Tel Aviv nightlife's top pickup bars

Take the vibrant Tel Aviv atmosphere and squeeze it into a hidden roof-top scene, and you’ll get Suramare, a chic and swanky bar with a breathtaking view of the city. It fills the place with a certain joie de vivre that requires a glass of wine in hand at all times. Just follow the crowds of people and take the elevator up to the 10th floor to reveal a happening evening spot with gorgeous glass ceilings and translucent windows to the sky - which only add to the ‘anything can happen’ vibe in the air.

Hidden in the back of an unassuming hotel, Imperial is internationally recognized for their intricately crafted drinks. They also have delicious small bites, cozy seating, dim lighting and the spot’s diminutive size makes it perfect for singling out your match – and sending over a drink. While the cocktails are much sweeter, Bellboy is operated by the same owner, located in another unassuming hotel (Hotel Berdichevsky), has a similarly inviting vibe, but is considerably more spacious. Try a conversation-starting cocktails, like the one served in a bathtub-shaped glass, topped off with a rubber ducky.

Dim lighting, gummy candy topped slushies and a multitude of subterranean rooms make this an excellent make-out venue – especially if you favor hipsters and artsy types. Owned by a DJ, Yarin Lidor, expect music by up-and-coming artists to be blasting all night. Plus, there always seem to be culturally-themed happenings and new art on the walls to help strike up conversation with a stranger – should, given how packed it tends to get, basically being in your neighbor’s lap not be enough.

After the traumatic closing of Tel Aviv’s iconic music bar, Shesek, there was a hole in the White City’s revolutionary music scene. Well, not anymore. The bar’s former owner created a new little brother that fits just about 20 party goers. The large florescent “K” that marks K Bar pays homage to the once thriving Shesek. Even with a brand new design, visitors can expect the same wooden feel and wild playlist to accompany their drinks.  

Foster is adored by locals lucky enough to know it exists. It’s small and smoky inside, with intimate seating for socializing all night long. There’s also a TV to watch important sporting events. The prices are very fair—especially at happy hour, it’s not hard to down a few cold beers and expertly-made cocktails. But perhaps best of all are the interesting tunes you’ll get to hear. 

Aria's “downstairs” ground floor lounge offers a rich cocktail bar alongside dishes from the chef’s kitchen. The new and advanced sound system provides the perfect setting with the DJ located at the center of the circular lounge space. The guests sitting at the bar enjoy a unique experience that starts with dinner and drinks accompanied by live performances of the best local and international DJs, followed by a full-blown party into the midnight hours. 

With cocktail bars popping up left and right on Dizengoff, it can be easy to miss this slightly hidden spot. Jasper John’s is a cozy little bar with a fun attitude and creative cocktails with names like “Pink Agony” and “Black Magic.”  With a hopping late night crowd that drinks until sunrise, you can start and finish your night here.

Radio EPGB combines the best of all worlds: part live music venue, part bar, and part dance club...it’s got all of your entertainment needs covered under one roof. Located on Shadal Street just off of the bustling Rothschild, Radio RPGB boasts a great sound system that is not to be missed. What starts out as a chill bar, perfect for drinks before the night has truly begun, slowly transitions into a rowdier vibe, when you can get your dance on and enjoy the live music or DJ spinning that night.