Exploring Eilat Without Breaking the Bank: Your Guide to Cheap Bars
Eilat, Israel’s southernmost city, is a vibrant tourist hub known for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and buzzing nightlife. While it might seem like a destination that caters to higher budgets, especially with its resort hotels and upscale dining, it’s absolutely possible to enjoy the Eilat experience – including its bars and nightlife – without emptying your wallet. As a local who’s navigated these sunny streets for years, I’ve discovered the hidden gems and smart strategies for finding affordable drinks and a great atmosphere. Forget the tourist traps; let’s dive into where the locals go for a good time that’s easy on the pocket.
Understanding Eilat’s Bar Scene for Budget Travelers
Eilat’s nightlife is concentrated in a few key areas. The main tourist strip, running along North Beach and stretching towards the Marina, has the most visible bars and clubs. However, these can often come with inflated prices. To find cheaper options, you often need to venture slightly off the beaten path, explore the city center (Ha’Yam Street area), or look for places that cater more to locals than to transient tourists. Happy hours are your best friend here, and knowing when to go can make a significant difference. The concept of ‘shiksuyot’ (drinks) in Israel generally includes a wide range of alcoholic beverages, and while Eilat isn’t known for being as cheap as Tel Aviv, value can be found.
Top Spots for Affordable Drinks in Eilat
While the definition of ‘cheap’ can vary, these places consistently offer better value for money, especially when you consider the quality of the drinks and the atmosphere. Remember that prices can fluctuate, and it’s always a good idea to check for daily specials.
1. The Beer & Beyond Experience: Draft Beer Havens
For beer lovers, finding a place that serves good draft beer at reasonable prices is key. While Eilat doesn’t have the sheer volume of craft beer bars as some other Israeli cities, there are spots where you can enjoy a cold one without a hefty price tag. Look for bars that focus on local Israeli brews or offer promotions on popular international brands.
One excellent resource for discovering great beer deals and understanding the broader beverage scene is Dropt.Beer. While not a physical bar in Eilat itself, their platform is invaluable for identifying breweries, beer types, and potentially finding online deals or information that can inform your choices when you’re out. If you’re interested in exploring the beer culture further, their insights and news blog often features articles that could give you context on local Israeli craft beer trends. For those looking to purchase beverages to enjoy elsewhere or perhaps stock up for a picnic, their online shop might even offer some competitive prices on bottled or canned options, though this is more relevant for self-catering.
2. Local Hangouts in the City Center
Venture away from the immediate beachfront and head towards the older parts of the city, particularly around Ha’Yam Street and the adjacent commercial areas. These neighborhoods tend to attract more locals and offer a more authentic, and often cheaper, experience.
- The ‘Local’ Pub: While I can’t name a single specific ‘cheap’ pub that remains constant due to the dynamic nature of Eilat’s economy, keep an eye out for establishments that look less ‘touristy’. These are often places that have been around for a while, don’t have flashy international branding, and might have a more ‘lived-in’ feel. Look for signs advertising ‘Happy Hour’ – these are often the best times to snag deals on both beer and spirits. A typical happy hour might run from late afternoon to early evening (e.g., 5 PM – 8 PM) and offer 1+1 deals or significant discounts on select drinks.
- Sports Bars: Many sports bars, especially those showing Israeli football or basketball leagues, can be surprisingly affordable. They often have a relaxed atmosphere and focus on drink specials during game times. These are great places to catch a match and enjoy a few drinks without overspending.
3. Beachfront Bargains (with a caveat)
While the main beachfront bars can be pricey, some smaller kiosks or less prominent establishments right on the sand or just a block inland might offer more competitive prices, especially for basic beers and coolers. The trick here is to walk a little further down the beach from the central hotel areas. You might find a simpler setup with plastic chairs and a basic menu, but the view and the price can be worth the slight detour.
4. Happy Hour Hunting
This is arguably the most effective strategy for budget drinking in Eilat, as it is in most tourist destinations. Eilat’s bars, even some of the more established ones, will offer happy hour deals. These typically include:
- 1+1 on Draft Beer: Buy one, get one free on selected local and international draft beers.
