands on some nosh here…

Best Bistro 2011 – Brasserie (last year’s winner), Ibn Gvirol 70 (Tel: 03-6967111). A top restaurant with a menu that changes three times a day. Some even go far as to say it has redefined the Tel Aviv culinary scene. Website

Best Natural/Vegetarian Restaurant 2011 – 24 Rupee (last year’s winner), Shocken 16, 2nd floor (Tel: 03-6818066). A cute Indian restaurant that has long been a fave with those looking for genuine, great value, and very tasty Indian food. Website

Best Ethnic Restaurant 2011 – Dr Shaksuka, Beit Eshel 3, Jaffa (Tel: 0579444193). Long one of our faves, Dr Shakshuka is a Kosher Tripolitanian restaurant specializing in home cuisine and traditional dishes, but renowned for its shakshuka (spicy tomato, egg and peppers dish, served at your table in the pan, as in the pic on the right). Great atmosphere.  Website

Restaurant with the Best Yard 2011 – Vicky Cristina, Building 17, HaTachana complex (Tel:  03-7367272). A hip new tapas restaurant and bar located in HaTachana, Tel Aviv’s new entertainment complex. Vicky is the tapas restaurant, Cristina the wine bar. Website

Best Romantic Restaurant 2011 – Mel and Michelle, Ben Yehuda 155 (Tel: 03-5293232). Last year’s Best Italian winner, this is a great little place in the heart of busy Tel Aviv. Great styling, great food, and yes, romantic! Website

Best Restaurant by the Sea 2011 – Manta Ray (last year’s winner), Alma Beach (Tel: 03-5174773). The restaurant with the killer location, is how we reviewed it. Things haven’t changed – great, cool place, delish food, awesome beach view. Website

Best Hummus Bar 2011 – Ali Caravan/Abu Hassan (last year’s winner), Shvatay Israel 14 (Tel: 03-6828355). The legendary hummus joint, for hard core hummus fans only. No real surprise this place is No.1 on our list of top 10 hummus joints in Israel.

Best Pizzeria 2011 – Tony Vespa (last year’s winner), Rothschild 142 (Tel: 03-6858888). Great pizza sold by the weight (yes!), not by the slice. Very tasty pizza that has become a Tel Aviv fast food icon.

Best Hamburger Bar 2011 – Agadir (last year’s winner), HaTaarucha 3 (Tel: 03-5444045). Now with 6 branches, this hamburger joint that first started flipping burgers some 15 years ago has taken over Tel Aviv. Great hamburgers in a great atmosphere. Website

Best Ice-Cream Bar 2011 – Vaniglia, 5 branches in Tel Aviv, including Ibn Gvirol 98 and the ground floor of Dizengoff Center. Delicious ice-cream that has won over most of Tel Aviv. Lots of great flavors and sorbets too. Don’t look at their Belgian Dark Chocolate over to the right…don’t… Website

Best Value for Money Restaurant 2011 – Goocha, Dizengoff 171, Ibn Gvirol 14, and HaBarzel 7 (Tel: 03-5222886, 03-6911603). A great little fish and seafood restaurant, now with 3 branches in Tel Aviv. Cheap, fresh, and great quality – what more do you need? Website

Best Deli 2011 – Hinnawi (last year’s winner), Yeffet 180, Yafo (Tel: 03-5075618). A long-time family business that is without doubt the most popular deli in The City That Never Sleeps. Website

If you come across any great restaurants in Tel Aviv that aren’t on this list, let us know in the comments below!

Bon appetit!

The place to be seen in, especially if you’re an artist (or would like to be), in fashion (or would like to be), single (or would like to be), or male, female, in between, over 21… get the picture?

Radio EPGB  would, in fact, be very much at home in a city like New York or London. And as Tel Aviv evolves into one of the coolest cities on the planet (Lonely Planet recently voted Tel Aviv as 3rd best city in the world) it’s no surprise a bar like Radio EPGB is packed to the rafters most nights.

Drawing crowds ever since it opened its doors in the heart of the city, a basement just off of Rothschild Street, the Radio has become a magnet for the ‘in’ crowd, both for its very special atmosphere and unique decor, but most of all for its music. And what is perhaps the striking thing about Radio EPGB is that it just doesn’t fit into any one category – as the atmosphere, the crowd and the music change from day to day and even hourly.

