Been To Tbilisi Before? What Can You Tell Us?

[tam4ritchie]

Looked online and there's an Irish bar (shock horror) and the food looked no too bad from what I read on the menu.

http://www.thehangar.biz

Spent a bit of time in there last time, landlady ( Rebecca) really looked after us. Even put on some free local beer after the game.

[tam4ritchie]

Spent a bit of time in there last time, landlady ( Rebecca) really looked after us. Even put on some free local beer after the game.

Received an email today from Rebecca ( manager/owner) of hangar bar. She said she has a lot of stuff planned for our visit. Just hope it doesn't involve escaped zoo animals

[CallumAyr]

Received an email today from Rebecca ( manager/owner) of hangar bar. She said she has a lot of stuff planned for our visit. Just hope it doesn't involve escaped zoo animals

Ask her if her plan is to open up a McDonalds, don't think my mate will be able to eat otherwise!

Hey don't be so hasty about the zoo animals, heard zebra is quite tasty.

[EIFA10]

Just remember that whilst "animals escaping a zoo" sounds like the ideal subject for several jokes and puns, over 300 animals and at least 19 people died during the disaster.

[tam4ritchie]

Just remember that whilst "animals escaping a zoo" sounds like the ideal subject for several jokes and puns, over 300 animals and at least 19 people died during the disaster.

People and animals die all the time, are we to stop making jokes about anything that might upset people?

[tam4ritchie]

Just remember that whilst "animals escaping a zoo" sounds like the ideal subject for several jokes and puns, over 300 animals and at least 19 people died during the disaster.

People and animals die all the time, are we to stop making jokes about anything that might upset people?

[wanderer]

People and animals die all the time, are we to stop making jokes about anything that might upset people?

Locals seem to be taking it in their stride..... there is a amusing picture going around of the Georgian flag with the Jerusalem Stars replaced with Hippo's that they seem to be adopting as the unofficial flag of the country.

[radian_13]

I've tried Zebra, thought it was minging!! Mcdonalds or butger king diet !!

[Bonehead]

As the title says.

There will be quite a few members who were over in 2007 and loads (like me) heading over to Georgia for the first time.

What can you tell us about Tbilisi?

1) Cost of beer? Taxis?

2) quality of pubs?

3) friendliness of locals?

4) best places to hang out?

5) anything else

I live here and have done for five years - eagerly anticipating September's match, absolutely cannot wait.

1) Cost of beer? Taxis?

I went to the bar at the top of the Radisson last week for a pint, mainly to check the price as I assumed this would be the most expensive pint - it was 7 Lari (about 2 pounds). Not a bad place for one or two by the way - great view. But not a sesh venue. Generally, you won't pay more than a pound for a beer. In some places, such as the outdoor beer parks, 50-60p a beer.

You shouldn't pay more than 5 Lari (1.40ish) for a cab anywhere and there are thousands of them. You'll never wait more than a minute for a taxi pretty much anywhere. Drivers range in levels of lunacy but all are aggressive in their driving.

2) quality of pubs?

There's a decent mix of places to drink although pub culture is not that strong. Groups tend to go out, get their own table or booth and stay there. Not much in the way of bantering at the bar. The ex-pat bar I would recommend is the Hangar. There's also a street of bars named after cities (Dublin, London, Amsterdam) all of which are pish but may be manageable if mobbed with TA. Always live music on in these place and insufferably loud. Tbilisi is great for wee hidden away bars such as Dive, Salve and a few spots just off Leselidze (a winding, cobbled street that goes from Maidan to Freedom Square - very much your tourist mixer).

3) friendliness of locals?

The locals pride themselves on hospitality so expect a great welcome, especially those clad in kilts. If you are drinking with Georgians, they will insist on paying the bill regardless of how big it is. However, any TA punter who tries to slip the mit may soon be accompanied by the young lady's "patroni" which is basically her brothers, cousins etc who will take you aside for more than a polite word.

4) best places to hang out?

