Best of Jerusalem: Nightlife Part of the Places of a Lifetime series from Traveler magazine

Expert recommendations of the best clubs, bars, and other after-dark venues.

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American Colony Hotel Cellar Bar

“Where foreign correspondents meet Palestinians and left-wing Israelis.”—Dita Kohl-Roman, publisher, Eretz Magazine. Smoky bar hidden under the American Colony Hotel in East Jerusalem; 130-year-old pink stone floor; Jerusalem’s version of Casablanca’s mythical Rick’s Café. Nablus Road; tel. +972 (0) 2 627 9777.

Ha’oman 17

Industrial zone clubbers’ venue; attracts international crowd. Top Israeli and guest DJs play electronic trance and house music. Action starts after midnight. 17 Ha’oman Street, Talpiot; tel. +972 (0) 2 678 1658.

The Lab (Hama’abada)

Performing arts center located in a converted warehouse; hosts Israeli Jewish rockers including Aharit Hayamim and Israeli funk masters like Coolooloosh. Live performances projected on a screen at the adjacent bar where the more intimate music sessions take place. No cover at the bar. Performance tickets $10-16. 28 Hebron Road, Jerusalem Khan; tel. +972 (0) 2 629 2000. www.maabada.org.il

Mike’s Place

Friendly, casual atmosphere; outdoor tables in good weather; pool table inside. Nightly live music—blues, folk, and contemporary local rock—attracts an eclectic crowd of all ages. Music starts around 10 p.m. 37 Jaffa Road; tel. +972 (0) 52 267 0965. www.mikesplacebars.com

Open

“Ultramodern, swanky singles bar-restaurant.”—Michael Kohn, coordinating author, Lonely Planet Israel & the Palestinian Territories. Giant aquarium and TV screen. Occasional impromptu live music performances; primarily DJ music. Meat and seafood dishes. 17 Shlomzion Street; tel. +972 (0) 2 622 2622.

Uganda

Tiny bar-café located inside a comic book store. Favorite hangout for alternative music aficionados. Limited menu; teas, fruit-flavor araks (anise-flavored alcoholic beverage), Palestinian Talybeh beer, espresso, and wine. 4 Aristobulos Street; tel. +972 (0) 2 623 6087.

Yellow Submarine

Non-profit creative music center; dancing and live performances almost every night. Mostly rock, occasional blues and jazz—Eli Lulay, The Caspers—also live band parties spotlighting Jerusalem-based bands. 10 p.m. until after 4 a.m. Tickets $15-18. 13 Erkevim Street, Talpiot; tel. +972 (0) 2 679 4040. www.yellowsubmarine.org.il