Exploring the Charm of Bosphorus Happy Hour: A Guide
Happy Hour along the Bosphorus strait is not just an occasion; it’s a cultural phenomenon that blends stunning views with the allure of discounted drinks and appetizers. As the waterway that divides Istanbul between two continents, the Bosphorus provides a backdrop that turns any regular happy hour into an extraordinary event. This guide delves into the nuances of enjoying happy hour by this historic strait, offering insights into making the most of these moments.
Bosphorus Happy Hour Time
Day
Happy Hours
Monday
4-7pm
Tuesday
4-7pm
Wednesday
4-7pm
Thursday
4-7pm
Friday
4-7pm
Saturday
4-7pm
Sunday
4-7pm
Bosphorus Happy Hour Menu
Here is the dinner menu of Bosphorus:
Cold Appetizers
Select TwoUSD 10.95
Your choice of any two – Humus, Sautéed Eggplant, Muhammara, Babaganoush, Ezme, Haydari, Cacik
Lavas (Hollow Bread)USD 5.45
Our signature, baked to-order bread creation. Highly recommended for all soups & appetizers
Mixed Appetizer (Karisik Meze)USD 21.95
A combination of Humus, Babaganoush, Sautéed Eggplant, Muhammara, Ezme, Tarama, Haydari and Zetinyagli Yaprak Dolma
Sautéed Eggplant (Soslu Patlican)USD 8.95
Eggplant in a rich tomato sauce with red & green bell peppers, onion and garlic
MuhammaraUSD 8.50
Puree of red peppers, walnuts, garlic, olive oil & pomegranate
BabaganoushUSD 8.95
Fresh smoked eggplant purée with tahini, olive oil & yogurt
EzmeUSD 8.95
Spicy blend of chopped tomatoes, red & green bell peppers, red onion, walnuts, garlic, parsley, dill pickle, jalapeño pepper & lemon juice
HumusUSD 7.95
Freshly puréed chickpeas with tahini, garlic, lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil
HaydariUSD 8.50
Thick and creamy yogurt mixed with walnuts, dill and mint
Cold Cucumber Dip (Cacik)USD 7.50
Fresh yogurt with chopped cucumber, garlic, mint & dill
Feta PlateUSD 9.95
Imported feta cheese, peppadews, cornichon pickles, with spring mix, tomato & cucumber slices
Salads And Soup
Shepherd’s Salad (ÇOban Salata)USD 11.95
Diced cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, parsley & red onion tossed in a Turkish vinaigrette
House Salad (YeşIl Salata)USD 11.95
Romaine hearts, spring mix, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and feta cheese, with a house made vinaigrette
White Bean Salad (Piyaz Salatası)USD 12.95
White beans, tomatoes, bell pepper and parsley, topped with a hard boiled egg, and a freshly made vinaigrette
Red Lentil Soup (Mercimek)USD 6.50
A vegetarian blend of red lentils, Turkish seasonings & fresh herbs
Hot Appetizers
Fried Liver (Arnavut Ciğeri)USD 11.95
Tender, hand-breaded beef liver pan-fried and served over sautéed fries and freshly sliced red onions
Pan-Fried Zucchini Patties (Mücver)USD 9.95
A delicious combination of tender zucchini and fresh herbs & spices. Served with our special yogurt sauce
Sigara BöreğiUSD 9.95
Crispy filo dough stuffed with creamy feta cheese and parsley
Fried Calamari (Kalamar Tava)USD 15.95
Crispy fried calamari served with a light pine nut infused sauce
FalafelUSD 9.95
Chickpeas, celery, parsley and green onions tossed in spices and lightly fried. Served with tahini sauce
Special Turkish Pastry
Cheese PideUSD 19.95
A thick dough crust topped with cheese and fresh tomatoes
Turkish Style Pizza (Lahmacun)USD 19.95
A popular Turkish dish with freshly ground lamb blended with peppers, tomatoes, parsley and fresh herbs on thin crusted dough
Spinach and Feta (Ispanakli Pide)USD 20.95
A thick dough crust topped with sautéed spinach, onions, feta cheese & fresh tomatoes
Entrées
Most entrées, unless noted, are served with rice pilaf and a fresh vegetable medley of pickled red cabbage & beets, carrots & red onions sprinkled with parsley all topped with a freshly made Turkish vinaigrette. Add a side of Cacik (cucumber yogurt) to your entrée for $2
Chicken
Chicken Sis KebapUSD 23.95
Hand-carved fresh chicken breast marinated in our chef’s blend of unique seasonings and chargrilled
Chicken SautéUSD 21.95
Tender pieces of chicken breast seasoned with herbs & spices and sautéed with fresh onions, red & green bell peppers and mushrooms. Served with your choice of lemon, tomato or rich cream sauce and rice pilaf
Chicken Adana KebapUSD 22.95
