The Populist ★ 4.4
The Populist inside the historic Bomonti Beer Factory, a Bomontiada brewpub pouring Torch Brewery's 12-tap rotation including a Turkish wheat with anise since 2016.
Where Istanbul drinks local: brewpubs, taprooms and the new wave.
Taprooms, brewpubs and the local beer scene in Istanbul worth taking a tram to.
The Populist inside the historic Bomonti Beer Factory, a Bomontiada brewpub pouring Torch Brewery's 12-tap rotation including a Turkish wheat with anise since 2016.
Bosphorus Brewing Company in Esentepe, run by an English-Turkish team using Norfolk hops, pouring 12 own-make taps led by their Istanbul Pale Ale.
Bira Fabrikası in Kadıköy, the Asian-side beer bar rotating Turkish craft taps from Gara Guzu, Pera, Torch and a small import list, with a tight bar-food menu.
Craft Beer Lab on a Beşiktaş side street, a multi-tap bar pouring the broadest Turkish craft selection in the city with an outdoor garden seating 100.
Torch Brewery in the Bomontiada complex, the production side feeding The Populist's taps with IPAs, stouts and wheat beers from the historic 1890 Bomonti site.
Peak food season in Istanbul is year-round.
Local dining hours: lunch around 12:30, dinner from 19:30.
service is typically included; small extra is welcome but not expected.
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Istanbul rewards trust.