Kind of covered in point 2 but I would add that the beer parks beside the Philarmonic Hall are prime spots for summber bevying and very cheap. I hope there's a decent TA congregation. Otherwise, stick to the old town and you're never far from somewhere to eat or drink. Also bear in mind that in central Tbilisi loads of things are open 24 hours.

5) anything else

It could be absolutely roasting. My first Georgia home game was against Israel (0-0) five years ago also in early September. 40 degrees all day and certainly not below 30 by kick off.

6) Polis

To visitors, they are absolutely fine. Probably the cleanest in the ex-USSR if not whole of Eastern Europe.

7) Roger Moores

Not particularly rife but there's a network of dodgy discos just by the Radisson known as "the Turkish border". Taxi drivers may know but you are asking for trouble if you go down that road.

[slasher]

I live here and have done for five years - eagerly anticipating September's match, absolutely cannot wait.

1) Cost of beer? Taxis?

I went to the bar at the top of the Radisson last week for a pint, mainly to check the price as I assumed this would be the most expensive pint - it was 7 Lari (about 2 pounds). Not a bad place for one or two by the way - great view. But not a sesh venue. Generally, you won't pay more than a pound for a beer. In some places, such as the outdoor beer parks, 50-60p a beer.

You shouldn't pay more than 5 Lari (1.40ish) for a cab anywhere and there are thousands of them. You'll never wait more than a minute for a taxi pretty much anywhere. Drivers range in levels of lunacy but all are aggressive in their driving.

2) quality of pubs?

There's a decent mix of places to drink although pub culture is not that strong. Groups tend to go out, get their own table or booth and stay there. Not much in the way of bantering at the bar. The ex-pat bar I would recommend is the Hangar. There's also a street of bars named after cities (Dublin, London, Amsterdam) all of which are pish but may be manageable if mobbed with TA. Always live music on in these place and insufferably loud. Tbilisi is great for wee hidden away bars such as Dive, Salve and a few spots just off Leselidze (a winding, cobbled street that goes from Maidan to Freedom Square - very much your tourist mixer).

3) friendliness of locals?

The locals pride themselves on hospitality so expect a great welcome, especially those clad in kilts. If you are drinking with Georgians, they will insist on paying the bill regardless of how big it is. However, any TA punter who tries to slip the mit may soon be accompanied by the young lady's "patroni" which is basically her brothers, cousins etc who will take you aside for more than a polite word.

4) best places to hang out?

Kind of covered in point 2 but I would add that the beer parks beside the Philarmonic Hall are prime spots for summber bevying and very cheap. I hope there's a decent TA congregation. Otherwise, stick to the old town and you're never far from somewhere to eat or drink. Also bear in mind that in central Tbilisi loads of things are open 24 hours.

5) anything else

It could be absolutely roasting. My first Georgia home game was against Israel (0-0) five years ago also in early September. 40 degrees all day and certainly not below 30 by kick off.

6) Polis

To visitors, they are absolutely fine. Probably the cleanest in the ex-USSR if not whole of Eastern Europe.

7) Roger Moores

Not particularly rife but there's a network of dodgy discos just by the Radisson known as "the Turkish border". Taxi drivers may know but you are asking for trouble if you go down that road.

Great post thanks! I'd be interested in any eateries you would recommend as I've heard varying reports on food quality. Quite a few TA complaining of being unwell last time, also how's the wine?

[radian_13]

Best taking Lari or US dollars as recommended at travel shops?

[Khana Lagur]

Received an email today from Rebecca ( manager/owner) of hangar bar. She said she has a lot of stuff planned for our visit. Just hope it doesn't involve escaped zoo animals

Aye, she was a decent wummin. American, if I remember correctly. Does the lovely Inga still work there?

Bonehead - have you been in the Buddah Bar there yet? Appreciate there not everyone's cuppa tea but all the one's I've been in so far have been great quality food.

[jenblueeyes]

Best taking Lari or US dollars as recommended at travel shops?

