Music & Nightlife

A very dark, modern bar with purple sci-fi lighting that attracts the university crowd. Particularly good fresh fruit cocktails. Mondays are Oldies nights.

Black Lily tones down Hamra's up-tempo nightlife with food and foreign wines. The resident DJ plays soul, funk, and soft rock, while the waiters serve cocktails and fare from the eclectic menu - mini-burgers to summer rolls. Take a breath, split an appetiser, and indulge in their weekly cocktail as you admire the remarkable display of alcohol across the walls.

The Blacklist Club will treat you to a generous selection of drinks, with a happy hour to keep you on (or off) your toes. Commercial music streams from the speakers throughout the week, while Saturdays are dedicated to underground alternative music.

This open-fronted charmingly small bar looks like an old converted workshop. Everyday brings a new popcorn flavour for you to munch on and there’s an extensive cocktail list full of tasty treats, for you to sip on 24/7. Named after the Norwegian town, where the sun never sets.

This complete activity center plays host to some of the biggest parties in the area. Hosting up to 1000 people, this is a fun venue for those wanting to stay out of the city. The activities stretch further than the parties, from bowling to billiards, there is an activity to suit all. Be a singing champion at karaoke, held every Thursday.

Brick’s is the place to kick back and get a good hearty meal in a cosy atmosphere. A home from home, expect a varied soundtrack of everything relaxed from jazz to folk, blues to alternative rock.

Part of the legendary Parisian franchise, this establishment boasts an Asian fusion restaurant and plays Buddha Bar chill out music from 8.30pm-12mid followed by loud commercial music from 12mid-4am. The huge Buddha statue never fails to impress.

As British as its namesake, this pub is decked out like a pirate’s cabin and its drinks are reasonably priced. Sport fans can watch football with English commentary and they even sell draft beer.

This cavernous little bar with a subtle burlesque them is impressive – high arched exposed stone ceilings which tastefully contrast with a slick modern bar façade. Burlesque has a small and simple French menu containing crepes, sandwiches and snacks and very friendly staff. Happy Hour 5pm-9pm.

A great outdoor place on the 6th floor to knock back cocktails while taking in the view of Beirut in all its glory. International, commercial and chill out house music is played. Reservation is a must.

A spacious and chic affair that pulls a 20-something crowd. Try the ‘Calabria’ fruit cocktails: strawberry (vodka), watermelon (vodka) and kiwi (rum). They have a large mounted plasma screen in case you want to catch a game.

This simple, Moroccan style bar attracts a more mature crowd. Choose from their extensive menu of cocktails (LL11,000-LL13,000) or simple Mediterranean menu with four starters, four salads and four sandwiches. Wed-Sat: DJ Jimmy Haddad with an eclectic mix, Tue: karaoke night.

Established in the 1960s, this shed of a pub is a Hamra institution. The Cabin comes with pool table, dartboard and a cobbled-together nautical theme.

A fancy nightclub furnished with soft couches and drenched in cream and gold. RnB and pop music play until 2am, after which time the DJ blasts Arabic music until closing.

An Irish style pub popular with Lebanese and ex-pats alike. Good place to hangout with friends and watch sports - mainly football - on a projector TV screen. On Fridays they host a game of ‘beer-pong’, a drinking game that incorporates ping-pong balls. Celtic will open for any Premier League game.

This charming old-world bar complete with net curtains, ancient typewriters and gramophones, has the Charlie Chaplin quirk. Dress up like the man himself with the bar’s fake moustaches and Chaplin hats and pose for a Polaroid snapshot. Music passes through jazz, bossa and acid jazz with breakfast served in the morning.

A popular institution in a vault on the main strip, Cheers gets the young ‘uns on the intimately sized dance-floor with a slew of current commercial pop and dance. There's a live band every Thursday, and every Friday they bring in a different DJ. During the weekend, you'll hear a mix of commercial, R&B and house music. There's also a small menu that offers the sweet and salty tastes of American snacks.