Terghale Beirut

When in Hamra, stop at Terghale on Abdel Aziz street. This is not a place I visit on a regular basis because I do not smoke. But as it is so far from the places I usually visit, it's my go-to place when I want some peace and to avoid being caught up with friends strolling around the neighborhood. I usually stop by for fresh juice. My friends mostly order shisha or coffee, and we can spend hours here reading in silence. They also serve food that looks appetizing, but I have yet to try any plate. In rush hours, the music can become quite loud, but if you are a fan of oriental tunes, then this is your place to be. The prices are fair for juices and coffee and it is one of the cheapest spots for a shisha/nargileh.

This old renovated house that was turned into a coffee/shisha/restaurant is worth a visit, you can visualize how grandiose the entrance must have been, and the patio that includes a small basin hints at the oriental architecture that was not very well modernized. The mix of arabesque motifs with old tiles and wallpaper prints is bizarre and certainly not beautiful if you consider the art. The layout of the garden area and the space inside is very convenient, and when it's not very busy, you can feel secluded. I don't stay here long when it's crowded because I am allergic to cigarettes and smoke.