Travel writing based on first-hand experience
Discover the best bars in Istanbul—from rooftop views and creative cocktails to cozy local hangouts. Your perfect night out starts here.
Table of Contents
1. Buddha Sahne
Right on Kadıköy’s beloved bar crawl strip, Buddha Sahne is the kind of place we stumble into “for one drink” and somehow leave with a new favorite band. Live music runs almost every night (Mondays get a rare pass), and the lineup is delightfully unpredictable—Indie one evening, British rock the next, then pop, then something you didn’t know you needed.
The room is small, sure, but that’s the point. It’s got that warm, crowded-in-a-good-way atmosphere where the energy bounces off the walls and lands right on your table. Bonus: you can watch from the upper level too, which feels like a secret vantage point when the floor gets packed.
Pro tip: arrive a little earlier if you want a proper spot—Kadıköy regulars don’t sleep on this one.
Caferağa, Kadife Sk. No:14, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul | instagram.com/buddhasahne/
2. Karga Bar
Karga Bar is a dim, quirky, two-level hideout inside an old building—the sort of place that makes us instantly lower our voices (even before we know why). It’s known for alternative music, DJ sets, and artsy, slightly surreal details that feel like they were collected one strange treasure at a time. The DJ deserves applause for genuinely eclectic choices—no lazy playlists here.
Finding it is half the game: there’s no bold sign, only a crow figure on the door, like a tiny “if you know, you know.” Step inside and you’ll want to wander—a small balcony, little rooms filled with unusual objects, a cozy fireplace, and a bar area that feels like the heart of the building.
Caferağa, Kadife Sk. No:16, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul | instagram.com/kargakadikoy/
3. Revolte
Revolte is one of Kadıköy’s easiest wins, and you’ll spot it fast thanks to the bold red doors—like it’s politely shouting, “yes, we’re open, come in.” Inside, the décor is charming and thoughtfully done, the kind of interior that makes us pause for a second before ordering (rare, honestly).
The bartenders move quickly and confidently, turning out seriously good cocktails. It’s made for perching at the bar: sip, listen to the music, and watch the room do its Kadıköy thing. Locals love it, and weekends can get crowded—so if you hate shoulder-to-shoulder situations, plan accordingly.
Caferağa, Arayıcıbaşı Sk., 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul | instagram.com/revoltepub/
4. BİNA
Bina Bar sits inside one of Kadıköy’s most talked-about buildings, and it’s a proper three-story adventure. Before you even reach the drinks, the entrance garden grabs your attention—there’s a pool with a lion statue, because Istanbul loves a dramatic opening. Inside, the ambiance stays cozy and inviting, the kind of place that works for “one quick drink” or “we live here now.”
They host events on different days, so their Instagram is your best friend for what’s on (and whether it’s a mellow evening or a lively one). If you’re curious, the espresso-based Dude cocktails are a fan favorite—and yes, their pizza is surprisingly good.
Pro tip: if you’re coming with a group, grab a garden spot early; it fills up fast on nice evenings.
Caferağa, Kadife Sk. No:26, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul | instagram.com/bina.moda/
5. Dunia
Still in Kadıköy, Dunia has become a fast favorite—and once you see the place, you’ll understand why. The interior is stylish, but the real star is the terrace that makes you want to stay until the city lights flicker on. If you score a table facing the street, congratulations: you’ve unlocked premium people-watching.
We come here for drinks, snacks, and a soundtrack that keeps the mood right. Summer evenings are made for this terrace, especially when the sun starts dipping and everyone collectively pretends they’re in a movie. Dunia also hosts DJ sets and dance nights, so the energy can shift from chill to vibrant in a heartbeat.
Caferağa, Kadife Sk. No:19, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul | instagram.com/duniakadikoy/
6. Upperist
Upperist comes with a big promise—360-degree views of Istanbul—and for once, the hype is justified. The terrace is expansive, and the Historical Peninsula view is especially dramatic when the sky starts turning gold at sunset. It’s one of those moments where we all go quiet for a second (then immediately take photos, obviously).
