Beirut's bar and cafe scene is one of the best in the Middle East, ranging from traditional Arabic coffeehouses to sleek cocktail lounges. The nightlife is legendary — clubs don't get going until midnight and run until dawn. B018, in a bunker-like structure in Karantina whose roof opens to reveal the night sky, is Beirut's most famous club. Music Hall downtown mixes live Arabic music, cabaret and dance. Grand Factory hosts large-scale electronic and house events.
Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael are the main bar districts. Gouraud Street in Gemmayzeh is lined with bars and cafes in restored Ottoman-era buildings. Mar Mikhael, the next neighbourhood east, has a more alternative, artsy vibe with rooftop bars and craft cocktail spots. Both areas were damaged in the 2020 explosion but have largely bounced back.
Torino Express in Mar Mikhael is a tiny, standing-room-only bar that is always packed. Good cocktails, great atmosphere, no pretension.
Internazionale -- A popular Mar Mikhael spot with a lively crowd and good music. Gets busy late.
Blue Note Cafe on Makhoul Street near AUB is one of the few jazz-oriented spots in Beirut. Relaxed vibe, live local bands, unpretentious crowd. Open Monday to Saturday.
The Gemmayze Cafe (Ahwet L'Zeiz) is a traditional Lebanese cafe where locals are the main clientele. A good place to sit with a coffee or an arak and watch the neighbourhood go by.
Paul Cafe on Gouraud Street brings French cafe culture to Beirut, with a pleasant garden terrace.
For a drink with a view, the rooftop bars along the Corniche and in the downtown area offer cocktails overlooking the Mediterranean. Prices in Beirut bars range from $5-8 for a beer to $12-18 for cocktails, though upscale venues charge more.
Coffee culture is strong in Beirut. You will find both traditional Arabic coffee (strong, cardamom-scented, served in small cups) and excellent modern espresso bars throughout the city.