There’s nothing better than finding neighborhood hangouts where you can enjoy a
drink or meal, recognize friendly faces, and feel like you can relax for hours.
When exploring a new city, finding such places filled with locals and authentic
food can be a challenge. However, they are definitely out there in this treasure
trove we call home.
From super casual bars to the quaintest of cafes, here is a
list of the top 5 neighborhood food and drink destinations in Tel
Aviv.
Haminzar 
This classic neighborhood bar lies at the intersection of
King George Street, Nachalat Binyamin, and Allenby, one of the busiest junctions
in Tel Aviv.
In an area notorious for its grunge and tourists, Haminzar’s laid
back vibe and sprawling patio creates for a casual, relaxing experience in an
otherwise hectic area.
Considered an “establishment” in Tel Aviv, whether old or
young, this is the perfect place to catch up with friends for a beer, gather for
happy hour after work (daily from 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.), or sit with a glass of wine
solo.
Choose from a wide variety of beers on tap, wines, and hard liquors. It’s
the ideal place to sit back, unwind after a long day, and even in
fashion-conscious Tel Aviv, it’s acceptable to arrive in sweats and a
t-shirt.
Insider tip: Always opt for a table outside, unless it’s raining
of course!
Allenby 60, Tel Aviv (03) 517-3015
Hours: Sunday to Saturday: 24/7
Not
kosher
Cafe Michal 
Cafe Michal rests in Tel Aviv’s Old North. It’s one of the
sweetest cafe bistros in the city.
Surrounded by a privatized patio filled with
flowers and bursting with charm, the restaurant’s uniquely calming setting is
merely one dimension of the Cafe Michal experience.
The eclectic menu features
classic breakfast items including the Israeli breakfast, French toast, and
protein packed muesli. Salads, sandwiches, and delicious toasts are available
for lunch, while traditional Israeli and European dishes such as schnitzel,
meatballs, and beef stuffed peppers fill the dinner menu.
Whether you live in
the area and are in search of an easy-going, high quality meal, a coffee outing
or are coming from farther away, Cafe Michal is worth the trek for an intimate
time.
Insider tip: Take notice of the many people working with their laptops and
papers at this cafe, as it’s known for attracting authors and writers who live
in the area.
Dizengoff 230 (corner Jabotinsky), Tel Aviv
Hours: Sunday to
Thursday 8 a.m. – midnight, Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – midnight.
Phone: (03) 523-0236
Not kosher
Armadillo 
Armadillo is the epitome of a small,
personable neighborhood Tel Aviv pub. It lies in the center around the Rothschild
area on Ahad Ha’am Street, between the beautiful Bauhaus architecture-filled
Mazeh and Balfour streets.
Choose from an assortment of beers, wines, and
cocktails. This intimate hub serves up authentic Georgian food, featuring meat
dishes as the main stars. So, if you’re in the mood for some comfort food and a
drink, this is the place to be.
Come with a friend or arrive alone and get
acquainted with locals at the bar.
Insider tip: Grab a seat at the bar
and chat with the bartenders. They’re super friendly!
Ahad Ha’am 51, Tel Aviv
(with an alternative location at Dizengoff 174, Tel Aviv) Hours: Sunday to
Thursday6 p.m.– 2 a.m., Friday 8 p.m. – 3 a.m., Saturday 7 p.m.- 3
a.m.
Phone: (03) 620-5503
Not kosher
The Streets Cafe, King George 
The
best thing about The Streets is that it seems fitting for every occasion. It
goes from the ultimate brunch place in the mornings to a comfortable lunch spot
midday to a hopping, restaurant/bar at night.
It’s also a great place to bring
your laptop and plug away for hours without so much as a glance from the wait
staff. I have had only positive experiences with both the food and service at
this “one stop shop” of a cafe.
Go there regularly and the staff will start to
recognize you, which is always a plus.
Insider tip: After a long night
out in Tel Aviv, nothing beats a lazy morning at The Streets where portions are
large, the coffee is strong, and people are friendly!
King George 70, Tel Aviv
(with alternative locations at Ishtori Ha Parhi 20, Tel Aviv and Ibn Gvirol 114,
Tel Aviv)
Hours: Sunday to Saturday: 24/7
Phone: (03) 620-1070
Not kosher
Va’ad Habayit 
While this bar resides on the prestigious Rothschild
Boulevard,Va’ad Habayit is far from intimidating.
This neighborhood bar is
located in the center of the Tel Aviv nightlife, providing the optimal place to
meet up with friends before a big night out or a perfect way to end the night.
Order one of their many drinks and chill out on the patio while checking out the
cool Tel Avivians walking by on Rothschild at all hours of the night.
Insider
tip: Head inside to hear the DJ who plays mainstream music
daily.
Rothschild 64, Tel Aviv 077-345-2494
Hours: Sunday to Saturday 6
p.m. -last customer
Not kosherTaste TLV is the ultimate culinary guide for dining in Tel Aviv.