Fall has finally rolled into town, leaving behind summer dreams and bringing in sweet rains and cool winds. We’ve rounded up some of the coziest places in Beirut to help you ease into the change of weather while you work, study or read your favorite book.
1) URBANISTA
URBANISTA
Urbanista combines Western delicacies and Mediterranean cuisine to cater for every mood. The place has a homey feel to it, serving delicious meals, sandwiches and desserts. One can simply head down for lunch with a friend or spend a few hours on their comfortable leather couches, chatting away or getting some work done while enjoying a freshly-brewed cup of coffee. For bookworms, Urbanista has a selection of books guaranteed to keep you satisfied for a few hours.
Gouraud Street, Gemmayze
01 567811
2) PAPERCUP
PAPERCUP
Papercup is a bookshop dedicated to all things print: books, magazines, journals, stationary, you name it. Their concept of bookshop turned coffee shop and workspace makes it ideal for grabbing some quiet time. They also organize book readings and have an online magazine, The Sounder. Pass by for a coffee or while away the time browsing through their impressive bookshelves.
Pharaon Street, Mar Mikhael
01 443083
3) SOLE INSIGHT
SOLE INSIGHT
If you are the friendly type and enjoy meeting and conversing with new people, then Sole Insight will please you. People from all nationalities frequent the bohemian-styled coffee shop. Its artistic décor and discrete location sets up a perfect atmosphere for getting some work done. Their menu offers a variety of coffee, herbal teas and fresh juices as well as homemade pastries and cakes. Their small library comprises philosophical and artistic books. If you time your visit just right you might even be lucky enough to see some art exhibitions, music or poetry being performed on the Vendome Stairs.
Vendome Stairs, Achrafieh
03 588919
4) KALEI COFFEE CO.
KALEI COFFEE CO.
Tucked away in a narrow alley in the funky Mar Mikhael neighborhood, Kalei Coffee Co. is a must for those looking for a unique coffee experience. Chill out on one of the loungers with a cup of their specialty coffee in one hand and a good book in the other or sit in their beautiful garden with your laptop to get some work done peacfefully.
Street 54, Mar Mikhael
03 780342
5) DAR BISTRO & BOOKS
DAR BISTRO & BOOKS
Good things come in threes. Dar Bistro – a bistro, bookshop and large tree-shaded garden, makes for a great hideaway from Beirut’s hustle and bustle. Situated on the ground floor of an old Lebanese-style house in Hamra’s Clemenceau neighborhood, Dar Bistro is ideal for working or studying. Take a look at their handpicked selection of titles in the bookshop.
Alley 83 off Roma Street, Hamra
01 373348