The Urbanist Tall Stories 483: Abou Elie – where Beirut's history, politics and nightlife converge
Nov 3, 2025
Noor Amylia Hilda, a passionate journalist, takes us on a nostalgic journey through Abu Eli, a beloved pub in Beirut with a revolutionary past. She highlights its unique decor filled with portraits of revolutionaries and explains how the venue transformed from a comrades' hangout to a must-visit spot. The eclectic crowd enjoys the house's quirky rules and warm hospitality, including sticking banknotes on the walls. Noor reflects on the bar's rich music heritage and its role as a refuge for younger generations seeking connection and community amidst the chaos.
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Bar Born From A Comrade's Circle
- Abu Eli was founded by Naya Shahoud, a former Lebanese Communist Party member who fought in the civil war and opened the bar in the 1980s.
- The space began as a private gathering for comrades before becoming a beloved public haunt from the 1990s onwards.
Revolutionary Decor As Living Archive
- Abu Eli's interior layers politics and memory with portraits, socialist flags and a rifle on display, creating unmistakable revolutionary aesthetics.
- The decor transforms the small bar into a living archive of revolutionary iconography and local memory.
A Refuge Beyond Politics
- The bar attracts intellectuals, artists and a younger generation who seek homemade arak, nostalgic Arabic music and a sense of belonging.
- Despite political symbols, patrons come mainly for refuge, community and cultural continuity across generations.