The hallmark of a good craft beer is the distinctive local flavor it adds to the base of grain, hops, yeast and water. Israeli craft beer, virtually nonexistent until a decade ago, now is available in more than 100 styles. The taste of Israel inside each bottle hints of locally sourced herbs and fruits such as mint, rosemary, date, passionfruit, mango or citron.
In 2013, Beer Bazaar opened their doors for the entire craft beer enthusiast community. Originally opening a small hut in the middle of the exciting Machane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem and Carmel Market in Tel Aviv, their goal was to provide three local drafts on tap and a place to find local beers by the bottle. Over the past two years, they have expanded to four Tel Aviv locations.
My favorite Beer Bazaar is located on Yishkon street next to the Carmel market. This Beer Bazaar branch serves over 7 drafts on tap featuring a few house brews made off-premises and an assortment of local beers. Their drafts cost 23 NIS for a third of a liter and 29 NIS for half a liter.
With over 100 beers from dozens of Israeli microbreweries to choose from, there’s something for everyone who likes beer and wants to try one they can’t find elsewhere. Since many Israeli microbrews are sold close to the breweries, it may be more difficult to find a Jerusalem brew like Shapiro’s Stout in Tel Aviv, so a central location to sample Israeli beers is a nice way to drink your way around the country without spending hours on the road. You can drink Bazelet from the Golan or some passion fruit infused brew from the Negev without leaving the same barstool. All bottles at the bar cost 26 NIS, a fair price compared to other local bars.
Recently, Beer Bazaar implemented a new Happy Hour at all their locations. Between 5PM-8PM, when you order a draft beer you receive a bottle of one of the 6 crafted beers brewed by Beer Bazaar. While I tend to prefer to enjoy a 1+1 happy hour deal, I also enjoy having craft beers at home which would be tough to find at your local supermarket.
For those looking for some food while drinking your beers, Beer Bazaar provides different Israeli theme bar food options. Their menu consists of fish entrees, pizza, meat sandwiches and healthier options such as grilled eggplant. While their food is tasty, I come here for the craft beer.
Whether you are trying o take a break from the craziness of the market or enlighten friends with the advancement of Israeli craft beer, Beer Bazaar is a great place to knock back a few beers during the day or at night.
Locations:
BeerBazaar Machane Yehuda :Etz Hayyim St 3 Jerusalem ( KOSHER)
BeerBazaar Yishkon: 36 Yishkon Tel Aviv
BeerBazaar Levinsky 13 Zvulun Street Tel Aviv
BeerBazaar Basta Rambam 1 Tel Aviv
BeerBazaar Rothschild Rothschild Boulevard 142 Tel Aviv
Hours: Sunday- Thursday : 10AM-12AM and Friday 10AM-7PM
Tel Aviv Affordable Dining 