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© Shutterstock

The most hipster bars in Tel Aviv

They may be too cool for school, but even the hippest of hipsters aren’t too cool for these bars

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Calling all Israeli dancers, poets, writers, musicians and performance artists! The hipster scene is growing faster than Florentin can handle, and space at its hole-in-the-wall dives is limited. This has caused an overflow of beard-sporting, plaid-wearing, non-caring cool kids to bleed over into the Tel Aviv nightlife scene in search of a new spot to chill. Never fear, Time Out is here – with a lineup of cool bars to choose from. Revel in hipster heaven: get into a philosophical debate at Rokoko, get lost in the never-ending labyrinth of rooms at Kuli Alma, try out your best interpretive dance moves on the benches at Uganda (even when no one else is dancing and no music is playing), or duck away from Allenby into the Great Synagogue’s self-proclaimed hipster gem, Otsar. It’s time to wax up that 'stache, tighten that top knot, throw on those skinny jeans, and head to one of Tel Aviv's most hipster bars.

The perfect bars in Tel Aviv for hipster hangouts

  • Nightlife
  • Clubs
  • White City

The hipster pups are filling this most beautiful lounge-bar in town, for...wait for it... healthy alcoholic beverages. Its interior is refreshingly decorated, yet still provides the atmosphere of the desired "we are cool" slot. So how did Phi reel in the Tel Aviv audience from Otsar, along with fresh hipsters, gays, and fearless partiers? 

  • Tel Aviv City Center

This too-cool-for-school watering hole is the newest fad on the Allenby bar scene. Nilus bar - named after the Nile - combines high class hipster with lesbian-friendly vibes. The DJs, bartenders and managers are predominantly women bringing the spotlight down on Tel Aviv's art culture. Expect to meet directors, photographers, and budding artists while swirling a creative cocktail. And, when you want a break from the arts and culture, head upstairs for some recharging food or a smoke.   

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  • Café bars
  • White City

Chat to any local and they’ll whisper in your ears sweet nothings -- or everythings – about this important nightlife haven. If you’re into trends that haven’t become trends, because they’re so trendy, then Teder is the only place to be. Dive into an alternate world, where the cool reign and the grooves flow. Opt for this great cultural alternative to the mainstream commercial nightlife.

  • Gastropubs
  • White City

Where else can you find a bar, cafe, book and record store, and live music venue all in one? Only at Uganda, where alcohol meets great food and culture. Located in the Neve Tzedek neighborhood of Tel Aviv, there is always something funky happening at Uganda, such as a comic book sale, an experimental band playing or an art exhibition. A laid back atmosphere and friendly crowd completes the scene, enhanced by great beers on tap.

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  • Nightlife
  • Late-night bars
  • White City

Set in south Tel Aviv where Allenby Street meets Yehuda Halevi, this new-ish hangout haven has a certain mysticism, charm and rapture to it. It’s a two-level bundle of pure joy with a subterranean courtyard and staircase, a tiny misshapen dance floor and spirited ambience. It even has a vintage clothing store hidden within its labyrinth of rooms. Say the magic words, “Kuli Alma,” to any local and you’ll immediately make it into the cool books of Tel Aviv.

  • Nightlife
  • Nightlife
  • White City

This is the go-to bar for the cool and beautiful hipster crowd of Tel Aviv’s preeminent hipster kingdom. DJs play sets fusing funk and reggae, electro and hip-hop – and never tire until the early hours of the morning. With plenty of beer on tap and a real groovy crowd, this is a must-visit if you have even an ounce of bohemian blood bubbling inside of you.

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  • Beer bars
  • White City

A cute underground hipster bar – with even cuter waitresses – Rokoko has great DJ-spun music and a friendly crowd. While some bars have a rotating tap, Rokoko takes it one step further with a rotating DJ. The bar is known for featuring a different mixmaster each night, sometimes even its own multitalented staff members. 

  • Pubs
  • White City

Beit Hapsanter is a mysterious little bar located on one of the most lively streets in Tel Aviv. Although their official hours say otherwise, Beit Hapsanter claims to “never close,” allowing guests to keep drinking and dancing until they can’t possibly take anymore. With a dark, funky decor and electronic house music creating a distinct atmosphere, Beit Hapsanter will keep you returning.

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  • Dive bars
  • White City

This grungy-but-hip club pulls focus on the music, rather than the extravagance that embodies many of Tel Aviv’s nightclubs. Sure it has a certain je-ne-sais-sleaze to it, and it’s smoky, but the musicians are uber-talented and the sound is ear-thumpingly clear. Drinks are available at the bar until the early hours of the morning.

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