Top 10 Cocktail Bars in Istanbul
Istanbul is a very lively and vibrant city with its nightlife. Spending a fun night with cocktails is a very popular activity for a night out in Istanbul, where there are plenty of bars in many different locations. In our article, we will talk about the places with different styles, that stand out with the taste of their cocktails and popularity among both locals and visitors of the city. Let’s see the best cocktail bars in Istanbul.
Find a Cocktail Bar Nearby
Efendi
One of the most popular spots for unique cocktail tastings, socializing, and dancing! Efendi, located in Topağacı, Nişantaşı, draws a great deal of traffic from all around Istanbul and is quite active and crowded in the evenings. Be prepared to squeeze into people, especially on weekends. If you don’t mind that and want to have an enjoyable night with good music, lots of dancing, and vibrant people, Efendi is the place to be. There are only a few seats available. If you want to save a seat, arrive early, and you will have the opportunity to sample the restaurant’s delicious sushi.
Tips: No need for reservation. Dress casual.
Frankie İstanbul
After undergoing a significant transformation, Galataport, opened in November 2021, hosts exclusive venues. Among them is Frankie Istanbul, which has been serving in the Nişantaşı district for years and moved to Galataport. The restaurant interprets Mediterranean dishes with Asian cooking techniques and spices. In the elegant restaurant, cocktails take center stage on the menu. The two-story venue serves on the terrace floor during the summer and welcomes guests in the winter at the scenic and elegant restaurant section. Whether dining at the iconic bar or simply visiting for cocktails, experiencing Frankie’s signature cocktails is delightful throughout all four seasons of the year.
Tips: Smart casual dress code. Need reservation for dinner
Grotesk
Grotesk is a neighborhood bar which has a great local vibe, distinctive cocktails, and gastro pub food. It is a lively venue all day. The location is in Nişantaşı Topağacı and has many regulars among the residents of the neighbor. The restaurant-bar serves street food and creates its own bread and sauces. The drink menu at the bar is comprehensive and one-of-a-kind. There are numerous specialized cocktails available. The “I Know a Guy” cocktail is a must-try if you enjoy whiskey cocktails. Grotesk promises a typical neighborhood bar concept, comes alive in the evening. If you want to socialize and watch the crowd go by, choose a seat along the street, or one of the cozy dining locations in the interior area.
Tips: No need for reservation. Dress casual.
Karloff
Karloff, located in Topağacı, Nişantaşı, with its unique decor, provides a pleasant and vibrant environment with several lounging options. The billiard table in the center of the hall adds vibrancy and authenticity to the space at night. Karloff, which does not have a sign on the entrance, was quickly discovered, first by locals and then by visitors to the area. The teahouse-themed whiskey shot serving is one of the touches that stands out at a place where the cocktails are the stars. Whiskey Sour and Negroni twists (adaptations) are must-try cocktails at the venue.
Tips: No need for reservation. Dress casual.
Lucca
Lucca, located in Bebek, is one of Istanbul’s most well-known bars. Lucca is open all day, from morning to dusk. Before an entertaining night, you can visit the restaurant area (reservation is recommended). When the place becomes crowded, you can spend the rest of the night at the bar, sipping the cocktails. This area turns into a club atmosphere in the evening and becomes more and more crowded. It’s a destination to see and be seen! The venue frequently features well-known DJ’s from Istanbul’s nightlife, thus the music is also excellent. Cocktails such as “Satsuma,” champaign drinks, whiskey cocktails, and “summer sangria made with white wine and fresh fruits” are must-try items in the bar.
Tips: Try reservation first, especially for dinner time. If you can’t book, go early and try to find a spot. Overdress and impress!
Geyik
Geyik is a local bar in Cihangir, Taksim that is popular not just among locals but also among those who enjoy bar hopping. It’s a modest bar with a variety of excellent cocktails. The environment and the individuals in the pub are both really cool. It is a fantastic idea to come here for an afternoon drink or to go to a delicious supper nearby before coming here for drinks. At night, the crowd spills into the street, making it a great spot to meet new people and socialize. Geyik on of the best cocktail bars in Istanbul
Tips: No need for reservation. Dress cool.
Townhouse
If you’re on the Anatolian side, Townhouse, located in Suadiye, is one of the most popular spots for a great evening out and cocktails. There are several famous cocktails that are unique to the location and cater to a wide range of preferences. Specialty drinks including “Townie,” “Passion,” and “Fig Fashioned” are among the most popular. The establishment is open during the day and in the evenings. There is also a broad food menu. The Townhouse closes at 1 a.m. and there is no dance floor. It’s a great location to catch up with friends at a table or at the bar with plenty of drinks!
Tips: Must make reservation. Dress smart casual.
Flekk
Flekk is housed in an original ancient structure in Asmalmescit neighborhood. The structure creates a distinct and welcoming ambience. “Gronn,” “St. Martin,” “Vik,” and “Eyjafjallajökull” are some distinctive cocktails. Flekk’s cuisine features sustainable and organic ingredients obtained from local farms, ensuring a one-of-a-kind bar experience every evening.
Tips: No need for reservation. Dress casual.
Backbar
Backbar is located in Bebeköy’s Backyard. Backyard is a restaurant that is open all day and has a bar inside named “Backbar” that is open at night. This location has a large garden. It’s very delightful and relaxing to hang out in the large, secluded garden filled with long plants during the summer. There are large couches in the garden area; you can reserve a spot here or hang out at the bar. Drinks containing whisky or gin are advised. It’s a nice spot for a glass of prosecco. There is also a dining selection available if you arrive early.
Tips: Must make reservation if you want to have a seating. If you want to hang in the bar, no need. Dress to impress!
Sail Loft Retro Society
Sail Loft, located in Nişantaşı, is a place that has a real local vibe because of its owner and his wide circle of friends who fill the space. This is a bar that one typically hears about and goes. Until 2022, there was even no name written in the bar’s entryway. As a result, Sail Loft is a really warm and friendly location. Several actresses, models, fashion designers, and creative people gather here. You can start the night with meals here, followed by drinks and dancing. From 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., Sail Loft is open. The furnishings and music here are likewise retro, as the name suggests. Cocktails like “Kuzu kulak” and “Passion” are must-orders. It’s also a nice place to have a beer or a glass of Jameson. Try the “Espresso Martini Shot” if you wish to order shots.
Tips: No need for reservation. Dress smart casual.
Fahri Konsolos
Fahri’s seasonal and limited menu features a variety of innovative cocktails. All the cocktails in the bar are signature cocktails that have been created by 3 bartender friend that have established the bar together. The place is located in one of the main corners in Kadıköy, so it’s a very lively area. The place opens everyday at 15:00 and has outdoor sitings which you can feel the soul of area. The atmosphere of the place is warm and friendly where the owners/bartenders of the bar visiting the tables and tell stories of their signature cocktails. This is an ideal place for a casual night, lots of chats and tasting one-of-a-kind cocktails.
Tips: No need for reservation. Dress casual.
Moretenders
Although the foot traffic might be decreasing at times due to events happening in the area, Asmalımescit is one of Istanbul’s most picturesque neighborhoods with gorgeous streets and nightlife. Moretenders is one of the establishments that has been in the area for many years. The venue’s signature cocktails are prominent and comes first to mind while searching cocktail bars in Istanbul.
Tips: No need for reservation. Dress casual.