From memory - unless things have changed since last time - you can only get Lari once you are actually in the country.

[Robroysboy]

From memory - unless things have changed since last time - you can only get Lari once you are actually in the country.

Agree I think its a closed currency as far as I know.

[CallumAyr]

Are hole in the wall banks easy to find? I'd assume you'd get them in the airport quite easy?

[Robroysboy]

Are hole in the wall banks easy to find? I'd assume you'd get them in the airport quite easy?

thats also my understanding Callum.

[jenblueeyes]

Are hole in the wall banks easy to find? I'd assume you'd get them in the airport quite easy?

Yep - pretty sure that's what we did last time.

[CraigieBrown]

I live here and have done for five years - eagerly anticipating September's match, absolutely cannot wait.

1) Cost of beer? Taxis?

I went to the bar at the top of the Radisson last week for a pint, mainly to check the price as I assumed this would be the most expensive pint - it was 7 Lari (about 2 pounds). Not a bad place for one or two by the way - great view. But not a sesh venue. Generally, you won't pay more than a pound for a beer. In some places, such as the outdoor beer parks, 50-60p a beer.

You shouldn't pay more than 5 Lari (1.40ish) for a cab anywhere and there are thousands of them. You'll never wait more than a minute for a taxi pretty much anywhere. Drivers range in levels of lunacy but all are aggressive in their driving.

2) quality of pubs?

There's a decent mix of places to drink although pub culture is not that strong. Groups tend to go out, get their own table or booth and stay there. Not much in the way of bantering at the bar. The ex-pat bar I would recommend is the Hangar. There's also a street of bars named after cities (Dublin, London, Amsterdam) all of which are pish but may be manageable if mobbed with TA. Always live music on in these place and insufferably loud. Tbilisi is great for wee hidden away bars such as Dive, Salve and a few spots just off Leselidze (a winding, cobbled street that goes from Maidan to Freedom Square - very much your tourist mixer).

3) friendliness of locals?

The locals pride themselves on hospitality so expect a great welcome, especially those clad in kilts. If you are drinking with Georgians, they will insist on paying the bill regardless of how big it is. However, any TA punter who tries to slip the mit may soon be accompanied by the young lady's "patroni" which is basically her brothers, cousins etc who will take you aside for more than a polite word.

4) best places to hang out?

Kind of covered in point 2 but I would add that the beer parks beside the Philarmonic Hall are prime spots for summber bevying and very cheap. I hope there's a decent TA congregation. Otherwise, stick to the old town and you're never far from somewhere to eat or drink. Also bear in mind that in central Tbilisi loads of things are open 24 hours.

5) anything else

It could be absolutely roasting. My first Georgia home game was against Israel (0-0) five years ago also in early September. 40 degrees all day and certainly not below 30 by kick off.

6) Polis

To visitors, they are absolutely fine. Probably the cleanest in the ex-USSR if not whole of Eastern Europe.

7) Roger Moores

Not particularly rife but there's a network of dodgy discos just by the Radisson known as "the Turkish border". Taxi drivers may know but you are asking for trouble if you go down that road.

I didn't feel threatened in any way on my last visit (although it was intimidating at the stadium - outsung and very outnumbered). Went to Hanger bar a couple of times but also had great trip to Gori and some rock / cave place I couldn't pronounce never mind spell. We wanted to take the minibus in for a beer in South Ossetia but the driver of the bus was 100% not up for it for safety reasons... Food was fine and mixed with many locals who were very hospitable with a couple of minor economic exceptions. Was given a lift to the airport around 4am by a businessman/politician after a cracking night after the game. He drove (pished) with the bodyguards following in a separate car and came into the airport terminal for a last beer with us. Also got to meet Belo who you could describe as the Georgian equivalent of Billy Connolly - he is proud to be the judge of the Georgian Miss Wet T-Shirt comp every year. Looking forward to the return trip!

