Nestled among the many charms of Cihangir and just a quick turn off of Beyoğlu’s infamous Istiklal Caddesi is one of our favorite bars and certainly one worth visiting on your next outing in the heart of the city – Yuri Gagarin. Open since 2011, we’ve frequented Yuri Gagarin as regulars for years now, as it capably fits most group dynamics and remains one of the most affordably priced destinations in the area for all they offer. Live music, DJ performances, karaoke, private parties, street-side food and drink, spontaneous dance parties, and more are all part of the mix in an area filled to the brim with character.
In many ways Yuri Gagarin is two venues in one. When weather permits, their outdoor section is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the open air and experience the neighborhood’s unique vibes. On one side, centered on one of the area’s most popular streets for some tea and chatting (Dernek Sokak), Yuri Gagarin has a more traditional type of seating. Grab a table, order yourself some beverages or snacks, and indulge in some serious people watching. Alternatively, and more to our own preference, the other option situated on Ayhan Işık Sokak extends a considerable distance claiming both sides of the street with regular seating and bistro style tables while the center of the road remains open to pedestrians. An open, almost street-side style bar faces patrons with a DJ booth at the fore. If it’s a bit cold outside, you can find solace in tables under space heaters while still being able to enjoy the outdoors.
Art, much of which is in tribute to the history-making Soviet cosmonaut that is their namesake, decorates the outer walls and suits the neighborhood’s hip atmosphere. Two rather large blackboards are regularly updated with drink specials and various drawings, found on either side of the bar. Late nights are a regular joy here, with Yuri Gagarin circulating through a variety of DJs that are accessible and real crowd pleasers. Often it takes just a few people dancing near the booth to get a proper dance party taking over the street. We ourselves have been privy to many evenings of singing along to classics while dancing with strangers in the middle of the road, now the ones providing a people-watching opportunity to those passing by.
Meanwhile, the other offering of the two-in-one venue is Yuri Gagarin’s indoor area. Distinct in almost every way from the street-side vibes outside, venturing down a few stairs past a well-frequented foosball table (table football) will bring you to another fully-stocked bar and a multipurpose area perfect for a variety of functions. The end of a large room, with tables scattered throughout, features a full stage capable of hosting DJs or bands, depending on what’s on showcase for the evening. Additionally, a large projector screen, allows for some truly fun karaoke nights, which many on our team have booked for small get-togethers and birthday parties. The staff is always accommodating, and many nights where there isn’t an event already booked are started as a few drinks outside, before the crowd winding up inside singing along to ballads in the form of karaoke or breaking it down to some DJ tunes with guests personally selecting the songs.
Alternatively, the organizers of Yuri Gagarin often book live music or DJ performances worth checking out. Their Instagram page is a great way to keep up with what’s on showcase, and it’s this diversity both in the physical design of their venue and what’s taking place, that is one of their stronger appeals. Yuri Gagarin attracts a diverse audience, and any night can offer a unique element to it. Perhaps a live rock band is playing inside, while outside patrons are indulging in some hip-hop, R&B, disco music, or something else entirely. At some point in the night, these two distinct audiences become one, and it can make for some sincerely spontaneous chemistry and fun. Just recently, the venue hosted a full-on street party for those outside with classics suited to foreigners, while the inside was featured a DJ playing essentials to a Turkish audience that seemed to sing along to every word.
In terms of drink selection and menu, Yuri Gagarin holds a dear place in the hearts of many, including ours, as it is a fairly priced establishment in a neighborhood where prices and pretentiousness can escalate quickly. Drink specials are regularly updated and while they have their own late night draws, it’s also simply an excellent venue to get started for a big night out if you’ll likely be finding yourself venturing to more expensive destinations. The staff is always hospitable and becoming a recognized regular can happen quite quickly.
Yuri Gagarin is located at Ayhan Işık Sokak No:18/B in Beyoğlu, with the venue’s hours spanning late into the early hours as long as their customers seem to want to keep it going. Stop by for a night out and see where the evening takes you.
You can learn more and keep up with Yuri Gagarin via Instagram.
