Beirut is a vibrant city, which means things are rapidly changing. People are constantly coming and going and of course, new hot spots crop up all the time.
From bars, to cafes, to restaurants, there's always a new place to get excited about. Sometimes the places are so cool that you wish you could keep them all for yourself, which is the case with several of the spots below. But, since we believe "sharing is caring," we're going to let you know about them anyway ... if you haven't already noticed a few snaps or Insta-photos highlighting their chill vibes via social media.
1. Kalei Coffee Co., Mar Mikhael
Hidden on a back street in Mar Mikhael, near Junkyard and down a side street across from the old Laziza factory, Kalei Coffe Co. offers a cozy escape from the concrete jungle that is Beirut.
Situated in an old Lebanese building, with an idyllic garden out front, you can enjoy some of the best freshly brewed coffee hailing from Latin America and Africa. You'll also enjoy sampling from the cafe's menu of fresh salads, sandwiches and other delicious options. We recommend the the avocado toast and your choice of espresso.
Looking for something stronger? You can choose from a list of signature cocktails or of course, order a cold and refreshing beer.
The cafe is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information call +961 03 780 342.
2. Cyrano, Gemeyzeh
Just opened, next to Mayrig on Pasteur Street, this cafe/bar is the definition of classy and cool.
Located on the lower street of Gemmeyzeh, it's the perfect spot to stop for a casual coffee during the day or refresh yourself with happy hour drink. Hungry? Sample the pub's selection of appetizers and snacks.
If you're looking to impress a date and try something new, this should be on the top of your list.
The pub is open from 8 a.m. until 1 a.m. For more information call +961 03 225 893.
3. Fabrk Beirut, Mar Mikhael
Beirut has long been know for it's fabulous rooftop venues. Still, Fabrk might be the coolest one yet.
With a much more relaxed vibe than traditional rooftop spots like Iris or Capitol, Fabrk sits perched above Armenia Street's nightly chaos, across from Radio Beirut. With foosball and pool available to patrons, as well as daily happy hour specials, this is a chill spot to meet friends after work for drinks.
We recommend grabbing an appetizer to share as well!
The bar opens from 5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information and reservations call +961 71 448 800.
4. Beit Em Nazih, Hamra
OK, so Em Nazih's location in Gemmeyzeh stole our hearts long ago and has become a regular hunt for pretty much everyone living in Beirut ... but if you haven't heard, it just expanded to Hamra. AND it has a pool.
The original location will always draw crowds for sure, but the new and bigger spot offers the same great vibes with some serious added value. Exhibit A: the rooftop swimming pool!
While the Coop d'Etat rooftop bar will always have its own special charm, you'll definitely want to swing by the Hamra location to grab a cocktail by the pool. If you're hungry or would like some good rakweh coffee, sit downstairs at the restaurant that offers the same delicious Lebanese cuisine that endeared Em Nazih to all our hearts.
Located on the Hamra side street with Smoking Bun, near Bank of Beirut, you can call +961 01 742 390 for more information.
5. Beirut Cafe Racers, Mar Mikhael
On a side street toward the end of Mar Mikhael, right before Bourj Hammoud, Beirut Cafe Racers is brewing up some of the best coffee in town.
This hole in the wall joint is situated directly next to the now famous Beirut Cafe Racers bike shop, selling branded merchandise along with great coffee and cold beer.
If you're out for a ride, or just a stroll, this is the perfect spot to swing by for a quick pick-me-up espresso. Of course, for bike lovers, this is your go-to spot to talk shop while getting your caffeine buzz on as well.
The cafe opens from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. but is closed on Sunday. It is located on Armenia Street, at the end of Mar Mikhael on the right, before Bourj Hammoud. For more information call +961 03 053 520.