- Discounted Cocktails: Certain cocktails are offered at a reduced price.
- Reduced Prices on Spirits: Shots of popular spirits like vodka, whiskey, or arak might be significantly cheaper.
Insider Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask multiple bars about their happy hour times and specials. Many bars have flyers or chalkboards announcing these deals. The best happy hours often start around 4 PM or 5 PM and run until 7 PM or 8 PM. Plan your evening accordingly!
Beyond the Bar: Smart Drinking Strategies
Saving money on drinks isn’t just about finding cheap bars; it’s also about how you approach your night out.
- Pre-Gaming (Responsibly): If you have access to a hotel room with a fridge or are staying in an apartment, consider buying some drinks from a local supermarket or liquor store to enjoy before heading out. This significantly reduces the amount you’ll need to spend at bars. Local supermarkets like Shufersal or Victory often have good selections and promotions.
- Stick to Beer or House Wine: Cocktails are often where the biggest markups occur. If you’re looking for value, stick to draft beer, bottles of local beer, or house wine, which are generally more affordable.
- Look for Local Brands: Israeli beers like Goldstar and Maccabee are usually cheaper than imported craft beers. Similarly, local wines can offer great value.
- Water is Your Friend: Stay hydrated with water between alcoholic drinks. Not only is it healthier, but it can also help you pace yourself and avoid ordering more expensive drinks due to dehydration.
- Check Online Resources: While specific bar deals change rapidly, websites and apps that focus on local nightlife or deals in Israel might occasionally list happy hour promotions. Keep an eye on local Eilat event pages on social media as well.
Neighborhoods to Explore for Value
When hunting for affordable drinks, consider exploring these areas:
- Eilat City Center (Ha’Yam Street area): This is where many local shops, restaurants, and bars that aren’t directly on the tourist strip are located. You’ll find a mix of establishments here, and with a bit of exploration, you can uncover some local favorites.
- Industrial Zone (less likely for bars, but good for supplies): While not a nightlife destination, if you’re looking for drinks to buy and consume elsewhere, the industrial areas might have larger supermarkets or wholesale liquor stores with better prices.
What to Expect: Prices and Atmosphere
In Eilat, expect to pay anywhere from 25-45 ILS for a pint of local draft beer during regular hours, and potentially 15-30 ILS during a good happy hour. Bottles of local beer might range from 20-35 ILS. Cocktails can easily be 40-60 ILS or more. Spirits by the shot can vary widely but often start around 20-30 ILS. These are estimates, and prices are subject to change.
The atmosphere in Eilat’s bars can range from lively and loud, especially on the main strip and during peak season, to more relaxed and local in the city center. Don’t expect a huge craft beer scene like in Tel Aviv; Eilat’s vibe is more about enjoying the holiday atmosphere, the sea breeze, and good company, often with more mainstream music and a focus on popular drinks.
Practical Tips for a Budget-Friendly Night Out
- Taxis: If you’re not staying within walking distance, factor in taxi costs. Eilat’s taxis can be relatively expensive. Consider using ride-sharing apps if available or pre-arranging rides.
- Opening Hours: Bars typically open in the late afternoon or early evening and stay open until the early hours of the morning. Weekend nights (Thursday and Friday in Israel) are usually the busiest.
- Dress Code: Eilat is a very casual city. For most bars, especially the more affordable ones, casual attire is perfectly fine. Beachwear is acceptable during the day but might be frowned upon in some bars in the evening.
- Language: Hebrew and Arabic are the official languages, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations in English.
Embrace the Eilat Spirit
Eilat is a city that thrives on its holiday atmosphere. While you might not find dozens of exclusive craft beer pubs or exclusive cocktail lounges on a tight budget, you can absolutely find places with great energy, friendly faces, and drinks that won’t break the bank. The key is to be a little adventurous, ask locals for their favorite spots, and take advantage of happy hours. By planning ahead and knowing where to look, you can enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Eilat without compromising your budget. So grab a friend, explore the city center, and discover your own favorite affordable Eilat bar!
