Bicicletta © Sapir Kosa

10 Tel Aviv bars you absolutely need to go to for a chill night out

When you'd rather hang out and relax than dance on the bar with napkins raining down on your parade

Written by
Time Out Israel Writers
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Despite what the Tel Aviv nightlife Gods (or club promoters) tell you, not every night in the White City calls for heavy pregames, dancing on the tables until the sun comes up, and sunrise tylenol chasers to wash it all down. While a crazy all-nighter is necessary once in a while, sometimes you just want a no stress, chill evening with friends–one that involves some casual beers or mixed drinks, a comfortable setting, and overall great company. So if a chill AF evening is what you’re after, bring your friends to one of these ten spots. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

The chillest Tel Aviv bars to grab a drink

  • Bars
  • Tel Aviv City Center

This too-cool-for-school watering hole is the newest fad on the Allenby bar scene. Nilus bar - named after the Nile - combines high class hipster with lesbian-friendly vibes. The DJs, bartenders and managers are predominantly women bringing the spotlight down on Tel Aviv's art culture. Expect to meet directors, photographers, and budding artists while swirling a creative cocktail. And, when you want a break from the arts and culture, head upstairs for some recharging food or a smoke.   

  • Bars
  • Gastropubs
  • White City

Where else can you find a bar, cafe, book and record store, and live music venue all in one? Only at Uganda, where alcohol meets great food and culture. Located in the Neve Tzedek neighborhood of Tel Aviv, there is always something funky happening at Uganda, such as a comic book sale, an experimental band playing or an art exhibition. A laid back atmosphere and friendly crowd completes the scene, enhanced by great beers on tap.

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  • Bars
  • Shuk  HaCarmel

The perfect combination of a market bar with a Turkish restaurant, from the owners of Cafe Yom Tov. In the culinary section, you can find fish patties and grape leaves, and on the alcohol menu, there is draft beer and chasers of all kinds. With rotating local DJ's and chill, hip-Turkish vibes, this is the perfect spot for a mid-week night out with a market atmosphere.

  • Restaurants
  • Cafés
  • Shuk  HaCarmel
  • price 2 of 4
Cafe Yom Tov is located in the bustling Carmel Market, a neighborhood favorite for organic coffee, fresh sandwiches and boutique pastries. This charming cafe is a great place to start your morning with a cappuccino, or to finish your night off with a beer. Come evening time, it transforms into a laid-back salon, offering a menu featuring fresh ingredients from the shuk, alcohol and live, eclectic music. Cafe Yom Tov is popular with locals, expats and travelers - boasting an international vibe, rife with eclectic people.  
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  • Bars
  • Lounges
  • White City
As a former art gallery, the October bar maintained the artist mentality, creating timeless masterpieces—only this time they are presented in the form of food. Though presented as a bar, the venue’s three owners (all born in October) sought to include delicious food on their menu. With tasty nibbles like leek fritters smothered in yogurt sauce, you can’t go wrong. And the locals love it! Don’t let the name fool you either. October bar is not only an autumn amenity. This gem of a spot is open all twelve months of the year.
  • Bars
  • Dive bars
  • Tel Aviv City Center
  • price 2 of 4

With simple food options and affordable beers, tourists and locals continuously seek out HaMinzar for a lovely night out. With a young and stylish crowd, the vibe and energy is chill, so come prepared to take your time and bask in this calming setting. With mismatched tables and chairs, the unpretentious restaurant setting makes it clear that the owner’s focus is geared towards food and drink. Best of all, HaMinzar is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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  • Restaurants
  • Mediterranean
  • Shuk HaPishpeshim
  • price 2 of 4

While wandering Shuk HaPishpeshim (Jaffa Flea Market), grab a seat at Shaffa Bar serving up local food, seasonal ingredients, and super creative dishes. During the day, the spot is hip and chic; at night, the scene is complemented with creative cocktails and occasional music shows.

  • Bars
  • Pubs
  • Shuk HaPishpeshim

A flea-market favorite for Jaffa locals, Main Bazar is a relaxed neighborhood pub, perfect for dinner and drinks with friends. This aesthetic spot sits on a heavily-graffitied alleyway, giving a unique look to this bar. Main Bazar offers a delicious menu, including hummus, salads, pizzas, tapas and more. Come for a meal, or just to sip on one of Main Bazar’s signature cocktails, or from the vast wine, spirit and beer selection. For those who haven’t experienced the quiet, relaxed nighttime atmosphere of the Jaffa Flea Market, Main Bazar will be a treat!  

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  • Restaurants
  • Gastropubs
  • White City
  • price 2 of 4
Bicicleta is not a bike shop, but indeed a hidden gem of the area. Their star-quality eggplant fries, funky cocktails, all topped with an adorable backyard garden atmosphere, make for a perfect night out with the girls or that special someone. If you’re feeling the indoor vibes, the quaint upstairs bar area often plays lovely jazz music to relax to after a long day at work. Save room for dessert, because after their amazing happy hour deals, you’ll want to try their halva Toblerone or date cake.  
  • Bars
  • Lounges
  • Florentine

Hoodna, meaning ‘truce’ in Arabic is workshop zone by day but transforms itself at night, when tables and sofas are dragged into the street to create a chilled-out drinking space. Inside, there are often live sets from afro-beat to funk to rock. 

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