Djibouti City has a small but lively bar and cafe scene sustained by its expatriate military and civilian population. The afternoon khat session effectively replaces bar culture for much of the local population — men gather to chew khat from around 2pm onwards and conversation and tea take precedence. But around the European Quarter and the main hotel strip, French-style cafes serve espresso and café au lait from early morning, and bars open in the evening for the international crowd. Alcohol is available, unusual for a predominantly Muslim country, though prices are steep.