This cool Beyoglu drinking hole just off Istiklal Caddesi has the feel of a Parisian café, frequented by an artistic, intellectual crowd, who come to drink coffee and beer.

Kaktus Cafe , half a block south of Istiklal Caddesi on Imam Adnan Sokak across from Cadde-i Kebir. Usually packed with the literary chic set , it's bright, noisy, and lively