Dragonfly
Dragonfly is a cocktail lounge on Gemmayzeh Street with Asian-inspired decor and a creative drink menu. The space occupies two floors of a Mandate-era building. The ground floor has the main bar and lounge seating with low tables and cushioned benches. The upper floor offers a quieter area for groups. The interior design mixes dark wood, paper lanterns, and screens with Asian motifs, though the aesthetic is more mood-setting than culturally specific. Total capacity is around 120 people. The cocktail menu features roughly 30 options organized by spirit base, with several incorporating Asian ingredients like yuzu, lemongrass, and shiso. Bartenders are skilled and willing to customize. Beer and wine are available but this is primarily a cocktail destination. The crowd trends mid-20s to late 30s, well-dressed, and predominantly Lebanese. Weekend nights fill both floors by 10 PM. The music stays at conversation level through the evening, shifting toward dance-friendly selections after midnight. Dragonfly occupies a middle ground between dive bar and club, making it a solid choice for groups that want quality drinks without committing to either extreme.
What to Expect
A dim, atmospheric space with paper lanterns casting warm light across wooden surfaces. Cocktails arrive in interesting glassware. The ground floor bar area is the liveliest zone. Music is present but doesn't dominate. Couples and small groups settle into cushioned seating. The vibe is date-night appropriate.
Moody, stylish, and relaxed. The Asian-influenced decor creates a distinct identity on a street where most bars look similar.
Lounge, downtempo, and nu-jazz. Shifts toward house and electronic after 11 PM on weekends.
Smart casual. Gemmayzeh standards apply. You'll want to look put together.
Date nights, cocktail-focused evenings, small groups who want atmosphere without clubbing intensity.
Cards and cash accepted. USD preferred for cash.
Price Range
Cocktails $10-15, beer $6-8, wine by glass $8-12, sharing plates $10-18
Cocktails ~EUR 9-14, beer ~EUR 5-7, wine ~EUR 7-11
Hours
Wed-Sun 7 PM to 2 AM. Closed Mon-Tue.
Insider Tip
Reserve a table on weekends if you're in a group. The upstairs section is quieter for conversation. Ask the bartender for something off-menu with yuzu if you like citrus-forward drinks.
Full Review
Dragonfly stands out on Gemmayzeh Street because it has a clear visual identity. Most bars in the area go for exposed brick and Edison bulbs. Dragonfly committed to the Asian aesthetic with paper lanterns, dark wood screens, and a bar back-lit in amber. It works without feeling like a theme restaurant.
The cocktail menu is the main reason to visit. The bartenders have genuine skill and the ingredient list goes beyond the standard Lebanese bar offering. A lemongrass-infused gin sour ($12) was one of the better cocktails I've had in Beirut. The yuzu whiskey highball ($11) is a reliable choice for something refreshing. Classic cocktails are executed competently for those who want familiar territory.
The two-floor layout provides options. Downstairs is social and slightly louder, centered around the bar. Upstairs is better for groups who want to talk without shouting. Both areas share the same menu and service quality.
The crowd on a Saturday night is predominantly Lebanese, well-dressed, and here for drinks rather than dancing. A few couples occupy corner tables. Groups of friends cluster around the low tables with sharing plates. The international visitor count is lower than at The Garten or Torino Express, which gives the place a more local feel.
Pricing sits above the Gemmayzeh average. Cocktails at $10-15 are fair for the quality but add up over an evening. Two people can expect to spend $50-70 for a full night of cocktails and snacks. The venue doesn't take walk-ins well on weekend nights after 10 PM, so booking a table is smart if you care about seating.
The Neighborhood
Gemmayzeh Street, a few blocks west of the Mar Mikhael intersection. The Gemmayzeh end of the strip has a slightly older and more established bar scene than the Armenia Street section.
Getting There
On Gemmayzeh Street, walkable from any of the Armenia Street bars in 5-10 minutes. Taxi from Hamra costs $5-7.
Address
Gemmayzeh Street, Beirut
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