The cocktail menu is broad enough to please different tastes, whether you’re into light and fresh or something deeper and stronger. Come for the view, stay because the drinks do their job properly.
Pro tip: time your visit around sunset and you’ll get that “Istanbul postcard” scene without having to chase it across the city.
The Marmara Taksim, Gümüşsuyu, Osmanlı St. No:1, Beyoğlu/Istanbul | instagram.com/upper_ist/
7. Ziba
Ziba is a proper hidden gem in Beyoğlu—right in the city’s energetic core, yet somehow tucked away like it’s protecting your peace. To find it, enter from the side street by Ara Cafe, walk a little, and keep your eyes open. (Istanbul loves a tiny scavenger hunt.)
In summer, the outdoor seating is the whole story: it’s relaxed, breezy, and perfect for lingering. Weekdays are calmer for conversation; weekends get busier and louder. There are DJ nights and events on certain evenings, but the vibe stays easy—cool music, street life in front of you, and enough atmosphere to feel like you’ve discovered something. The beer list is generous, and they also do signature cocktails when you want to upgrade your evening. Pro tip: pick weekdays if you’re here for chatting; save weekends for a more social, buzzy scene.
Tomtom, Akansu Sk No:10, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
8. Pera
Pera is one of those classic Beyoğlu stops that’s been doing its thing long enough to earn real loyalty. It’s a comfortable base for a night out: cold drinks, hot popcorn, and that easy social vibe where meeting new people feels natural, not forced. We like it because it’s both cozy and lively—no pressure, just a good time.
Pro tip: if you’re building a Beyoğlu evening, Pera works well as a “start here and see what happens” kind of place—especially when you want something chill before the night gets louder.
Kuloğlu, Ayhan Işık Sk. No:24, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul | instagram.com/peracafebar/
9. James Joyce
When people in Beyoğlu start talking Irish pubs, James Joyce usually pops up first—and it earns that reputation. There’s a spacious interior plus a rooftop area with Bosphorus views, which means you can choose between “cozy pub energy” and “we came for the skyline.” The drinks menu covers plenty of beers and cocktails, and the food is genuinely good (with vegan options too, which we always appreciate).
It’s also known for hosting some of the best live performances around Nevizade, so it’s not just a place to drink—it’s a place to stay.
Hüseyinağa, Balo Sk. No:26, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul | instagram.com/jj_irishpub_tr/
10. Joker No.19
Joker No.19 is a Beşiktaş favorite for a reason: it’s consistently excellent. Every visit feels smooth—from service to food to the overall mood—and the quality stays top-notch even when the place is buzzing. The drinks list is broad and full of genuinely tasty options that are absolutely worth exploring.
Then there’s the American-style food menu, which makes this spot dangerously easy to commit to for the whole night. The interior is spacious too, so even when weekends get crowded, it still feels fun rather than chaotic.
Sinanpaşa, Beşiktaş Cd. No:19, 34353 Beşiktaş/İstanbul | instagram.com/jokerno19/
11. Sunset Grill & Bar
Sunset Grill & Bar is a classic for a reason, especially in summer. Sitting on a terrace with the Bosphorus in front of you is one of those Istanbul experiences that just works—no overthinking required. We go for the view, stay because the setting makes time feel pleasantly irrelevant.
The menu is impressively wide-ranging, swinging from Mediterranean to Japanese, so it’s easy to please mixed groups (or picky eaters). You can settle in with a proper meal, sip something cold, and let the skyline do the storytelling.
Pro tip: book ahead if you can—this is not a “walk in and hope” kind of place in peak season.
Kuruçeşme Mahallesi Ulus Park, Yol Sokağı No:2, 34345 Beşiktaş/İstanbul | instagram.com/sunsetgrillbar/
12. The Populist
The Populist is a modern brewpub-restaurant set inside part of the historic Bomonti brewery building—so you get that “old bones, new energy” feeling the second you walk in. Their brewing setup is proudly on display, shiny equipment and all, and the staff move around like a well-rehearsed crew (which usually signals good service, and here it absolutely does).
