11 Tel Aviv cafés that offer books, records, games, art & more

Following the trend from the United States, LVL UP, isn’t the newest thing Tel Avivians have to look forward to. With a state of the art gaming console complex, a lounge, and a PlayStation consoles space you would walk into gamer heaven. In true themed fashion the bars menu is comprised of game themed cocktails, even a Rick & Morty themed gin & pickles cocktail.

Image everything that make Jaffa and the White City culturally unique: incredible museums, wild and wonderful art galleries, bustling bars, and chef quality restaurants. Now imagine them mixed together in a cultural melting pot, all under the same roof. The owners have combined their creative minds to produce Beit Kandinof: an artists' studio, art space with changing exhibitions, center for classes and lectures, and a Jaffa bar and restaurant that will operate into the night. With a handcrafted menu by the talented and promising chef Omri McNabb, Beit Kandinof promises to deliver the best for culture junkies.

Nestled on one of Tel Aviv’s bustling nightlife streets, King George, it’s no wonder you’ll feel like local royalty the minute you step inside Ozen Bar. The dimly lit ambience coupled with brick walls is reminiscent of a dive bar in the middle of New York City’s East Village. Close your eyes and just imagine intimate and thrilling live shows every night of the week. Plus, the hip bar is connected to The Third Ear–a thriving record and film shop–so you can get your fix of more than just live music. 

The Cuckoo's Nest is truly a unique experience like no other. Part bar, part art gallery, all located inside an antique shop, the Cuckoo's Nest will give you an experience you surely never have had before and will likely remember long after you leave the bar. With a weekly selection of art to visit, you will always have something new to explore at Cuckoo's Nest. This Jaffa gem boasts great service, an impressive selection of cocktails and wine, and also a fantastic menu. In addition to exhibitions at the gallery, you may also find lectures, movie nights, and live music.

This beloved spot right outside of Shuk HaCarmel makes a grand entrance in the new shuk with malabi, a custardy rose-flavored dessert served with your choice of toppings, from sauces and nuts to cookie bits. Don'y forget to give a go on game Backgammon, or Shesh Besh in Hebrew.

Over the last few years, Israel has been going through a vinyl revival. Beatnik has been one of the pioneers of this movement. About 80% of the store consists of used records of all genres—rock, pop, jazz, blues, soul, funk, hip hop…and of course lots of Israeli and Middle Eastern music. They also offer coffee and beer so you can sit in their lounge area and sip on a beverage while enjoying the tasty tunes.

Classy and elegant cocktail bars in Tel Aviv don’t get more authentic than The Library Bar at The Norman Hotel. This stylish 1940s style bar has an extensive cocktail and spirits menu as well as one of the finest wine lists in Tel Aviv. Whether meeting business associates or simply sitting back and relaxing with one of the books in the library, you can enjoy a special all-day food menu from the restaurant kitchen from noon or a traditional English afternoon tea. 

An unbeatable happy hour alongside childhood games ensures an evening of fun and games for all. Complete with local beer on tap, board games, and cozy communal seating, Shuffle Bar is a place that feels like home. Located in the heart of Florentin, this bar offers a neighborhood appropriate on-trend twist to beloved classics, think: fully loaded hamburgers, faux plant interior decorations alongside beer posters, and a hip soundtrack of music. With 1+1 happy hour and 20% off their entire menu of tasty snacks from 18:00-21:00 all week, Shuffle Bar is a must-visit for drinks and guaranteed fun and games (literally!)

Because who doesn't love a coffee to go with their brand new beach read? In Canada, you can’t check out of Chapters without a Starbucks Maple Macchiato. In the U.S., it’s Barnes and Nobles that pairs a Pumpkin Spice latte with your paperback purchase. Well, as of 2010, the Haifa-based chain Café Greg began to dominate malls across Israel after going into partnership with the Tzomet Sfarim chain of bookstores. Located right outside the sliding glass doors of Tzomet Sfarim on the second floor of Dizengoff Center, Greg Café is tailor-made for the more casual reader looking to alternate between people watching, espresso sipping and a light romance novel.