Grilled skewers of hand-ground chicken seasoned with fresh garlic, red bell peppers, light hot peppers & parsley
Chicken PattiesUSD 21.95
Finely diced chicken seasoned with dill, green onions, garlic & parsley, hand formed and chargrilled
Mixed Grill for TwoUSD 48.95
A delicious combination of Doner Kebap, Chicken & Lamb Adana Kebap, Chicken & Lamb Sis Kebap, and Chicken & Lamb Köfte. Served over our rice pilaf. Served with a side of cacik
Lamb And Beef
Special Beyti KebapUSD 25.95
Hand-carved lamb flavored with garlic, hot Turkish peppers & parsley, then chargrilled on skewers and wrapped in our special pita. Topped with house-made tomato and yogurt sauces
Lamb ShanksUSD 30.95
Seasoned to perfection with our authentic Turkish spices and seasonings, braised slowly over 5 hours with a medley of fresh carrots, onions & bell peppers until the meat is tender enough to fall off the bone. Served with rice pilaf
Doner KebapUSD 25.95
Tender lamb, grilled vertically & thinly sliced
Lamb Sis KebapUSD 30.95
Skewers of tender lamb marinated in our chef’s unique seasonings and chargrilled to perfection
Beef Sis KebapUSD 33.95
Tender cubes of beef tenderloin delicately marinated and chargrilled
Grilled Lamb Adana KebapUSD 25.95
Freshly ground lamb flavored with red bell peppers & light hot peppers, sprinkled with seasonings and expertly chargrilled
Ground Lamb & Veal Patties (Lamb Köfte)USD 25.95
Ground lamb and veal blended with garlic and our chef’s unique seasonings then hand formed and chargrilled
Lamb SautéUSD 24.95
Tender pieces of lamb delicately seasoned with herbs & spices and sautéed with onions, red & green bell peppers and mushrooms in a tomato sauce. Served with rice pilaf
Seafood
Grilled Sea Bass (Levrek Izgara)USD 33.95
Fresh Mediterranean sea bass (whole or fillet), chargrilled and served with mixed green salad & choice of rice pilaf or french fries
Atlantic SalmonUSD 28.95
Fresh Atlantic Salmon seasoned with our special spices & served chargrilled or broiled with mixed green salad & choice of rice pilaf or french fries
Shrimp Casserole (Karides Güveç)USD 29.95
Fresh shrimp sautéed with bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, garlic and herbs, then topped with kasar cheese in a rich cream sauce. Served with rice pilaf
Shrimp SautéUSD 28.95
Fresh shrimp sautéed with onions, red & green bell peppers, mushrooms and garlic in a choice of lemon, tomato, or rich cream sauce. Served with rice pilaf
Sauté
Vegetable Sauté (Güveç)USD 21.95
A delightful combination of fresh eggplant, green beans, zucchini, potatoes, carrots & garlic in a savory tomato sauce. Served with rice pilaf
Okra Sauté (Bamya)USD 21.95
Turkish okra cooked with red & green peppers, onions and garlic in a savory tomato sauce. Served with rice pilaf
Stuffed Cabbage (Etli Lahana Dolma)USD 25.95
Freshly ground lamb mixed with rice, mint, tomatoes, onion, red & green bell peppers and garlic then expertly hand rolled in cabbage. Topped with house-made tomato and yogurt sauces
MoussakaUSD 23.95
Roasted eggplant layered with fresh ground lamb and tomatoes, topped with a light béchamel sauce and kasar cheese, then baked to perfection. Served with rice pilaf
Desserts
Pistachio BaklavaUSD 7.45
Our house-made baklava with layers of crispy, thin pastry dough filled with pistachios and topped with citrus infused syrup
Chocolate Hazelnut BaklavaUSD 7.45
Peterbrooke chocolate, freshly ground hazelnuts and flaky filo dough topped with citrus infused syrup
Dark Chocolate MousseUSD 7.45
A rich mousse made with Peterbrooke dark chocolate and a hint of Turkish coffee
Turkish Pineapple DelightUSD 9.95
Layers of moist yellow sponge cake, pineapple and mousse topped with white chocolate shavings
Pistachio GelatoUSD 7.45
Rich and creamy, loaded with fresh pistachios
KünefeUSD 10.95
Shredded filo dough filled with a sweet Turkish cheese, baked and topped with citrus infused syrup & pistachios. Perfect for sharing
Here is the lunch menu of Bosphorus:
Main dishes
Most main dishes, unless mentioned otherwise, come with rice mixed with spices and a mix of fresh vegetables like red cabbage, beets, carrots, and red onions sprinkled with parsley, all covered in a special Turkish dressing. You can also get a side of Cacik (cucumber yogurt) with your main dish for an extra $2.
