Bar-ish Pub

Ideal place to grab a beer, watch some sports, meet some foreigners in the city, and have a laid back time. Def chat w Barish himself, he’s a good dude.

Baris Pub is a great place to a) watch sports if you don’t have the game at home b) get foreign beers such as Hoegaarden and Guinness on tap and c) have a birthday party. Although it’s not a place to dance, I love Baris, the bartender, and all his henchmen. If you make friends he may offer you complimentary popcorn.
All in all, a great place to pregame, although not at all affordable for your run of the mill Tuborg or Carlsberg (10 TL).
Come for the atmosphere, as the pub is super popular with expatriates and their Turkish friends. One of my favorite haunts in Istanbul, and the location is great (near the square and halfway down Istiklal Street.)
Note: Can get VERY crowded around 11 – 12, so plan accordingly. If you have a big group, it could be difficult to get seats. Standing around is perfectly acceptable, however.