Hayal Kahvesi Beyoğlu

Well, much as there might be tonnes of cool things to say about this lovely place, the fact that we were simple unable to move during the latest gig I saw has slightly criplled my positive point of view on it. I am completely aware that it is one of the best places in Taksim, but the relentless crowd of people trying to move formard, make their way to the front place, as if the area were a stadium, got on my nerves. I honestly don’t know whether this is a resolvable problem, but something must be done as this «predicament» seemed to put me off since it directly and adversely affected my concentreation on the «beautiful music» playing on the stage.

If there is one thing about Hayal Kahvesi, it is that everyone loves it! Everyday, there is a different live performance. Has a very cosy and friendly atmosphere. On the weekends it gets too crowded which slows the service. Prices are high since it’s so popular. Open from 17:00−04.00.

If the band wasn’t totally awesome, I might have given this place less stars. But I had such a good time I have to give it at least three.
Like Şule says, the overcrowding is probably one of the main issues here. Waiter can’t really move, people can’t really move, and lots of arms and legs and feet flailing about. With time and patience, however, we found room to dance and see the stage. If the band was even a little bad though I probably would have given up halfway through the show.
Also beer is not cheap. No pressure to buy it though, since there’s a cover charge. Next time I’ll probably pregame before heading out.
Just a note, the place has changed its address recently but the one Unilocal has here is correct. People around the street seemed to know the place well also so we had little trouble finding it.
Definitely would go back for the right band.

Hayal Kahvesi is one of those remarkable places that makes important contributions to the musical life of the city. Not only in Istanbul but also in several other cities, too. It’s a well-​known concert hall (also a bistro during the day time) where one can watch successful musicians at any night. I have watched some really good bands, too. But enjoying a concert to the fullest was always a bit a of a challenge here.
I think it happens because the place is a bit small.
You know how it gets crowded in front of the stage when there’s a concert of a famous band? Think that you’re stuck somewhere in that crowd and you need to go to the toilet because you drank lots of mid-​priced beers. Well, good luck my friend because you’re going to need it! You should break through that packed crowd till you reach the left end of the stage because that’s where the stairs (that will take you to the toilet downstairs) are! You’ll make a lot of people angry, face with some dangerous situations where you might have just get crashed down and possibly miss a big part of the show in the process. (Same applies for coming back.) I never had the courage to do that so far, but I’m so ready to hear your stories about this adventure.
The other thing is that there are some waiters who try to break through that crowd for selling drinks, too. It kinda wrecks the mood for a minute or two and that happens at least 5 – 6 times.
But anyway, I’m really glad that this place exists. It’s getting harder and harder to find a good place to listen live music in this city.
Some tips:
*The tickets are always on sale on Biletix but it’s also possible to buy them at the entrance.
*You can check their website (
) to learn who’s going to play when.
*At downstairs you will find Hayal Perdesi to watch theater plays.