The Radio always presents the latest in music trends, live bands and DJs, and has become a haven for country, electro, new age, funk, punk, underground and indie electronic fans. Everyone who is ‘someone’ in arts or fashion is seen in the Radio (named that way for its open communication channels with the city and its people).

The inspiration for the graffiti on the bathroom walls was taken from the C.B.G.Bs in New York City. Together with the trendy furnishings at the bar and soft lighting, they merge into a trendy melee that creates an atmosphere that is unique and, despite the sometime crowded dance floor, still easy-going and homely. Depending on guests and mood, the atmosphere can be anything from an intimate party, to a rave night, to a pub.

As of today, this ultra-hip underground club has nearly 4000 followers on Facebook, so if you want to get in on some cool, go “Like”. They’re also on Twitter.

Bookings in advance are possible, and, especially for parties, recommended. But walk-in guests are also welcome. There is service at the tables, so you can enjoy the creative drinks, which are the specialty of the club, in comfort.

If you’re looking for the best bars in Tel Aviv, don’t miss our guide to the Top 10 bars in The City That Never Sleeps!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Address: 7 Shadal St. Tel Aviv
Telephone: 03 5603636
Opening hours: every day of the week from 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Age limit: 21+
Smoking allowed

This guide has since been updated for 2011, click here to read more.

The list includes the main players in the annual vote for the best of Tel Aviv eateries held by Time Out (they list theirs in Hebrew, we’ve brought it to you in the Queen’s English).

Without further ado, let’s tuck in…

Restaurant of the Year 2010 – Herbert Samuel, Koifman 6 (Tel: 03-5166516). Seasonal and local produce crafted into delicious meals by the very talented chef Jonatan Roshfeld. Expensive.

Fanciest Restaurant of 2010 – Citit, Hichal HaTalmud 4, Neve Tzedek (Tel: 03-5107001). Rich in fresh ingredients like lamb, beef and fish, enhanced with local vegetables, fruit, herbs and spices. Kiss goodbye to around 400 shekels per person, minimum. Pic on the right.

Best New Restaurant 2010 – Ehad Ha’am Tapas, Ehad Ha’am 27 (Tel: 03-5666966). This new Tapas restaurant, again managed by Jonatan Roshfeld, has put existing Tapas bars in town to shame…

Bar with the Best Food 2010 – Messa, Ha’arba’ah 19 (Tel: 03-6856859). A creative menu backed by a very well-stocked and cool bar. Great design (see pic on the left), well worth spending some time here.

Best Italian Restaurant 2010 – Mel and Michelle, Ben Yehuda 155 (Tel: 03-5293232). A cute little corner in the heart and bustle of Tel Aviv. Nicely styled place, with a romantic feel.

Best Meat Restaurant 2010 – Yoezer Wine Bar, located in the picturesque alleys of Old Jaffa (Tel: 03-6839115), this place has plenty of character, and plenty of pricey food/wines.

Best Asian Restaurant 2010 – Beit Thailandi, Bograshov 8 (Tel: 03-5178568). This is your destination for authentic Thai food that hasn’t been watered down for Western palates.

Best Seafood Restaurant 2010 AND Best Restaurant by the Sea 2010 – Manta Ray, Alma Beach (Tel: 03-5174773). The restaurant with the killer location, that’s how we reviewed it last year. And it hasn’t changed. Great, cool place, great food, awesome view.

Best Tapas Restaurant 2010 – Tapeo, Ha’arba’ah 16 (Tel: 03-6240484). One of the original tapas bars in town, this place has a great range of those small, tasty dishes and a great atmosphere, even in mid-week.

Best Bistro 2010 – Brasserie, Ibn Gvirol 70 (Tel: 03-6967111). A classy joint with a menu that changes three times a day. Some say it has redefined the Tel Aviv culinary scene.

Best Kosher Restaurant 2010 – Liliot (or Lilit), Dafna 2 (Tel: 03-6965658). One of the few truly tasty kosher restaurants in Tel Aviv that has been around for years, this place has a large, varied menu and is also very nicely designed.

Best Ethnic Restaurant 2010 – Edna, Yermiyahu 52 (Tel: 03-6289000). After many years in Ramat HaSharon, they opened a branch in Tel Aviv this year. Great, unpretentious home cooking in a cosy atmosphere.

Best Health/Natural/Vegetarian Restaurant 2010 – 24 Rupee, Shocken 14 (Tel: 03-6818066). This cute Indian restaurant has some great, cheap curry dishes.