You’ll end up with fresh, cleanly brewed beer and food that makes time quietly disappear. Even the fried items come out crisp and properly done—fresh oil, no shortcuts—which tells us they take the kitchen seriously, not just the taps. Later in the evening, the vibe can shift into something livelier: more movement, more noise, more “let’s stay for another round.” Pro tip: come hungry and treat it as dinner, not just a drink stop.
Cumhuriyet, Tarihi Bomonti Bira Fabrikası, Birahane Sk. No: 1/D, Şişli/İstanbul | instagram.com/thepopulisttr/
13. Zeytin Café & Bar
Zeytin Café & Bar is one of those places that feels welcoming from the first step inside—warm lighting, friendly faces, and an atmosphere that makes you relax before your drink even arrives. If you want an easy, comfortable night in Kadıköy, this is a reliable choice.
The team here are genuinely kind and clearly proud of what they’re doing. The space is cozy and intimate without feeling cramped, with tasteful details that keep it charming rather than flashy. There’s also a lovely garden area—a small luxury when the weather cooperates. The menu covers a wide range of dishes and an impressive selection of drinks, and everything arrives looking like someone cared.
Pro tip: garden seats are gold on a mild evening—grab them if you can.
Caferağa, Moda Cd. 30/A, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul | instagram.com/zeytin_kafe_bar_/
14. Kaldırım
If you’re craving something a bit rough-around-the-edges (in a good way), Kaldırım is the move. There’s indoor seating, but the outdoor tables are where it shines. You can sit back, watch Kadıköy life roll by, and let the music carry the evening while you work through the drinks menu.
They pour a solid beer selection, including draft Guinness—which is not exactly common in Istanbul—and they might just serve the best sausage sandwich (kotis) in the city. Yes, we said it.
Caferağa, Moda Cd. 73-1, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul
15. Punch
In terms of pure comfort, Punch might be the coziest bar around. Friendly staff, excellent music, and an interior that feels pleasantly worn-in—like it’s been hosting good nights for years. Downstairs, there’s a fireplace that seals the deal when you want a slow, relaxed evening where conversation actually happens.
Food-wise, don’t skip the cheese fries and hamburgers—they’re exactly the kind of satisfying bar meal you want mid-evening. And yes, you should come for the regular live music events too, because the place knows how to keep the vibe steady without turning chaotic.
Caferağa, Kadife Sk. No:35, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul | instagram.com/punchkadikoy/
16. Artist’s
Artist’s is the kind of place we love for escaping Istiklal’s main-street intensity without actually leaving the action. It’s slightly tucked away, perfectly located, and built for long sits. The food is genuinely great, the beer selection is strong, and there’s enough space that you’re not constantly negotiating chairs with strangers.
Pro tip: if you’re in Beyoğlu and your social battery is wobbling, this is an easy reset—good meal, good drink, and room to breathe.
Kuloğlu, Dernek Sk 17/A, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul
17. Muaf
Muaf is a charming terrace bar sitting right under the presence of Taksim Mosque, and it’s exactly what we want when Beyoğlu starts feeling a bit too loud. You get solid, well-priced food and drinks, plus those little complimentary extras—olives and nuts—that somehow make everything feel more generous.
The music selection is surprisingly good and happily crosses genres, so the vibe stays interesting without demanding your full attention. If you’re hunting for a calm pause in beautiful Istanbul, Muaf is an easy yes.
Şehit Muhtar, Kurabiye Sk. No:4, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul | instagram.com/muafbeyoglu/
18. Varuna Gezgin
Varuna Gezgin, right on Istiklal in the heart of Beyoğlu, is one of those places that hooks you immediately. The atmosphere feels immersive—warm, layered, a little theatrical—and it’s easily one of the best spots for a cozy meal when you don’t want to gamble on somewhere random. They’ve got great beers, a broad spirits selection, and excellent coffee, which makes it ridiculously versatile.
Come for an afternoon caffeine stop, settle in for a couple of beers while watching football, or make it your proper evening meal. It’s also a fantastic place to try traditional Turkish sahlep—comfort in a cup.
Şahkulu, Kumbaracı Ykş. No:79, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul | instagram.com/varunagezgin.cafe/
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