Shrink Bar: Shibuya Junction, Tel Aviv style
A new spot in Tel Aviv offers a place to watch people pass by beneath your feet, adding a unique piece to the puzzle of the city's lively culture.
Tel Aviv is well known for its diverse and authentic bar scene, but a view like this is not something you experience every day.
A newly opened spot, "The Shrink Bar" offers a panoramic 180 degree view which visitors can use to "people watch" to their heart's desire. The bar is located above Tel Aviv's "Magen David" junction (where Sheinkin, King George and Allenby streets meet) and provides a viewing experience reminiscent to a downsized version of Tokyo's Shibuya Junction.
I recently sat at one of the bar's panoramic street facing windows, and quickly lost track of time while watching the busy hustle of people crossing the junction, and flocks of tour groups taking pictures in the entrance to the Carmel Market. I can easily imagine sitting there for an entire Friday afternoon just to feel the city's unique vibe.
I first spotted the place from the street on Allenby, with candles flickering away in its massive glass windows. I had probably walked past the place a thousand times, as the bar is seemingly hidden on King George street with nothing but an open doorway to a flight of stairs greeting visitors upon their arrival - a treasure hiding in full view.
View aside, the bar struck me as a great place to take a date or chat with a friend, with a comfortable atmosphere and fully loaded beverage menu. The qualified barman knows his cocktails and I was definitely not disappointed by the two custom creations I tried.
The menu offers a variable mix of American classics and Middle Eastern delicacies. The burger is nothing short of greatness, served on a bun that is somewhat reminiscent of an everything bagel mated with a burger patty and onion jam, and that’s without mentioning the home baked potato fries on the side. The delicious potato morsels are cut up into bite size pieces with a soft melt in your mouth inside and crispy, seasoned exterior.
The Shrink's grilled chicken baguette was pleasantly spicy and overlaid with rich tones from the melted Gouda sitting atop the pile of goodness.
For those looking for a lighter dish to snack on alongside a beer, I would recommend the baked cauliflower with parsley and tahine vinigarette.
The bar also offers vegan items for those among us who are less inclined to partake in the eating of meat and dairy products, but a truly diverse menu gives customers lots of opportunities to test the palette while remaining confident that whatever you chose will be quality.
In truth, the Shrink Bar harbors the potential to be much more than a bar. Live music on Mondays is one smart use of the space. But the unique location and vibe also allows for upbeat day parties, relaxed drinks among the dim candle-light, or even a late night dance party.
The Shrink Bar
Set to begin hosting a Friday afternoon seating, for the people watchers among us of course.
English menus available
Tel. 03-554-8648
King Goerge 2, Tel Aviv