[CraigieBrown]

I also have maybe 80 - 100 laris left over.. hope they can still be used on the return... they were worth a lot more during last visit but thats life I guess... nobody would change them. Spend or give away yer remaining cash before you leave...

[slasher]

I didn't feel threatened in any way on my last visit (although it was intimidating at the stadium - outsung and very outnumbered). Went to Hanger bar a couple of times but also had great trip to Gori and some rock / cave place I couldn't pronounce never mind spell. We wanted to take the minibus in for a beer in South Ossetia but the driver of the bus was 100% not up for it for safety reasons... Food was fine and mixed with many locals who were very hospitable with a couple of minor economic exceptions. Was given a lift to the airport around 4am by a businessman/politician after a cracking night after the game. He drove (pished) with the bodyguards following in a separate car and came into the airport terminal for a last beer with us. Also got to meet Belo who you could describe as the Georgian equivalent of Billy Connolly - he is proud to be the judge of the Georgian Miss Wet T-Shirt comp every year. Looking forward to the return trip!

We need a like button on this board x

[slasher]

I didn't feel threatened in any way on my last visit (although it was intimidating at the stadium - outsung and very outnumbered). Went to Hanger bar a couple of times but also had great trip to Gori and some rock / cave place I couldn't pronounce never mind spell. We wanted to take the minibus in for a beer in South Ossetia but the driver of the bus was 100% not up for it for safety reasons... Food was fine and mixed with many locals who were very hospitable with a couple of minor economic exceptions. Was given a lift to the airport around 4am by a businessman/politician after a cracking night after the game. He drove (pished) with the bodyguards following in a separate car and came into the airport terminal for a last beer with us. Also got to meet Belo who you could describe as the Georgian equivalent of Billy Connolly - he is proud to be the judge of the Georgian Miss Wet T-Shirt comp every year. Looking forward to the return trip!

We need a like button on this board x

[slasher]

I didn't feel threatened in any way on my last visit (although it was intimidating at the stadium - outsung and very outnumbered). Went to Hanger bar a couple of times but also had great trip to Gori and some rock / cave place I couldn't pronounce never mind spell. We wanted to take the minibus in for a beer in South Ossetia but the driver of the bus was 100% not up for it for safety reasons... Food was fine and mixed with many locals who were very hospitable with a couple of minor economic exceptions. Was given a lift to the airport around 4am by a businessman/politician after a cracking night after the game. He drove (pished) with the bodyguards following in a separate car and came into the airport terminal for a last beer with us. Also got to meet Belo who you could describe as the Georgian equivalent of Billy Connolly - he is proud to be the judge of the Georgian Miss Wet T-Shirt comp every year. Looking forward to the return trip!

We need a like button on this board x

[slasher]

I didn't feel threatened in any way on my last visit (although it was intimidating at the stadium - outsung and very outnumbered). Went to Hanger bar a couple of times but also had great trip to Gori and some rock / cave place I couldn't pronounce never mind spell. We wanted to take the minibus in for a beer in South Ossetia but the driver of the bus was 100% not up for it for safety reasons... Food was fine and mixed with many locals who were very hospitable with a couple of minor economic exceptions. Was given a lift to the airport around 4am by a businessman/politician after a cracking night after the game. He drove (pished) with the bodyguards following in a separate car and came into the airport terminal for a last beer with us. Also got to meet Belo who you could describe as the Georgian equivalent of Billy Connolly - he is proud to be the judge of the Georgian Miss Wet T-Shirt comp every year. Looking forward to the return trip!

We need a like button on this board x

[ParisInAKilt]

4 repeated replies = a like

[Bonehead]

Aye, she was a decent wummin. American, if I remember correctly. Does the lovely Inga still work there?

Bonehead - have you been in the Buddah Bar there yet? Appreciate there not everyone's cuppa tea but all the one's I've been in so far have been great quality food.

Never been in, a pricey spot but yeah - by all account it's top drawer. I know Rebecca well, but the bar staff have had a fair bit of turnover in recent years. The name Inga rings a bell and I don't think she's there any more.