Unique Venues and Experiences
One of the first aspects that sets Bosphorus happy hour apart is the diversity of venues. From rooftop bars with panoramic views of the strait to quaint cafes nestled by the water’s edge, each location offers a distinct experience. Consider the Majestic Rooftop Bar, where you can watch the sunset over the Old City with a cocktail in hand, or The Seaside Retreat, where the sound of waves complements your evening.
Timing is Everything
The magic of happy hour by the Bosphorus is significantly influenced by timing. The golden hour, just before sunset, offers a mesmerizing light that bathes the city and the strait in golden hues. Venues along the Bosphorus capitalize on this, often timing their happy hour deals to coincide with sunset. This not only enhances the ambiance but also provides a spectacular backdrop for social media-worthy photos.
Local Delights and International Flavors
The happy hour menu is another area where Bosphorus venues shine. Many establishments offer a mix of local Turkish appetizers alongside international favorites, catering to a diverse palate. Sampling traditional meze, such as hummus, tzatziki, and stuffed grape leaves, alongside a glass of raki or a local beer, offers a taste of Turkish hospitality. Meanwhile, international dishes and cocktails ensure that there’s something for everyone.
Cultural Fusion
Happy hour along the Bosphorus is more than just enjoying discounted drinks; it’s an experience that embodies the cultural fusion inherent to Istanbul. This is where East meets West, and modernity intersects with tradition. The music, ranging from Turkish classics to contemporary hits, the eclectic crowd, and the blend of architectural styles all contribute to the unique vibe of Bosphorus happy hours.
Navigating the Crowd
Given its popularity, Bosphorus happy hour spots can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. To secure the best spots, it’s advisable to arrive early or make reservations where possible. This ensures you get a prime location to enjoy the views and the ambiance without the hassle of navigating through crowds.
FAQs
What’s the best time to go for happy hour along the Bosphorus?
Aim for the golden hour, just before sunset, to enjoy the best views and ambiance.
Are there any dress codes for Bosphorus happy hour venues?
While most places are casual, some upscale bars might have a smart-casual dress code.
Can I find vegetarian or vegan options during happy hour?
Yes, many venues offer a range of vegetarian and vegan appetizers, especially among the traditional meze selections.
Is it necessary to book in advance?
For popular spots, especially on weekends or holidays, making a reservation is recommended.
Are there any affordable Bosphorus happy hour spots?
Absolutely! There are plenty of venues offering great happy hour deals that won’t break the bank. Look for local taverns or smaller cafes for the best prices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bosphorus happy hour is an experience that goes beyond mere drink discounts. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique cultural and scenic tapestry of Istanbul. Whether you’re a local looking for a relaxing evening or a traveler seeking to experience the city’s vibrant social scene, the happy hour along the Bosphorus offers something unforgettable for everyone. Remember to explore different venues, try local delicacies, and soak in the stunning views as you enjoy the convivial atmosphere of Istanbul’s happiest hours.
