CITYbites: There's no place like Mike's Place

If you're up until later-than-usual-hours then stop on by this Jerusalem institution for Happy Hour; who knows you might meet some friendly new faces.

By ITRAVELJERUSALEM TEAM
Basket of chips at Mike's place 311 (photo credit: ITRAVELJERUSALEM TEAM)
Basket of chips at Mike's place 311
(photo credit: ITRAVELJERUSALEM TEAM)
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Mike's Place is good food, free live music, great beer and an "international" atmosphere.  Mike's Place is that non-stop hangout we've all come to love over the years. It seems that Mike's Place has been around forever, and the story of its humble beginnings back in 1993 plays a big part in what makes this place such a success in Israel.
Today, Mike's Place has three locations in Israel:  Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Ramat Hayal. It all started in Jerusalem when Mike, a retired photo-journalist opened a cozy little bar in downtown Jerusalem. The pub had such a laid-back setting that people often mistook Mike's Place for a private living room.
From its early days, Mike's Place attracted all sorts of individuals from locals, travelers, foreign students, immigrants, diplomats, soldiers, UN personnel, Arabs, Jews, and Christians. There was something about Mike's Place that was the perfect setting for a fun, laid-back atmosphere where people came together to talk, mingle, and watch sports over a cup of beer.
Mike's Place was one of Jerusalem's best kept secrets, and was one of the first bars in Israel to serve Guinness on tap creating much hype and had customers lining up each night. Throughout the years, Mike's Place has stayed true to its roots with a mix of live blues and rock-and-roll, with no cover charge. The pub is open from the early morning hours until the last customer, and offers a rich kosher menu with a variety of American, Mexican and Italian dishes. Mike's Place lives up to all international standards, with a selection of beers from around the world, both on tap and in bottles, and a cocktail menu that has a variety of drinks for everyone. If you're up until later-than-usual-hours then stop on by at Mike's Place for Happy Hour; who knows you might meet some friendly new faces.
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