3 late-night dives in Istanbul our editors have drunk at, sorted by score. All Istanbul nightlife.
Arsen Lüpen Taksim ★ 4.1
beyoglu · Mis Sokak No:15, 34435 Beyoğlu, Istanbul
Arsen Lüpen on Mis Sokak off İstiklal Caddesi runs a rooftop late-night bar with live music, karaoke nights and an open-mic strand, a Beyoğlu fixture.
Tip: Open until 05:00 most nights; happy hour 14:00-19:00. Mis Sokak is a left turn off İstiklal from Taksim. Cash bar runs faster than card.
The James Joyce Irish Pub ★ 4.1
beyoglu · Balo Sokak No:26, 34435 Hüseyinağa, Beyoğlu, Istanbul
The James Joyce on Balo Sokak off İstiklal Caddesi is Istanbul's original Irish pub, with Guinness on tap, live music every night of the week.
Tip: Live music every night; Friday and Saturday run to 04:00. Cash bar moves faster on big-match nights. Şişhane Metro is two blocks.
Munzur Cafe Bar ★ 4.3
beyoglu · Hasnun Galip Sokak No:17, 34433 Beyoğlu, Istanbul
Munzur Cafe Bar on Hasnun Galip Sokak off İstiklal Caddesi opened in 1992 as one of Turkey's first türkü bars, with nightly live Turkish folk by saz players.
Tip: Live music starts most nights around 21:00; the room sings along by midnight. Cash bar is fastest. Nearby Galip Dede ramp leads down to Galata.