Tel Aviv nightlife: 7 BRAND NEW bars to check out tonight

After months of nail biting and stewing in a pool of urban anxiety, Herzl 16, the promising successor to R2M's Rothschild 12, opened its doors…just a few days after the doors of Rothschild 12 closed for the very last time. In terms of the vibe, Herzl 16 will preserve the old spirit of Rothschild 12 - both in terms of sound, music, performances, and design. The food will be similar, but with a Japanese twist. Dishes will fly out of the complex's central kitchen, which is located in the connecting "Disco Tokyo" restaurant, led by chef Ido Lev. The large and open kitchen is well-stocked with all of the necessary gizmos and gadget: a Yakitori grill, Gyoza pans, a special Japanese tempura fryer, wok, noodle vaporizer, plus soya sauce, sake, and rice vinegar, cooking dishes for rice, and beautiful Japanese serving dishes - handmade by Hanna Pollak, and Guy Pollak – the head chef of the R2M group's mom. He explains, "At Herzl 16, there will be an evening menu with bar snacks, and lighter, simpler dishes." However, the morning menu at Herzl 16 will remain identical to Rothschild 12's menu. In the afternoon, business lunches will be served with a Japanese flair.

This  recently-opened hotspot consists of three stunningly-decorated spaces: a cocktail bar, outdoor courtyard with a kiosk-style bar hawking magazines, and a gallery floor that turns into a nightclub after 10 pm. With a name like Drama (by the way, it refers to the “tension created between reality and imagination, and in creating an unforgettable entertainment experience”), curious passersby will be intrigued by what lies behind the entrance teeming with people Jonesin’ to get in. Go for the bi-level floors of fun and solid House music.

We know. You’ve been to the Rothschild club scene. You’ve danced the night away at Breakfast, gotten one drink too many at Radio, and are tired of waiting in line to get into Sputnik. You want something different, perhaps a bit removed from the go-to party places around the city. Enter Slippers.99, which is located on the second floor, tucked away right above Beit Hapsanter. If you’re looking for a place to completely let go and have a great time, Slippers.99 is the place for you. This weekend party spot is always booking a variety of local DJ’s, so things will never feel monotonous here.

A stellar collaboration between Tom Aviv, the winner of the 6th season of Israel's Master Chef, and Uri Raz, a partner at the 'Social Club' and 'Piazza', Coco Bambino is next-level fun. Situated in what was once the old 'Papa's' restaurant, at the top of Kerem Hateimanin, just across from Salon Berlin, the building and interior have had an extreme face lift – in the most Tel Avivian of ways. The Italiancentric restaurant greets drinkers and diners with an onslaught of color, dance music, and a true party atmosphere. This is one nightlife spot that expertly brings food, drinks and beautiful people together – from the quirky popcorn aperitif to gorgeous cocktails and a waitstaff that cares to know your name and tastes.

As you enter the Ultra Hotel on Hayarkon Street, you will find yourself at the Ultra Hotel Cocktail Bar. If you consider yourself a cocktail connoisseur, then this is truly a treasure trove. The new and modern bar boasts cocktails that are based on traditional Japanese spirits made with a unique twist. For example, you may sample concoctions crafted with banana, caramel, and salted popcorn all the way to a scintillating combination of berries and mint. The possibilities are endless. All the ingredients are house made and follow secret recipes whipped up by the in-house mixologists. Even if you are not a guest at the upscale hotel, do not miss out on the gorgeous cocktails Ultra Cocktail Bar has to offer.

Leyla bar can be found right next to the classic Hakovshim bistro, tucked away between Shuk Hacarmel and the artsy Kerem Ha’Teimanim neighborhood. This unique cocktail bar derives its name from both the Hebrew and Arabic words for night: "Leil" in Arabic, "Layla" in Hebrew. The intimate atmosphere created by the bar gives the place an aura of mystique and intrigue, almost borrowing the Middle Eastern bazaar qualities of the adjacent shuk and the bohemian vibes given off the Kerem. Here you will find intoxicating and exotic concoctions that match the overall feel of the bar. For example, the "Wannabe Malabi" is a gorgeous milky white mixture of ouzo, lychee syrup, coconut sorbet, rosewater, and toasted almonds. This certainly isn't your grandmother's Malabi.