ALES & TALES 📍HAMRA
I had a friend recommend this hidden gem, boasting fantastic drinks and an incredibly authentic vibe. Oddly enough, I hadn't stumbled upon this place despite its existence since 2011.
Being an avid seeker of authentic experiences, I was eager to uncover this little-known spot. It resides in the vibrant neighborhood of Makdessi, Hamra, a renowned hub for bars and nightlife.
We visited around 5 p.m., a strategic choice to avoid the evening crowd. The view, even at this hour, was mesmerizing, transporting me to the streets of Berlin. I heard that post-midnight, the place transforms, with the music cranked up and doors open until 4 a.m.
What truly caught my attention were the creative cocktail names on the menu. Our choices were "Corps Survival" ($10) and "After Walk" ($12), both featuring gin and perfect for those who savor fresh and tangy concoctions. While the cocktail selection was diverse, there was one limitation – all were crafted with a local gin, with no option for alternatives.
To my surprise, they also offered food, but with limited choices. We tried the baked olives with beetroot hummus ($3) – it failed to impress. The parmesan truffle fries ($5.5) – decent but lacked the expected truffle flavour. However, the pulled pork tacos ($13) were an absolute delight, and the Brotherhood burger ($13.5) left a good impression with its top-quality, juicy meat. It came with cheese sauce, which isn't my personal preference, so adding another burger option to the menu could cater to a wider audience.
The staff, particularly Nihad, who expertly crafted our drinks, was incredibly friendly and welcoming.
Pet lovers will be thrilled to know that this place is pet-friendly.
Location: 7.5/10 Interior: 8/10 Atmosphere: 8/10 Cleanliness: 7/10
Value for Money: 7.8/10 Food: 8/10
Service: 9/10 Overall: 7.9/10
For an average of $25 per person here.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. Both the food and drinks left me with a sense of satisfaction. Unearthing authentic spots like this is always a pleasure,
even though the prices turned out to be a tad higher than anticipated for this neighborhood.
