Beirut's cocktail scene has rebuilt itself again. Mar Mikhael remains the centre. The 10 below are the rooms doing serious work — built around arak (the local anise spirit) and modern cocktail technique.
Part of our 50 Best Cocktail Bars in the World listThis article is one chapter in our larger global guide. See the full pillar with every featured city.
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The 10 best cocktail bars in Beirut
01 · Beirut
Mar Mikhael
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Cocktails · Arak-led
Mar Mikhael cocktail bar built around arak. Modern Lebanese-spirit cocktail program.
Order: An arak-based modernist signature
02 · Beirut
Mar Mikhael
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Late-night · Loud
The bar that anchors Beirut's nightlife district.
Order: Arak-spiked spec
03 · Beirut
Mar Mikhael
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Speakeasy · Late-night
Mar Mikhael speakeasy with classical cocktail technique.
Order: A perfect Manhattan with their reserve rye
04 · Beirut
Mar Mikhael
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Cocktails · Hidden
Hidden Mar Mikhael cocktail bar. Modern Lebanese cocktail program.
Order: A house signature spec
05 · Beirut
Achrafieh
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Lebanese cuisine + bar
Restaurant with one of Beirut's most polished cocktail bars attached.
Order: A drink built around mahleb or za'atar
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06 · Beirut
Antelias
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Mediterranean rooftop
Outside Beirut proper, but the bar locals fly back to.
Order: Arak-spiked rooftop spec
07 · Beirut
Karantina
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Industrial · Late-night DJ
Late-night Karantina industrial space.
Order: A vodka cocktail at 2 AM
08 · Beirut
Manara
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Hotel rooftop · Mediterranean
On top of the Riviera Hotel. Open Mediterranean view.
Order: A rosé spritz on the terrace
09 · Beirut
Mar Mikhael
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Casual · Burger
Casual Mar Mikhael bar with burgers. The post-shift hangout for the Mar Mikhael bar industry.
Order: A whiskey + a smoked-meat burger
10 · Beirut
Hamra
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Pub · Hamra
Hamra pub with a casual atmosphere. Cheap drinks, late hours.
Order: A Lebanese craft beer
More Beirut cocktail barsThe full Beirut cocktail-bar index by neighbourhood.
See the full list
How Beirut cocktailing keeps going
Beirut's bars run later than almost anywhere — peak hours start at midnight and run to 4 AM. Anise and Goodbye Baby are the technical references. Most are in Mar Mikhael.