Best “Value for Money” Restaurant 2010 – Segev Express, HaBarzel 38 (Tel: 077-4142025). Fast, stylish food that won’t disappoint.

Best Restaurant Chain 2010 – Giraffe, Ibn Gvirol 49 (Tel: 03-6916303). The original branch is still the one to beat, with other branches throughout Tel Aviv and the rest of Israel. But if you come across one, know you’ll get a large-sized portion of Asian-fusion style food. Very tasty.

Best Sandwich Bar 2010 – Ruben, Yehuda HaLevi 112 (Tel: 077-4908050). A sandwich bar on a par with the best of Europe. Try those juicy cuts of beef or turkey placed intricately between slices of fresh brown bread. Delish.

Best Child-Friendly Restaurant 2010 – Moses, Rothschild 35 (Tel: 03-5664949). Good menu, plus loads of activities (and food!) for the kids, including stickers and drawing books.

Best Pizzeria 2010 – Tony Vespa, Rothschild 142 (Tel: 03-6858888). Rule breaker that sells pizza by weight, rather than by slice. Delish pizza that has taken Tel Aviv by storm.

Best Hamburger Bar 2010 – Agadir, HaTaarucha 3 (Tel: 03-5444045). The original hamburger joint in town that started 15 years ago, now has 6 branches. Delish hamburgers and a funky atmosphere.

Best Ice-Cream Bar 2010 – Anita, made up of three successful branches in Florentine and Neve Tzedek (Tel: 03-5170505 for the Shabazi branch in Neve Tzedek). Great, great ice-cream, especially buzzing on hot, summer days.

Best Hummus Bar 2010 – Ali Caravan/Abu Hassan, Shvatay Israel 14 (Tel: 03-6828355). The long legendary hummus joint, for hard core hummus addicts only (beginners might find it a bit “sloppy”).

Best Cafe 2010 – HaTachtit (The Basement), Lincoln 9 (Tel: 03-5618759). Open 24 hours, this place has fast become known for its vibe (usually great music), its food and its service. Not exactly on the regular tourist route, but worth a visit.

Restaurant with the Most Happening Vibe 2010 – Nanuchka, Lilenblum 30 (Tel: 03-5162254). Georgian cuisine, with plenty of good tunes and ambiance, at first glance it might not seem like the coolest place in town but it’s definitely one of the most popular, and is always fun to visit (check out the entrance in the pic on the left).

Best Restaurant for Taking a Date 2010 – Nana Bar, Ehad Ha’am 1 (Tel: 03-5161915). Stylish and cool bar but this is the place you should try if you’re looking for a quiet romantic corner with a loved one (or potential loved one!).

Best Wine Bar 2010 – HaBasta, HaShomer 4 (Tel: 03-5169234). Around for 3 years, this place has a huge wine menu, mainly focused on Italian and French wines. And yes, the food is great too.

Best Bar in Tel Aviv 2010 – Porter & Sons, Ha’arba’ah 14 (Tel: 03-6244355). With over 50 kinds of beer on tap (pic on the left) and 70 kinds of bottled beer, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better-stocked bar in the Middle East.

Best Bakery 2010 – Dalal Bakery, Shebazi 10 (Tel: 03-5109292). Great location (Neve Tzedek ‘hood) – try those tasty muffins and some of the finest bread in Tel Aviv. They also do a mighty fine breakfast.

Best Deli 2010 – Hinawi, Yeffet 180, Yafo (Tel: 03-5075618). Long run family business that has probably become the most popular deli in Tel Aviv.

Best Breakfast 2010 – Benedict, Ben Yehuda 117 (Tel: 03-5440345). Now three branches strong, Benedict has a storming 24-hour breakfast menu. We reviewed it here, and can’t wait to revisit!

Best Late Night Meal 2010 – Dixie, Yigal Allon 120 (Tel: 03-6966123). Long established as one of the best late night eateries for those in need of some late (early?) munchies. Renowned for burgers and wings.

Restaurant with the Best Bar 2010 – Social Club, Rothschild 45 (Tel: 03-5601114). A modern bistro owned by one of Israel’s main restaurateurs in the heart of Tel Aviv, with a bar that is always packed and always happening. Lots of cocktails and a great wine list.

One of my favorite places of late is the beach in Tel Aviv (what a surprise!), especially on Friday nights at HaTzofim Beach (Jerusalem beach). It’s not exactly pumping with hot single guys and girls if that’s what you’re after. But if you’re after a good time, some beers, a bit of a latin kick-off to your evening, and even a spot to bring the kids after yet another glorious Tel Aviv sunset, you could do a lot worse than spend a couple of hours here.

