Les Caves De La Crêperie- Jounieh’s Best Kept Secret

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of La Crêperie, ever since it reopened its doors last year to huge acclaim. This iconic establishment juts out from a cliff with a vantage point of the bay of Jounieh that captures a view you’d only see in mythical postcards of Jounieh, the quintessential glorious Jounieh our parents and grandparents boast about before the war.

But make no mistake, it’s not just the view that gives La Crêperie the praise it deserves, it’s the meticulousness in architecture and design of the venue itself is what also leaves so many guests awestruck. It pays homage to its 19th century heritage and history while adding its very own French Provincial identity.

But I’m not writing this post to talk about La Crêperie, instead I want to share with you a little secret, one that extends further beyond the cliff, hidden down the stairs, tucked in the basement. It’s called Les Caves De La Crêperie, a bar/resto extension connected to the restaurant’s back garden.

Originally open in 1972, it shares the same magnificent view as La Crêperie, except this one is enjoyed from a unobstructed-panoramic glass interior and cozy mahogany chesterfield couches. A mammoth dimly-lit bar adorned with an endless selection of drinks and spirits rests under notable stone clad archades that give the interior the perfect mix of contemporary and traditional.

Stunning views and interiors aside, the cocktails are both impressive with a different approach, and a lot of thought and philosophy behind each, as the skilled resident mixologists are more than happy to explain and as someone who’s on the constant lookout for the new “it” cocktail, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the variety. And if like me you like your drinks coupled wholesome finger-food, then make sure you order some of the star items on the menu, ideal for sharing. The mini-burgers are a must-have and so are the Calamari Frites but you can’t miss out on the Brochettes de Boeuf and Crevettes.

If you’re feeling adventurous, some of Les Caves’ house signature cocktails include the Pink Passion, White Monkey or Bramble Rose which I love. But I also wanted to share with you my personal favorite selection, it includes the Vaismakande; a special house premix of red fruits, Hayman Sloe gin and Xante. It comes in a cool coconut and tastes as exotic and refreshing as it looks. Another drink I love and recommend you try is also called Jamming, with Bombay Gin, Martini Rosato, Rose Jam and a special house premix. And finally, the Gold Digger; Bacardi gold with peach, passion fruit and a Les Caves premix.

The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with everything that made the past decades of this establishment so grand, but whether you’re simply looking to unwind with an apéritif before dinner upstairs or somewhere to party in the evening, you’ll find that Les Caves’ new summer program will once again be putting Jounieh on the nightlife map. If you miss the DJ’s at SKYBAR and O1NE you can now find them there on Friday and Saturday nights. You can kiss those Sunday Night Blues goodnight by busting out with some Karaoke (my fave!) , French Nights on Wednesday and Flashback Thursdays with the hottest hits that made us dance all the way from the 80s up until the early 2000s.

Les Caves De La Crêperie is understated in its elegance and subtlety, the kind of place you can bring anyone to, from coworkers, old friends or even your parents, everyone will fit right in and find a corner they love. It’s classy without the lavishness that makes many bar/restos uncomfortable and though the food and drinks are top-notch you will be surprised to know just how affordable they are, so don’t be surprised if you slowly make it a habit like I have this summer. You can follow me on my SnapChat account on Ivy Says.