Depending on the time of day and year, this café has a really nice feature: customers can come relax near the large swimming pool. The Sports Beach Café is also a place to have lunch or dinner, or even enjoy a drink at the bar in the evening. The magnificent terrace and the location on the seafront give the Sports Beach Cafe a nice pleasant atmosphere. In the winter, the wood-decorated interior makes it a warm and cozy place to hang out. Every Tuesday is salsa night and Thursday is Latina Obsessions with Latin rhythms.
This café is devoted to Olympique Marseille's legion of devoted fans. It is situated in the Vieux-Port, opposite the sea. You can follow live matches while munching on delicious snack platters and swigging beers from an international selection. La Brasserie OM has a great atmosphere, and appears to be permanently bathed in sunshine.
La Rhumerie is a bar/brasserie right on the Escale Borely, near the beach. The mood there is friendly and welcoming, the food and service are good but it is best to come to chat and sip a drink in the cool shade of a beach umbrella, or to let loose on the dance floor to the DJ’s rhythms. At the Rhumerie there are all sorts of rums, both traditional and infused, cocktails, and the mojito is fixed in five different ways. There are smoothies for those who prefer no alcohol. The Rhumerie is also a private beach in the summer. Theme nights are organized from time to time: singles nights, speed dating, concerts or after-work.
A real institution in the area, this spot opened in the 1960s and has gradually made a name for itself in the region. The regulars are from Cassis, Marseille and Aubagne. Club Big Ben is only a hop skip and a jump from the beach. But attention! Flip-flops are to be put away, as proper attire is required. Entrance is free on Fridays. The setting is trendy, posh and sometimes stiff-necked but really fun for an evening of getting crazy on the dance floor and jamming to techno house beats until the early hours.
Just like Paris's renowned Café de Flore, La Samaritaine - situated on the corner of the Vieux-Port at the lower end of Rue de la République - has managed to hold onto its old-fashioned charm. And it's easy to see why, with its 1930s-style décor, deliciously light, traditional cuisine, piano bar and fabulous terrace looking out over the boats moored in the harbor making it the perfect rendezvous, no matter what time of day. The bar closes at 8:30 pm generally, but is open until midnight during the summer months.
La Chimère Café is a beautiful dining space that boasts an art-inclined interior decor. Its opulent chandeliers, cherubs and plush furnishing are inspired by Baroque, Art Deco and Belle Époque architecture. To match the regal aura are 70 inventive cocktails and drinks like Single Malt, Bourbon and Irish Whiskey. Revoke the prohibition era vibe with cigars and spirits while savoring their bar fare. On the seasonal menu are Petite Lobster Tail, Cod Croquettes, Octopus a la Gallega, and dessert Hot Cold Citrus Sabayon Seven at Chambord.
This place attracts revelers from all over the city who are seeking a soul mate, as long as they are not of the opposite sex. The explosive party atmosphere attracts a colorful, outspoken clientèle. Expect a warm welcome and a good selection of beers and spirits. The evening shows are not to be missed. Check website for the list of events and exact timings.
This brasserie, located at the top of the Canebière, is only open during the day. The menu offers excellent luncheon dishes and the desserts are delicious. A highly professional staff provides rapid service, either in the dining area, or outside on the pleasant terrace. This is truly a nice and affordable establishment in the city center.
The Café Julien, adjoining the well-known cultural center of the same name, invites bands of varying musical tendencies, from the most basic of reggaes to the heaviest rock. This mish-mash is however the explanation for the venue's undeniable and ever-growing popularity amongst the young crowds of Marseilles. A fun place to kick back and relax in the heart of the city.
Bar for fans of hard rock and the curious who would like to see the haunted house decor.
Located at La Plaine, Le Jam is an intimate jazz club that hosts local and touring bands on stage. The lineup explores the musical genre of Jazz in its myriad forms, alongside the blues, rock, and world music. The venue itself boasts oodles of charm and is reminiscent of New York City's jazz bars. As you groove along to the music, enjoy small plates, sandwiches, and drinks from the bar. The club is a members-only establishment, however, anyone can be a member for a fee very low price. Bringing lovers of Jazz together under a single roof, Le Jam is all that is good about the city's live music scene.