I shot a quick movie before I got exceedingly drunk, the band in the clip play here every Friday night, between 7-9pm. And although I hate latin music, there’s something damn fine about dancing barefoot on a sandy dancefloor, beer in one hand, toddler in the other…

The Jerusalem Beer Festival is celebrating its 6th year with an awesome shindig in the center of Jerusalem at the historic train station.

The beer festival scene in Israel has only recently taken off, but this one in Jerusalem is considered one of the largest, impressive and leading beer events in the country. Expect to drink some of the 100,000 liters expected to be poured over the two days, with a wide range of beers on offer, including local Israeli beers.

The historic train station will convert into a huge bar while each night there will be some live music to groove to, both by favorite Israeli bands the Giraffot and Dr Casper, and from leading Israeli DJs who will be spinning tunes later on to keep the happy, half-cut crowd in high spirits…

Hours: 18:00 to 24:00
Entrance: 30 NIS (25NIS if you’re a soldier, student or Jerusalem resident)

It might be an idea to get yourself over there early!

For additional info, check out the festival’s website:http://jerusalembeer.com

In the meantime, I came across HaNevaim (pronounce it Ha-Neh-Vah-eem) a couple of weeks ago. A great little neighborhood bar, with some outside seating (a balcony) and a cute little bar. I was there on a particularly cold night, so I snuggled up inside with the missus and a couple of friends. The barman was great, and gave us good service, along with some pretty tasty snacks and bites. There is more substantial food there, though don’t count on anything too fancy. Good music, plus lots of cool Tel Avivians for those into people-watching…

The place has only been open since last summer, in a spot where many, many restaurants have tried and failed…so we wish them well!

Address: Yermiyahu 54, Tel Aviv (near the northern end of Dizengoff Street and opposite renowned supermarket Super Baba)
Telephone: 03-6056575

A surprising number of locals love Mike’s Place, as well as the many tourists who come and stop by. I know a couple of regulars there myself, who come for the great atmosphere and live blues every night. There’s also a great selection of beers, live sports on big screen TVs, and a hotly-contested over pool table (with regular contests kicking off at 9pm), while its location on Tel Aviv promenade doesn’t do it any harm either (there is also a new branch of Mike’s Place that has recently opened in Ramat HaHayal, a northern Tel Aviv neighborhood)…

Foodwise, Mike’s Place isn’t the spot for some cordon-bleu. But you will get some great pub food, the most highly recommended of which has to be the home-made pizza. The menu is largely internationally flavored, with a great bacon and eggs for those of you missing the really good stuff…

International holidays like Halloween and Christmas are celebrated big-time, though most weekends the place is celebrating just about anything (check out the website for a full list of upcoming events)…but do get yourself there before 11pm on the weekend if you want to grab a seat.

Mike’s Place has also been the subject of a film, Blues by the Beach, which touches on the suicide bombing at Mike’s Place, Tel Aviv in 2003.

Here’s a little taster of what you can expect on a typical night at a Mike’s Place bar…

Highly recommended if you like beer, music and good times!

Address: 86 Herbert Samuel (Tel Aviv promenade) / 24 Raul Wallenberg, Ramat HaHayal
Telephone: 054-9268892 / 054-2084191

What can I say, this is the kind of bar I like. From the logo on the door that states the place is “User Friendly” (which, as a Technical Writer trying to make sense of very unfriendly software for many years, made me smile), to the cheery bartenders, cheap beer and the good music grinding out (lots of grungy goodness), this is what a good neighborhood bar is all about.

Never mind that it had rained the day before and the padded sofa parked outside was wet (discovered upon sitting and then getting a wet arse), or that the neighbors demanded the outdoor TV was switched off after 23:00 (ever tried watching a football match on a big screen in a bar – with the sound switched off? Nope, it was a first for me too!), there was something about Shtrase that made me feel right at home. No pretensions, no posey bartenders with attitudes, no trying to be something they are never going to be…

Shtrase is currently offering some winter happiness to keep you in good spirits. Between 16:00 and 20:00 its Happy Hour, while the pool table is free.

Great place to knock back a couple of beers and shoot some pool.

Oh, and say hello to Lilach, the ever-smiley waitress. She’s a sweetie.

Address: Pinsker 30, Tel Aviv
Telephone: 03-5257595

You can also find Shtrase on Facebook.

