Sometimes, one must risk it all, or rather the night’s potential success, for a trek out to a venue that is far from the beating heart of the local hot spots. A lifeless bar without a nearby alternative can spell the death knell for a hedonistic outing. And while Tel Aviv has enough taxis to save the night, and is far too crowded with nightlife spots to leave you lingering for to long, Jaffa Bar is a bit of a way from where most visitors spend their nights. And that is just where its charm lies.

Located in a centuries old alley, under stone arches leading down to Ancient Jaffa Port, Jaffa Bar provides quite a unique setting for the night’s first encounter with a cocktail. Lest you fear solitary confinement in the brilliant Ottoman-era street, the management has carefully mined its network of friends to provide for an array of diversions. Intimate acoustic sets, cabaret performances and heat-inducing turntablists will keep you blissful and in need of another craft drink or delicacy from the kitchen. Oh, did I mention that Jaffa Bar’s menu offers dishes from its big sister, chef Nir Tzuk’s flag-ship Cordelia restaurant, strategically placed across the alley. Reaching it may be a crusade, but Jaffa Bar indeed holds the holy grail for your night out.