While walking through this up and coming artistic neighborhood of Istanbul, we happened across Café Fener(although the sign reads, Vintage Fener). Truth be told, the free WIFI drew us in as all of our phones were DEAD. We were lead by KEENAM, the INCREDIBLYFRIENDLY and HELPFUL, English speaking owner, to comfortable sofas and armchairs at the back of the café. We had a few beers and great snacks(a combo of chips, pretzels and nuts). Although they don’t serve food at the moment, we were told there were several places that would deliver — SCORE! Shared great convo and stories about the neighborhood with Keenam, who kindly arranged a cab for us when we were ready to leave. Will def return to pay our new friend a visit when we’re back in Istanbul. Thank you!
Jack C.
Classificação do local: 5 Borough Park, Brooklyn, NY
The super helpful and friendly owner is full of local knowledge and speaks great English as he spent many years traveling before returning to help restore and protect this historic neighborhood. The décor is very cool and unpretentious — vintage and eclectic. He’s in the midst of renovations and so only offering beer, caffeine, soft drinks, snacks and cheese toast right now but he’s happy to order you Turkish meatballs from a few doors down. Excited to see it once he’s finished! Until recently Balat was a very beautiful but poor and run down area but now it’s very up and coming with bric-à-brac antique stores, cute cafes and boutiques popping up. The government wanted to knock it all down and throw up some boring modern renovations but the locals won protected status in a big court case and the government have agreed to help restore it in a way that maintains its character… Watch this space!