Bars & Nightlife - Addis Ababa

Bars & NightlifeGuide was updated: October 3, 2022

Nightlife in the Ethiopian capital can be either very low-key or borderline raucous, depending on where you go. The country has a jazz tradition going back to the 60s, which was, sadly, temporarily suspended during the years of communist regime. Along with other kinds of live music, the jazz scene is now back up and ready to be thoroughly enjoyed at venues across town. Don't miss "tej" — a murky honey wine served in bulb-shaped glass containers at designated "tej houses" (tej bet), and not only.

Black Rose Bar

One of the classiest evening venues in Addis, Black Rose bar sits above the well-regarded Diplomat Restaurant, inviting diners to continue their night in the dimly lit space of the Black Rose. Here, locals mingle with visitors, and happy hour is a great time to go for drinks.

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AV Nightclub

The roomy night club at the Friendship International Hotel is one of the places frequented by both local party-goers and visiting guests. It is a two-level space, with comfortable seating in the top floor overlooking the dance floor below.

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Flirt Lounge

Having earned its great reputation with excellent live music nights on weekends, Flirt continues to gather patrons, even after changing its new location. It is a very pleasant evening hangout location, and vibes heat up as the night progresses. Mondays are reserved for "Arabian Nights" with Middle Eastern music.

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Tobia Teje House

Although plenty of watering holes around Addis serve the murky, thick honey wine known as "tej" (tej bet = wine house), this one stands out for its breezy garden seating and very good quality kitfo. Menu is available in English.

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Fendika Azmari Bet

Azmaris are Ethiopian poet-musicians, skilled in the art of puns, double-entendre and music. Fendika Azmari Bet is hands down the best place for Ethiopian live jazz music and traditional dance. You will hear the masenqo (a single-stringed lute played with a bow) and the krar (a multi-stringed harp lute). Start your evening with a grass of surprisingly strong tej (honey wine) and get ready for vigorous dancing and swaying to emotional ballads.

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Club Illusion

This outrageous club is the most raucous nightlife venue in Addis. Located in the basement of the Ambassador Cinema, the space has a definite VIP vibe. Dance the night away, but keep your wits about you — the place can get quite wild.

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Bars & Nightlife in Addis Ababa

Black Rose Bar

AV Nightclub

Flirt Lounge

Tobia Teje House

Fendika Azmari Bet

Club Illusion