What’s so HOT about Beirut?
This tiny city is one of the most unique in the Middle East for its fusion of culture, religion, history and people. Lebanon has a huge western influence that strengthened as it was under mandate by the French in the early 1900s. Even under its constitution Lebanon “is an Arab country with a western face mask”. Geographically a thick blanket of snow covers the mountains in winter with ski resorts and summits at 3,000 meters, while a one hour drive takes you to some of the hottest beaches on the Mediterranean Sea. The huge diversity in clubs and beautiful people (specifically to-die-for women) guarantees satisfaction for any style of night out. The hottest spots nowadays are along the former “green line” that used to split Beirut from east & west. Some tiny underground corners in buildings have been converted into early hours pubs that later turn up the PA system to become clubs.

Beirut has hosted some of the world’s biggest names in Dance music such as Paul Van Dyk, Ferry Corsten, Nick Warren, Anthony Pappa, Sasha, John Digweed, Danny Howells, Steve Lawler and Tiesto.

There is no curfew in Beirut so the parties actually do go on until the break of dawn.

The Insiders Nightspots
With places to head for any & every occasion (and purpose) I selected the current ‘happening’ trendy pubs and clubs that are a must for anyone going to Beirut to check out:

METIS
From the creators of the infamous Crystal extends a new concept of pre-clubbing dining and drinking. Metis is situated in the same bustling Monot area of Ashrafieh with some of Beirut’s finest clientele starting their nights here. Music played is just right for the time of night and the type of atmosphere you’d expect from a quality bar. Big open space enables everyone to see one another, perfect for the Beiruty social scene.
Tel: 01-333880

SUNSET ROOM
The Palm Beach hotel on Ein Mreisseh has been host to one of the summer’s favorite spots- Skybar. Now as the season’s change, the spirit goes indoors to the penthouse bar with just the right selection of music to live-up at the weekend. No need to get in fashionably late, as the title suggests, come in for a drink after work and enjoy the sunset over the Mediterranean.
Tel: 03-262295

TABOO
Right at the heart of downtown’s Azarieh complex lays one of the most active clubs in the city. Taboo boasts great décor and a selection of music to make anyone get-up and dance on the tables and bars. Some of the nicest cars in the country can be found queued up at the door through a good 5am!
Tel: 01-998100 / 03-883332

BASEMENT
A recent addition to Beirut’s strong-going nightscene evolves Basement, located near the port area of downtown. From the Lila Braun and Pacifico family, Basement is home to electro and ambient music that is different from what you’d get elsewhere. The place gets packed at 11 and continues until the morning hours.
Tel: 01-570505

L-BAR
Now passing its second year, L-Bar was originally intended to be a dining & dancing experience. As the years have passed, everything from serious dancing under moving heads to live singers on Sundays makes this Damascus-road venue one to head to for a good time with great company. Get in around 11 to get comfy and enjoy one of the hottest spots in the Beirut night-scene.
Tel: 03-454645

PACIFICO
At a time when Beirut was still not considered safe, a couple of partners got together to open the first pub on Monot Street back in the mid 90s. Monot Street has since been home to over 60 pubs and a wide variety of clubs. Pacifico has dinner tables serving an excellent selection of Tex-Mex food and one of the most comfortable bars for after-work drinking in town. The Cuban pub & restaurant is one of the best places to start an evening of heavy drinking including their magical Mojitos and Margaritas. Pacifico is a marvel that carries the credit of opening up the central Beirut region to nightlife.
Tel: 01-204446

LILA BRAUN
When walking into this place you immediately feel the modernity with the funky doorway entrance. The place has got clear white walls with a very well designed sound system that pumps out lounge, house and funk. The crowd consisted of artists, bankers and students alike all make their way to Lila Braun around 11pm and stay until past 4am on any of the two floors this pub resides on. Dress smart; pick up a few friends and head on down to Lila Braun for a great night of drinking and socializing.
Tel: 01-331662

BUDDHA BAR
Sushi, steak, big space, and a gigantic Buddha is probably the simplest way to describe the world famous Parisian bar & restaurant that opened in Beirut in summer 2004. As you walk through the main entrance located on the Riad Solh Square (Downtown Beirut’s most congested road) it feels as though you are entering a theater. The Buddha Bar Beirut took the plot of an old theater to give 2 massive floors with an extended ceiling and plenty of space. If you’re the chilled out type, dinner downstairs is probably for you. However upstairs is where the action takes place with people all walking around the red and black space with glasses full to the rim in their hands. Great mix of music keeps the heads bobbing all night, all the time.
Tel: 01-993199

ELEMENT
The original Element opened in 2002, but after complaints from neighbors on volume and crowd control, it had to move. In the absence that was almost 2 years, anticipation awaited all those that wanted & heard of Element but never been. The new Element (opened summer 2004) is situated along the Damascus road, and almost always has a queue packed to the road of hot women. Inside a big space is illuminated by the rock and dance classic videos playing on the huge screen. It’s one of the few places where a live concert actually sounds live and the cheers coming from the guests out-power that coming out of the excellent sound system. Good on most nights of the week, Element is exceptionally different with music from 70’s 80’s 90’s and by end of the night a good selection of house toons.
Tel: 01-212100; 03-080099

CRYSTAL
Now entering its 3rd year, no single club has had as much impact on the Lebanese social scene as Crystal. This large venue has been kicking ever since it opened with over 500 well-dressed people showing up every night, including weekdays! Based on three levels with 2 bars, Crystal is where anyone can be spotted from anywhere across the club. The modern chandelier in the center resembles a block of ice, a very nice touch complementing the white & silver interior design. The lighting is simple yet adequate with a few moving heads beaming various colors across the big open space. Music is at an enjoyable audio level consisting of mainly commercial house with a bit of Hip-Hop & RnB, and Arabic. The relatively up-scale clientele of Crystal stays reasonably wild from 12:30 through 5. Crystal is a vast modern club to have oodles of wild nights in. Oh yes, haven’t you heard? The music stops, lights drop, and triumphant music comes on along with a follow-spotlight on a huge bottle of champagne as it makes its way across the club to the dude who paid the club extra to get his ego boosted (and name along a plaque on the entrance if he has a habit of doing so). Unique? For sure!
Tel: 01-332523; 03-854455

B-018
No visit to Beirut is complete without ending up at B-018. If you happen to be at any club, party or even wedding and your quite hammered, you can guarantee your friends would want to end up at B-018, Beirut’s only after-hours club. Gothic designed club, with a massive bar and the unique retractable roof to reveal the stars and the sunrise as this place is happening until 7 in the morning. It’s normal to have people leaving B-018 while others head to work. Progressive House and Breakbeat play all night and morning long.
Tel: 03-800018 / 01-580018