Dragonfly Beirut
A bar with a spirit
One anecdote says you need three days and six nights to discover Beirut. Yes, this city is known for its vibrant and vivid nightlife. It is funny, but the same streets look completely dfferent during the day and then with the lights and filled with partying people at night.
My husband used to be quite a party tiger. When I joined him in Beirut, he let me discover all the less and more trendy and popular spots for outings. Some of them disappeared, new ones are now in fashion but one of the ones we always come back to happily is Dragonfly, a small pub in Gemmayze.
Dragonfly is situated in an old Lebanese building with an arched ceiling and a huge arched wooden gate. You feel like coming to a cave some hundred years ago. It is quite small but very cosy, and the atmosphere is outgoing. The bartenders are very friendly. Be prepared -- they will not skimp on the alcohol when preparing your drink.
Regarding the food, you can have some bites, but don't expect a full meal. Usually, there is a DJ taking care of the pleasant, not too intrusive, background music. The crowd consists of a "healthy blend" I would say -- a bit Lebanese, a bit foreign, a bit posh, a bit bohemian. A nice mix of everything. I would recommend you try their cocktails and maybe you should enjoy the cocktail happy hour between 17:00 - 21:00. Cheers!
About this spot
Find your way with 179 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Beirut
Ezzo for Antiques
For 30 years & counting
It's like walking inside a snuggled Aladdin cave full of gems, and you want to get your hands on all of them.
by
Samira
Ezzo
Beyt Sirena
Ras Beirut dining spot
"Beyt Sirena" is a coffeeshop in one of my favorite areas of the old Beirut. I love the vast floor-to-ceiling windows, and you should try their sahlab...
by
Lidija
Liegis
Aura Gems
Quirky Hamra gem & crystal shop
"Aura Gems", a kooky shop in a Hamra backstreet in Beirut, sells hundreds of different gems and crystals in all colours of the rainbow...
by
Lidija
Liegis
Das Küche
Sausages and beer
"Das Küche" is a must-visit spot in Beirut if you like real German or Polish sausages (more than 15 types!) and beer. Remember to bring cash!
by
Viera
Obeid
Ghazar restaurant & bakery
An Armenian hidden gem
The texture of these stuffed flatbreads is slightly crisp and flaky, with a hint of sweetness that you will seriously regret not trying...
by
Najat
Kibbi
The MIM museum
A mesmerizing stare
Located under USJ's grounds on Damascus street, this Museum is a must-go especially if you're a huge fan of stones and geology like myself!
by
Najat
Kibbi
Pool D'Etat
Summer Hangout Spot
Located on a rooftop in Hamra, Pool D'etat is an affordable pool by day and a very nice place to grab a drink or dinner by the pool at night...
by
Tala
Ladki
Onomatopoeia Beirut
The music hub
"Onomatopoeia Beirut" is a calm and cozy café that feels like home to everyone that visits, the space exists for all musicians and creatives to hang out...
by
Najat
Kibbi
Flat White
Coffee place in Pharoun Street
"Flat White" in Beirut with their modbar is the first presented in any coffee shop here in Lebanon! Great if you're a coffee geek...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Neighbourhood
The one with Beirut's coordinates
"Neighbourhood" in Beirut is a cafe that puts you among up-cycled furniture and a paster-color ambience. Come for a cup of their home-blend latte!
by
Samira
Ezzo
Gibran Khalil Gibran Garden
Hidden by cement
I enjoy going to "Gibran Khalil Gibran Garden" in downtown Beirut - I admire the sculptures done by Saloua Raouda Choucair and the trees & benches...
by
Samira
Ezzo
The Memory Tree
The only famine memorial
The "Memory Tree" is the only standing memorial to the famine that Mount Lebanon suffered from 1915 till 1918. It's covered in Arabic calligraphy...
by
Samira
Ezzo
Heading to Beirut?
179 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Beirut?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 179 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Bars
Our team loves Beirut
Get to know our other Spotters from Beirut
As featured on:
