Beirut, the lively city of fashion, food and parties. The capital is the largest city and heart of Lebanon’s tourist industry and much of its party scene. As a place that attracts many tourists, it is often hard to find the right places to go for a good drink with the mates.
Beirut is one of the oldest cities in the world, dating several thousands of years old. It hosts hundreds of galleries dedicated to art. This is apparent with much of this city vibrant graffiti street art scene. However, one of Beirut’s notable titles is being the heart of Lebanon’s bar scenes.
(Source:http://www.arquitecturaviva.com/es/Info/News/Details/10051)
(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Baths,_Beirut#/media/File:Roman_baths_beirut.jpg)
Alcohol tends to be expensive in Lebanon with the standard shot costing roughly 4USD in most bars, for example. However, there’s a lot of niche places around for you to enjoy strikingly good deals for great quality. One of these places, and my personal favourite, is Tequila in Gemmayze.
Located in Gouraud street in Beirut, the area of Gemmayze hosts one of Lebanon’s top vibrant bar scenes. A place I have often visited with friends for a good night out. However, if I want to start the night at a bar, I strongly suggest the Tequila bar.
This small bar is situated by many different dynamic bars. The interior is very cosy with dim lighting and friendly chatter going around. The decorations range from posters of films dating pre-1990s to African style masks hanging from the walls. Low lit candle flames help keep the interior visible.
(Source: https://www.zomato.com/beirut/tequila-gemmayze)
The bartender is very knowledgeable in cocktail craft. Often trying his hand at unique concoctions. His speciality is a concoction he mixes with his own crafted ingredients list which he sets alight for adventurous patrons. However, my most popular order is their incredibly priced, you guessed it, tequila shots.
As previously mentioned, a regular shot costs about 4AUD (or 6,000LL in the local currency). The tequila shots offered here are priced at 2,000LL per shot. This amazing price often leads to my mates and I leaving the table with dozens of empty glasses.
(Source: https://www.zomato.com/beirut/tequila-gemmayze/photos)
I’ve spent several early nights here before the main part of the night began in another club with more mates or a club. I highly recommend this venue for those looking to check out the Lebanese night life and are in need of some booze for the night.
If you had your fair share of drink, feel free to check out any of the bars adjacent and on the other side of the street. I have tried them all with mates and can recommend them all. The service is exceptional and you can find out some great insider knowledge of where to visit or eat. The bartenders and waiters are predominantly students who speak english as a second or third language so you wont have to tango with the language barrier.
Enjoy your stay, and drink responsibly!
