On a relatively low-key corner just a brief jaunt from Rothschild and Allenby, lies a small unassuming joint with the warmest high-quality cocktail scene around – just about one year old. Everything from the décor to the cocktails to the crowd is romantic and classy, yet inviting and unpretentious.
Within industrial stone and concrete walls, minimalistic overhead lamps and candles light up delicate glass china sitting on simple wooden tables, surrounded by intimate conversations between couples and chill friend groups. Sitting on the cushiony leather chairs, most everyone sports casual dresses and t-shirts. The music is fun, but is never loud enough to put a strain on daters having a heart-to-hearts, old friends sharing a laid-back chat, or the intriguing discussion between the strangers at adjacent tables.
© Shoshana Rice
“We don't see people as customers when they walk in here, but rather as our guests," explains co-owner Yuval Soffer. Welcomed by the sweet waitress taking her time discussing the most ideal cocktails to please our palettes before shifting the conversation to our lives in Tel Aviv, I feel exactly what Soffer is talking about. Most people seem to know each other, though many might just be that affable. Soffer dreamed of a "neighborhood" bar, and on one hand feels that the location is stuck between neighborhoods, but on the other hand has achieved the neighborhood vibe anyways and loves his clientele. Their three types of guests usually include local regulars, first timers, and people in the drinking industry aware of the establishment’s quality.
Both Soffer and his partner have been working in hospitality for decades, refining their ideas for what they appreciate in a venue, down to the last detail. They both have day jobs that produce the majority of their income, so this place is genuinely their pride and joy.
© Shoshana Rice
Like their ambiance, their cocktails are full of flavor and attention to detail without being too froufrou. Soffer works at a distillery during the day and is the cocktail and spirits version of a sommelier, deeply knowledgeable and experienced with the science of balancing each element that constructs a quality cocktail. The deep seeded respect for the art form is apparent just by glancing at the menu, where a brief history of the cocktail is stated beneath each listing, informing you about the concoction’s date and place of origin. Passionate about so many spectacular cocktails, they rotate the menu every week and sometimes even hand out different menus throughout the night. And the bartenders have an extensive understanding of each combination and the ways they can be best altered to a guest's taste.
© Shoshana Rice
Their specialities include day parties every Friday afternoon with different guest DJs, 1+1 cocktails all night every Saturday, 50% off every happy hour drink every night from 18:00-20:00, and Tuesday 80s nights. With a separate menu full of crazy vibrant 80s cocktails revamped with their artful mixing and high quality ingredients, come on Tuesdays to try their Blue Lagoon: made with fresh-pressed blue flowers and daily fresh-squeezed lemonade.
From 18:00-1:00 every day besides Friday, try out their signature Martinez on tap, an array of basic but delicious bar food, or their solid beer and wine selection. Head over to 26 Mikeve Israel Street to be charmed by a top-of-the-line concoction rivaling the best in Tel Aviv’s extensive cocktail scene, to grab a beer with a buddy, or anything in between.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/Guest-Room-483225362008727/ or call
052-606-2453.