So here’s our little guide to the cafes and bars in Tel Aviv that have wireless Internet, just so you’ll never have to go Internet “cold turkey” on your visit to Tel Aviv. If you’re not only looking for Wi-Fi, check out our guide to the best cafes in Tel Aviv.

Most listed below provide FREE Internet, though some require payment (where indicated). And yes, if you know of any little gems to add to this list, please let us know!

Tel Aviv cafes with Internet – the coffee shop chains

• Aroma, one of the most popular coffee shop chains in Israel:
  @ 88 Yigal Allon (corner of HaShlosha)
  @ 30 Sheinkin Street
  @ 9 HaMasger (Ampa House)
  @ Azrieli Mall, 2nd floor
  @ 132 Dizengoff
• Arcaffe, another of Israel’s leading coffee chains:
  @ Arenia, corner of Arba’ah Street
  @ HaBarzel 21
  @ Ramat Aviv Mall, 40 Einstein Street
  @ Azrieli Mall, 132 Begin Road
  @ 35 Bazel Street
  @ 31 Rothschild Street
  @ Mircaz Shuster Ramat Aviv, 7 Achimeir Street
• Coffee Bean, another of the cafe big boys in Tel Aviv:
  @ Mircaz Shuster Ramat Aviv, 19 Achimeir Street
  @ Ziv Towers, 24 Raul Wallenberg
  @ 75 Ibn Gvirol
  @ 57 Yehuda Maccabee
• Cafe Cafe, yet another leading light in the Israeli coffee shop biz:
  @ Azrieli Mall, 2nd floor
  @ Mekido Center, 8 Aharon Becker Street
  @ 38 Ibn Gvirol Street
  @ 1 Maserik Square
  @ 95 HaHashmoniam Road
  @ 9 Rothschild Street
  @ 27 Bograshov
  @ Yigal Allon, the corner of HaShlosha
  @ 61 Yehuda Maccabee
  @ 3 Nefcha (off Sheinkin Street)
  @ 247 Dizengoff Street
  @ 11 Openheimer
  @ 110 Ibn Gvirol Street
  @ 31 Tchernichovski Street
• Ilan’s, not quite as widespread as the others above:
  @ 14 Ehad Ha’am
  @ 91 Ibn Gvirol Street
  @ 20 Carlibach Street
  @ Kiryat Atidim, Tower 4
• Yellow, the one-stop shops you can find at most Paz petrol stations:
  @ HaKiryah, 148 Begin Road
  @ HaShalom, 13 Shalom Road
  @ HaTikva, 42 HaHagana Road
  @ Sderot Rokach (opposite the Luna Park)
  @ 35 Eilat Road
  @ 24 Sadia Gaon
  @ 46 Sderot Ben Zvi

Tel Aviv cafes, bars (and restaurants) with Internet

• Espressonet @ 22 Frishman Street (corner of Sirkin)
• X-Ray @ 31 Bograshov Street
• Olive @ 35 Bograshov Street
• Interfun @ 20 Allenby Road
• Manta Ray @ Alma Beach
• Ben Cafe @ 2 Ben Yehuda Street
• Internet Login @ 21 Ben Yehuda Street
• Arbeter Cafe @ 3 Shlomo HaMelech
• Lehem Erez @ 120 Ben Yehuda Street
• Ginzburg Cafe @ 55 Ehad Ha’am Street
• Tazza D’oro @ 6 Ehad Ha’am Street
• Evita @ 31 Yavne Street
• Gabriel @ 42 Montefiore Street
• Lenny’s @ Vital 7 (Florentin)
• Chocolate Boutique @ 15 Yad Harutzim
• GoalTime @ 24 HaTaaysim
• Messa @ 19 HaArb’ah Street (restaurant)
• MeatBar @ 52 Sderot Chen (restaurant)
• Little Prince @ 3 Simta Palonit (off King George Street)
• Brasserie @ 70 Ibn Gvirol
• Dominos Pizza @ 143 Ibn Gvirol
• Assuta Hospital (Coffee-to-go) @ 62 Jabotinsky Street (Payment required)
• Cafe Latte @ 34 Bazel Street
• MASH pub @ 275 Dizengoff Street
• Boya @ Namal Tel Aviv (restaurant)
• Henrietta @ 186 Arlozorov Street
• Beta Cafe @ 15 Brodetski Street
• Seatara @ Tel Baruch Beach, Sea and Sun (restaurant)
• University Tel Aviv @ Haim Levnon Street (various buildings and eateries, most of which require payment)
• Burger King @ Top Dan Center, 72 Pinhas Rosen

Coming real soon: Our guide to Jerusalem bars and cafes with Wireless Internet.

