Central Station Boutique Bar

Central Station Boutique Bar is one of the bars that really put Beirut on the global cocktail map. Tucked into a corner of Armenia Street in Mar Mikhael, it takes its name and inspiration from the former Beirut railway station nearby. Inside, you get a subtle nod to train-station nostalgia – polished wood, metal details, high shelves of bottles and a softly industrial feel – but it never slips into theme-park territory. It’s classy, warm and buzzy rather than kitsch. What draws most people here is the drinks. Central Station has repeatedly appeared on The World’s 50 Best Bars list and has been named Best Bar in the Middle East & Africa, and you feel that pedigree as soon as you open the menu. Expect a mix of reworked classics and fully original signatures that lean on house-made syrups, clarified juices and culinary techniques. Many drinks pick up Mediterranean or Levantine flavours – local spirits such as arak, seasonal fruits, spices and herbs – presented in modern glassware with thoughtful garnishes. The average cocktail price is on the premium side for Beirut, but you are paying for serious craftsmanship and ingredients. The atmosphere manages to be both high-energy and polished. On busy nights the bar fills up with a stylish, mixed crowd and a DJ soundtrack that keeps things lively without drowning out conversation. There’s bar seating if you like to watch the bartenders work, plus tables and more intimate corners for dates or small groups. Service is a strong point; staff are used to guiding people through the menu, suggesting drinks based on your preferences or building something bespoke if you’re in the mood to experiment. While Central Station is first and foremost a cocktail bar, there’s also a concise food offering – things like upgraded bar snacks and a few mains (for example, beef fillet and creative vegetarian dishes) – so you can comfortably make an evening of it without leaving to find dinner. Between the award recognition, the inventive drinks and the setting overlooking old ruins in one of Beirut’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, it feels like a “must-do” stop for anyone serious about cocktails or wanting a memorable night out in the city.