3 listening bars in Istanbul our editors have drunk at, sorted by score. All Istanbul nightlife.
Arkaoda ★ 4.6
kadikoy · Kadife Sokak No:18/A, 34710 Caferağa, Kadıköy, Istanbul
Arkaoda on Kadife Sokak in Caferağa has run since 1999 as the Asian-side listening reference, an unmarked door cafe by day that turns at night to an analog.
Tip: No sign on the door; look for the number 18. The back room is the music seat. Underground DJ programming and small live sets; the schedule moves on Instagram.
The Badau ★ 4.4
kadikoy · Duatepe Sokak No:49, 34716 Rasimpaşa, Kadıköy, Istanbul
The Badau on Duatepe Sokak in Yeldeğirmeni is the Eren Noyan gastro-jazz room founded in 2016 in this Kadıköy quarter, a compact stage hosting Turkish.
Tip: Ticketed concerts; book ahead via the venue. Kitchen serves before the set. Kadıköy ferry is the easiest cross-water route; cab back is fastest later.
Mezkla Hi-Fi Bar ★ 4.4
sariyer · Akat, Zeytinoğlu Caddesi, Yeşim Sokak No:7, Beşiktaş, Istanbul
Mezkla Hi-Fi Bar on Yeşim Sokak in Akat above the Mezkla Mexican kitchen runs an upstairs audiophile room with a custom sound system, sound-insulated walls.
Tip: Closed Mondays; the hi-fi bar is upstairs from the restaurant. Akmerkez and the Akatlar metrobus are the closest stops. Book ahead Friday and Saturday.