Molly Bloom’s was the first Irish pub to land in Israel, back in 2000 (wow, has it really been nine years!?) and quickly became the leading light in the tourist pub world in Tel Aviv. Highly recommended by almost every Israeli you’ll ever talk to (including Matty and Roni), it definitely has the feel of a happening and friendly pub, and you’re guaranteed a great evening.

I’m often amazed at how busy the place can be mid-week, but I quickly remind myself that this is Tel Aviv…and don’t forget, most bars in Israel don’t usually close until the wee hours, so that quick drink could soon turn into a long night, especially if you start chatting with the Israelis on the tables next to you (which often happens…).

If you’ve already had enough of the Israeli local beers, you’ll probably be in need of an Irish beer or whiskey. Urgently. And you won’t be disappointed. I’m not a big Guinness fan, probably because I’ve had too many bad pints served to me over the years in Israel, but the guys at Molly Bloom’s have the best in town, without a doubt. They also have plenty of Kilkenny (my personal fave) and Weihenstephan (a big favorite amongst Israelis). And then there’s the shelves behind the bar stacked with whiskeys…

The best night to head over to Molly Bloom’s? Probably Mondays and Wednesdays, when they have a live band banging out some authentic Irish tunes. Best to get there before 9:00pm to make sure you get yourself a seat, after that it gets very crowded. Whatever the day, just remember Happy Hour lasts until 8:00pm every day, until when most beers are only 17 shekels or so.

By the way, Molly Bloom was actually a character from James Joyce’s famous masterpiece Ulysses. She was married to Leopold Bloom (an Irish Jew – you just knew there was a Jewish connection somewhere, right?) who was one of the heroes from the book.

And here’s a little taster of Molly Bloom’s in full flow. If you’re feeling thirsty, look away now!

Address: 2 Mendele Street, on the corner of 100 HaYarkon Street, opposite Dan Hotel.
Telephone: 03-5221558

But don’t let me put you off trying Israeli beer. On the contrary, when we’re in foreign climes it’s always great to try the local brews and foods, right? And Israeli beer is certainly worth a try.

Goldstar (more popular than Maccabee) has always been the cheaper drinking solution when out and about. And it’s often the substitute to fall back on when the “good” beer runs out – just last week at a friend’s party I had to settle for a couple of Goldstars as the Heineken had run dry. If I can say something good about it, it’s that you get used to it after a while. And that it’s alcoholic. But, there are lots of people who love Goldstar and won’t drink anything else, most of whom are Israelis it has to be said.

As for Maccabee, let’s just say that it’s good that this Israeli beer is not as available as Goldstar. If you’re stuck with this as your only option, may the Gods be with you…No, only joking, it’s not that terrible, but it’s just not that great. If you’re stuck with Maccabee or Goldstar, Goldstar is your poison.

Be aware that if you are offered another Israeli beer called Nesher, don’t expect to feel a buzz. Nesher is a black beer, alcohol-free, and even available in large 1.5 liter bottles.

Although the drinking scene in Israel has changed a lot over the last few years (for example, the annual Jerusalem Beer Festival might give you an idea of how things have developed), according to official numbers, over 75% of beer sales in Israel are from off-sales locations such as supermarkets, rather than bars. I wonder how much of that is Goldstar and Maccabee…

And if you catch some Israeli TV, you might get to see some of the advertising that keeps Goldstar popular in Israel. Goldstar is the only Israeli beer you’ll see advertised, though some might argue Israeli TV screens would be better off without the ads…because, as you might be able to tell from the clips below, they are just a wee bit on the sexist side. But hey, they’re still funny (if you have a sense of humor).

Click here to view the embedded video.

“Say Thanks that you’re a man and drink something”

Click here to view the embedded video.

“Honey, why doesn’t anyone pass the ball to the guy in black?”

And as well as the fairly numerous TV ads for Goldstar, they also created a series of print ads that were placed above urinals in pubs and clubs. Here are some examples. Again, chauvinistic, but cute.

[click to big]

I say Thank God you’re a man. Or a woman.

And don’t forget your Hebrew when clunking glasses with the locals:
L’Chaim! (don’t forget the cccchhhh) = Cheers!