These are the places to drink from my saved lists: an old rock bar in Kadıköy, two cocktail spots in Moda, a craft brewery in Bomonti and, for the morning after, a coffee shop in Cihangir. Where I have my own notes, they come first; the rest is put together from Google Maps reviews.
Prices are Google's average spend per person, valid as of 30 September 2026. Rate: 1 ₺ ≈ $0.020.
In short
- The one with soul: Karga Bar in Kadıköy, a rock bar since 1996, two floors, a little garden and cats.
- Cocktails: tiny Kutup Moda (people recommend the espresso martini) and bohemian aralık with natural wines, though it's expensive.
- Craft beer: The Populist in Bomontiada, a former brewery.
- Morning coffee: Norm Coffee in Cihangir, until 18:00.
Kadıköy and Moda
Karga Bar
Kadıköy, Caferağa · bar · 200–1000 ₺ (≈$4–20) · daily 12:00–2:00
Google Maps · Instagram · Kadife Sk. No:16
A local rock bar, going since 1996.
According to Google Maps reviews (4.4 from 2,000+): a dark bar over two floors of an old building, with alternative music, DJs, a garden and resident cats that fall asleep on guests' laps; prices are fair, and it's more a beer place than a serious cocktail bar.
aralık
Moda · restaurant & cocktails · from 2000 ₺ (≈$40) · daily 14:00–0:00, Fri–Sat until 1:00
Google Maps · Ressam Şeref Akdik Sk. No:6/A
According to Google Maps reviews (4.0 from 540+): a cosy bohemian restaurant with a seasonal menu that changes every few months and a big choice of starters, mostly vegetarian and vegan. Reviewers praise the nut-crusted chicken, the cocktails and the local wines, orange and natural ones included. It's expensive, a service charge is added to the bill, and some guests feel certain dishes lack brightness.
Kutup Moda
Moda · cocktail bar · 800–1000 ₺ (≈$16–20) · daily 12:00–0:00
Google Maps · Moda Mektebi Sk. No:26
According to Google Maps reviews (4.4 from 180+): a tiny neighbourhood cocktail bar away from Moda's busy streets, dim, with good music and a quietly romantic feel. The cocktails are original, not the ones you see on every menu; reviewers recommend the espresso martini, and there are snacks too. Seats are few and a free table can be hard to get.
Cihangir and Bomonti
Norm Coffee
Cihangir · coffee shop · 200–400 ₺ (≈$4–8) · daily 9:00–18:00
Google Maps · Instagram · Güneşli Sk. 39/A
This one's from the list of little spots I put together for Nastya: come here for the coffee.
According to Google Maps reviews (4.2 from 370+): a bright, modern coffee shop up a small hill, with good lattes, espresso tonic, Turkish coffee, almond cake and beans to take away; but some complain about unfriendly staff, and the Google opening hours don't always match reality.
The Populist
Bomonti · craft brewery & pub · 600–1800 ₺ (≈$12–36) · daily 12:00–0:00, Fri–Sat until 1:00
Google Maps · website · Birahane Sk. No:1/D
Craft beer in Şişli.
According to Google Maps reviews (4.4 from 2,200+): a brewpub in Bomontiada, the old beer factory turned social space, with indoor and outdoor seating; reviewers like the nitro stout, Vienna lager, pale ale and weizen, though craft-beer fans find the beer average, and opinions on the food are split.
One last thing
A Kadıköy evening works well starting with a cocktail in Moda and ending at Karga Bar: Kutup Moda is open until midnight, Karga until 2:00. aralık adds a service charge to the bill, so keep that in mind when you look at the prices.
More on Istanbul: where to eat in Kadıköy and Moda, where to eat on the European side.