Brew Bistro Revisited

I figured it was about time to update my post on Brew Bistro and Lounge.  Since initially visiting this spot last May it became a regular watering hole for my friends and myself.  And since I've literally moved across the street, where else would I rather go than the Big Five Brewery upon my return to Nairobi?  Check out their facebook page here to keep up with their daily specials and events.

Keepin it classy at a lazy Sunday happy hour

Kengeles

You may remember Kengeles from a previous post, Where to watch the World Cup.  This was a frequent haunt of ours during the games especially since it catered to the Dutch crowd and I of course went out in support of all my Dutch friends.  Kengeles on a non-sporting event night is a very different atmosphere than when jam packed full of rabid fans.

Dutch fans celebrating at Kengeles during World Cup 2010

Location: Lavington Green shopping center on James Gichuru
Price: 200 KSH (approx. $2.50) domestic beer, house wine; 500-1000 KSH (approx. $6.25-$12.50) entrees
Atmosphere: On weeknight evenings it is more subdued and the neighborhood hangout for area locals.

Black Diamond

Dance floor on a Saturday night.  Photo credit: George Riach

Location: Westlands- Mpaka Rd. between Muthithi Rd. and Woodvale Grove 
Price: 200 KSH (approx. $2.50) for beer
Atmosphere: Depending on the night it's a mix between expats and Kenyans alike, most of whom split their time between the patio balcony and the dance floor inside. 

Black Diamond is the kind of place you can go any night of the week and something is going on.  For example, after a rousing game of euchre some friends and I went to check out a live band playing there on Sunday night and the place was full.  Granted, it wasn't packed like I've seen it on most Saturdays but all of the tables were full and people were standing around.  Pretty impressive for a Sunday.

Gipsy Bar

Ah, Gipsys, how I've missed your Friday night dance marathons and fabulous people watching.  Upon my return to Nairobi this week Gipsys was where I headed on Friday night to catch up with friends.  It was no different than I left it three months ago; there were the same faces, same music, same fun atmosphere.


Location: Westlands- Waiyaki Way at Woodvale Grove across from Barclays
Price: 200KSH (approx. $2.50) for beers; 500-600KSH (approx. $6.25-7.50) for mixed drinks
Atmosphere: Friday and Saturdays it's packed, loud, and full of dancing fools.  The rest of the week it's more laidback and you can catch a game from the sports bar on the end or grab a bite at the restaurant over the dance floor on the other end. 

Gracia Gardens

Upon my return to Nairobi my organization put me up in a guest house in the Hurlingham area at Gracia Gardens.  The accommodations were lovely.  They were quite full the night I came in so I lucked out with a huge triple room with a bathroom ensuite, wifi, dstv, and sitting area.  My room overlooks the pool and garden and is lovely at night with the smell of flowers wafting in and the sound of the fountain. 

Habesha

I love me some good Ethiopian food.  And as a favorite of locals and expats alike, I consistently hear Habesha referred to as "the best Ethiopian restaurant in town."  So of course I had to try this place out.

Photo credit: http://www.wix.com/aladorgod/zembaba-2

Location: Arwings Kodhek in Kilimani and Utalii House off Uhuru Highway behind Laico Regency Hotel in City Centre (new location in Runda)
Price: A bit pricier than other Ethiopian fare; you pay for the atmosphere.  One large platter, meat dish, shiro, and drinks was 1850KSH (approx. $23)
Atmosphere: Kilimani- The outdoor seating in the garden is great, lots of space for large groups, but separated enough you don't feel like you're surrounded by other patrons.

Whiskey Cake Kitchen and Bar

I have been known to refer to Plano as the "land of the chain restaurants," but I was pleasantly surprised by the new addition to the suburb, Whiskey Cake.  Some friends recommended this place and I'm very happy we decided to try something new and venture a bit further north outside of the Dallas bubble.